The dark web is a part of the internet where you only step in with a specific tool. It hosts onion links you cannot access with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. For this, the Tor browser works best, allowing you to visit the best dark web sites while providing anonymity by routing your traffic through several nodes.
Grab a flashlight as you are about to go deep into the darker parts of the internet. This article lists some of the best dark websites you can visit securely. Some of these Onion sites are very helpful (but unseen as Google doesn’t show them), while others are just for fun.
Note: You need to have the Tor browser installed to open these .onion links and access the other internet, the dark web.
10 best onion sites available on the dark web – Quick list
- DuckDuckGo – The biggest search engine on the dark web that does not use trackers and collect your personal data.
- The Hidden Wiki – It is the version of Wikipedia with the biggest directory of onion links to help you explore the dark web.
- Daniel – Contain a wide range of onion links that are categorized to make it easier for you to navigate the dark web easily.
- ProPublica – Investigative journalism platform that publishes provoking pieces on a wide range of topics from finance, politics, etc.
- Sci-Hub – Allows you to access a collection of scientific papers by researchers and experts in various fields.
- Hidden Answers – This is a platform of the dark web where you can ask any question you like without getting censored.
- SearX – It is a search engine in the dark that allows you to search incredibly detailed queries.
- Facebook – This is a version of Facebook on the dark web developed to help people in repressive regimes access it.
- SecureDrop – Designed for whistleblowers to share information with journalists securely and anonymously.
- BBC Tor Mirror – A special BBC .onion site to offer access to its content in countries with heavy online censorship.
Caution: Safety comes first when visiting dark web links
If you choose to visit the dark web, you must take necessary measures to protect your privacy and security. This includes using an anonymous web browser like Tor, a VPN to encrypt your connection, an antivirus for protection against malware, and generally being careful not to reveal personal information.
In addition, you should be aware that law enforcement agencies may be monitoring the dark web and that visiting certain websites or engaging in illegal activities can result in criminal charges. You can also check out this ultimate dark web safety guide to browse safely.
Top dark web websites 2024
It is possible to navigate the dark web even though it doesn’t host user-friendly search engines. Thankfully, some useful sites can help circumnavigate the dark web landscape as you search for the best content.
Below, we list some of them. You can choose the best darknet website that suits you and start surfing. However, remember to open these onion sites in the Tor browser to access the dark web.
1. DuckDuckGo
- Direct link: https://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion/
DuckDuckGo is the most popular private search engine. Unlike other search engines, it does not collect or share personal data. Luckily, it is also available on the surface web.
It is an excellent option if you want to surf the web anonymously. Even without monitoring your browsing activities, DuckDuckGo will offer decent answers to your questions.
You can also use it on the dark web as it has .onion links. It will offer you an additional layer of privacy and anonymity to access the deep parts of the internet.
2. The Hidden Wiki
- Direct link: http://zqktlwi4fecvo6ri.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
The Hidden Wiki is a good way to start accessing the dark web. It is the dark web’s version of Wikipedia with a massive links directory. You will find all the necessary .onion links to access any content or service on the dark web.
However, you have to be careful with the links you click. Since Hidden Wiki maintains all kinds of websites, ensure you don’t open something you don’t want to see. For example, it has a reputation for hosting pedophile sites.
Moreover, due to its popularity, many copycats of the Hidden Wiki exist. So, don’t be surprised if you encounter different versions that claim to be genuine, and be very careful!
3. Daniel
- Direct link: http://danschat356lctri3zavzh6fbxg2a7lo6z3etgkctzzpspewu7zdsaqd.onion/
Daniel is another excellent way to explore the dark web. It hosts over 7000 .onion categorized links to make surfing the web easier.
One of Daniel’s impressive features is the built-in functionality that shows whether a particular dark website is online.
That means you won’t need to open and load every listed link to confirm if it works. It is an excellent feature, considering the Tor browser has longer loading times than regular browsers.
4. ProPublica
- Direct link: https://p53lf57qovyuvwsc6xnrppyply3vtqm7l6pcobkmyqsiofyeznfu5uqd.onion/
ProPublica is a popular online publication that won five Pulitzer in 2016. It aims to expose abuses of power and betrayal of public trust through investigative journalism.
The website is available on the surface web and has a .onion site. This means you can visit the site anonymously, especially if you live under an oppressive regime.
ProPublica covers all the controversial stories from corrupt politicians, child labor, etc., in English and Spanish.
5. Sci-Hub
- Direct link: http://scihub22266oqcxt.onion/
Sci-Hub is a massive database that eliminates the barriers to getting scientific knowledge. It contains millions of scientific research documents from around the world. The site seeks to liberate information by making it free to individuals and institutions.
It aims to advance research on terminal illnesses like cancer with access to unbiased scientific publications.
However, the site has suffered outages in the past, so its location might change frequently.
6. Hidden Answers
- Direct link: http://answerszuvs3gg2l64e6hmnryudl5zgrmwm3vh65hzszdghblddvfiqd.onion/
This is the dark web’s version of Quora or Reddit. You can ask whatever you want without getting censored. It may initially look abandoned, but the community members will answer your questions.
However, that part of the internet is unfiltered, so you might encounter unpleasant conversations.
If you are new to the dark web, here is a great place to learn more about it. Visiting the links from specific questions may be a bit safe.
7. SearX
- Direct link: http://ulrn6sryqaifefld.onion/
SearX is a metasearch engine that you can use on the surface and dark web. It does not share IP addresses or search history to protect your privacy. In addition, it blocks tracking cookies to prevent user-profiling-based results.
Your queries will be submitted through HTTPS POST to avoid keywords from appearing in the web server logs.
The best part is that you can search for detailed queries. It allows you to search for images, maps, files, videos, social media posts, and more.
8. Facebook Onion site
- Direct link: https://www.facebookcorewwwi.onion/
Although Facebook is known for collecting every data on its platform, it does not like sharing the information with others. The social media giant is also aware of the many attempts by repressive regimes to restrict its access. After all, it enables users to connect and communicate with each other from around the world.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Facebook has a .onion portal. Unfortunately, it does not improve your privacy but only allows you to access the platform in restricted countries.
9. SecureDrop
SecureDrop is a dark web link where whistleblowers can share information with journalists safely. The dark web allows whistleblowers to communicate with journalists without being tracked.
In most cases, whistleblowers have sensitive information about the government or company. They can be easily traced and even prosecuted if they share the information on the surface web. SecureDrop is the best onion site on the dark web that protects the privacy of journalists and whistleblowers.
Currently, securedrop’s .onion website is not available. However, many news organizations and publishers have set up their own SecureDrop URLs to leverage anonymous whistleblowers’ power.
Some of the noteworthy examples include Forbes (http://t5pv5o4t6jyjilp6.onion/), Reuters (http://smb7p276iht3i2fj.onion/), and The Financial Times (http://xdm7flvwt3uvsrrd.onion/).
10. BBC Tor Mirror
- Direct link: http://bbcnewsv2vjtpsuy.onion/
In some countries, such as China and North Korea, the government uses heavy online censorship and blocks many sites. For example, the BBC website is not accessible in such countries. This is where the Tor comes in handy.
The BBC news website has a special .onion site, which you can access on the dark web. Its goal is to offer anonymous access to the content without being censored, no matter where you live. The good news is that the BBC Onion site is an international edition. As a result, it does not only focus on the UK but also provides worldwide news.
11. Tor Metrics
- Direct link: http://rougmnvswfsmd4dq.onion/
The Tor Metrics is a good place to get more information about the Tor project. It collects data from the public Tor network and archives historical data of the Tor ecosystem.
This service is a good source of statistics if you have a school project requiring research on Tor and the dark web. However, note that the site only uses non-sensitive and public data for the metrics.
The goal of an anonymity and privacy network like Tor is not to engage in the extensive collection of data. However, data is required for understanding, monitoring, and improving the network. Furthermore, data will help to detect attacks against the network and possible censorship events.
12. ProtonMail
- Direct link: https://protonirockerxow.onion/
ProtonMail is a Swiss-based email service that is very easy to use. It has end-to-end encryption to protect your conversations. In fact, you are not required to provide your personal information to create an account. The email service is available both on the surface and on the dark web.
Using the ProtonMail .onion site offers security and privacy advantages. Moreover, the company also uses HTTPS and SSL encryption on the Onion site for extra protection. This makes it even harder for third parties to see your email traffic.
13. RiseUp
- Direct link: http://nzh3fv6jc6jskki3.onion/
RiseUp is a top dark web website that offers secure emailing services and a chat option. It was created in 1999 as a secure communication platform for people and groups working on liberatory social change. The platform is protected from government interference and malicious attacks to protect the user. In addition, it ensures no record of communication is stored.
Unfortunately, it requires you to have an invitation code to create an account. This means you have to know someone who is already using the platform. Even without the code, you can visit the security section to get tips on improving your daily life privacy.
14. SecMail
- Direct link: http://secmailw453j7piv.onion/
SecMail is one of the most popular email services on the dark web. The downside is that it limits data to only 25mbps per user. While this is not much compared to standard email services, it is enough for PGP-encrypted messages.
15. Archive. today
- Direct link: http://archivecaslytosk.onion/
Formerly known as Archive.is, it is one of the best onion sites on the dark web. It aims to preserve the internet’s scientific and cultural heritage.
Established in 2012, the platform is a time capsule for websites by collecting web page snapshots. These sites will remain online even if the original page disappears. It also keeps the graphical copy and text of the page for better accuracy.
This is the best place to get short and reliable links to an unalterable record of any webpage.
16. Mailpile
- Direct link: http://clgs64523yi2bkhz.onion/
Mailpile is a secure email service that aims to keep your emails completely private.
Despite encrypting your emails, it allows you to store your emails safely without sharing them in the cloud. Another significant advantage of Mailpile is that its code is open source. This means anyone can access it, which helps to detect vulnerabilities before malicious actors take advantage.
The Mailpile .onion site can download information anonymously from any server or web service like Gravatar. It can also send or download emails without getting classified as spam or exit nodes spying on sensitive data.
17. BlockChain.info
- Direct link: blockchainbdgpzk.onion
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have been the dark web currency even before they became available to the general public. Right now, you can use many cryptocurrency .onion sites to buy or sell all types of cryptocurrencies.
BlockChain was one of the first sites to launch on the dark web. It even has an HTTP security certificate for even better protection. The site was created to provide additional security and eliminate cryptocurrency theft.
18. ZeroBin
- Direct link: http://zerobinqmdqd236y.onion/
ZeroBin is a wonderful way to share the content you find on the dark web. It is a reliable messaging tool where you copy/paste a text or image and send it to your addressee.
The good news is that the platform will not see what you copy/paste. Your data is encrypted in the Tor browser before reaching the ZeroBin servers.
Also, you can set a strong password to protect your message and choose how long it will take to expire. So, this is a secure and anonymous communication tool.
19. Wasabi Wallet
- Direct link: http://wasabiukrxmkdgve5kynjztuovbg43uxcbcxn6y2okcrsg7gb6jdmbad.onion
Wasabi is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets on the dark web.
It has a feature called CoinJoin that combines multiple coins from different users into a single transaction. This makes it extremely difficult to find out who you are transacting with.
Another notable security trick Wasabi uses to verify transactions is the Neutrino protocol. It assigns a task to the client instead of the server, eliminating server-related vulnerability.
20. Imperial Library
- Direct link: http://xfmro77i3lixucja.onion/
The Imperial Library is a dark website with many digital books. Here, you can get almost any publication you want.
At the moment, it has over 500,000 books in its library. However, you should be careful to avoid copyright infringement.
21. Comic Book Library
- Direct link: http://r6rfy5zlifbsiiym.onion/
If you love comics, this is the right place to be. The .onion site has thousands of downloadable comic books ranging from niche to mainstream. Like with the Imperial Library, you should be aware of copyright infringement.
22. Tunnels
- Direct link: http://62gs2n5ydnyffzfy.onion/
This .onion site is a bit different from the others reviewed above.
It contains a link showing the exploits of explorers who enter big American universities’ tunnel systems.
However, accessing these tunnels is illegal and dangerous. That is why the explorers post their content on the dark web rather than the surface web.
23. Deep Web Radio
- Direct link: http://76qugh5bey5gum7l.onion/
Look no further if you want good music while navigating the dark web. Deep Web Radio is a digital station with a wide variety of music. There are over twenty channels with different music genres.
24. Keybase
- Direct link: http://fncuwbiisyh6ak3i.onion/
Keybase is a fantastic onion site that lets you cryptographically bring your different online identities together.
You only need to upload your PGP key or let the platform create one. Use it to link your GitHub account, Twitter, Bitcoin address, and Facebook. This .onion link makes it impossible for hackers to impersonate your profile.
25. The CIA
- Direct link: http://ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion/
The US Navy’s main reason for creating Tor was to help informants relay information safely over the internet. In the same spirit, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) established a .onion site to help people access its resources worldwide anonymously and securely.
What are onion sites?
The Dark Web is simply a collection of websites not indexed by traditional search engines, like Google or Bing. With typical browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, you cannot browse through onion sites. You need a special browser developed by the Tor Project to access these sites.
Onion sites have no regular domain names registered under the domain name registry. Instead, they are designed using a cryptographic key and can be accessed only through the Tor browser.
It works by sending internet traffic through volunteer-operated nodes all over the world. This network of over 6,000 relays hides your location, thus protecting you from online surveillance and third-party tracking by your websites.
With the Tor browser, you can access ordinary HTTPS websites on the web. This is a great way to improve your privacy because the Tor browser isolates each website you visit, meaning third-party trackers and ISPs can’t reveal your identity. However, Tor isn’t suitable all the time. The anonymity provided by onion routing comes at the cost of slowing your internet considerably. As such, we do not recommend using Tor if you want to do a data-intensive activity like streaming in HD, gaming, torrenting, or making video calls.
What is a dark web, and how does it work?
The dark web is part of the internet not indexed by standard search engines such as Yahoo, Google, and Bing. You cannot access it with regular browsers like Firefox or Chrome. Instead, you need a specific configuration, software, or authorization to access it.
Dark Web Vs Deep Web: What’s the difference?
Basically, the internet comprises three parts: surface web, deep web, and dark web.
The surface web is the smallest part of the internet. It is easily accessible by the general public and requires no special configuration. You can access it with regular web browsers and search engines. You can find sites like Facebook, Wikipedia, e-commerce sites, YouTube, and more here.
Whereas the deep web is a portion of the internet not searchable by regular search engines. Most content here is password-protected. Also, you must log in or have a specific IP address or URL to access the deep web content.
Some sites on the deep web do not use standard top-level domains (TLD) such as .gov, .com, .net, etc. As a result, you cannot find them with a regular search engine. Other sites explicitly block search engines from identifying them.
Lastly, the dark web is the subset of the deep web that is generally inaccessible. It relies on P2P connections and requires specialized tools and software. Tor and I2P are the two commonly used tools for accessing the dark web to provide anonymity.
An easy way to find content on the dark web is to receive a link from someone who already knows about it.
The dark web is known for communicating about or selling illegal items such as weapons, drugs, stolen data, malware, etc. However, you can find legitimate content and activities here too. For example, you can find information unavailable to the public and share data privately while protecting your online identity.
While it might appear tempting to venture into the dark web, it’s crucial to understand that the risks here are far more severe compared to the deep web. Therefore, if you do decide to explore it, exercise extreme caution.
How to access the dark web
Initially, the dark web was mainly used by government agencies, big businesses, hackers, and cybercriminals. However, technological advancements such as encryption and the Tor browser enabled the general public to access it.
The US Naval Research Laboratory developed The Onion Routing (Tor) project in the late 90s. A network browser gives you access to sites with the ‘.onion’ registry operator.
Since the internet is open to everyone, there is no privacy. The early version of Tor was created to mask spy communications. In due course, the framework was remodeled and made public as a secure browser.
Think of Tor as a regular browser like Firefox, Google, or Safari. The only difference is that it passes your traffic through random nodes before reaching the destination. This means your activities cannot be traced or your browser history exposed.
Other best ways to access the dark websites
1. Invisible Internet Project
I2P, or the Invisible Internet Project, allows you to access the ordinary and dark web. Specifically, the I2P darknet is accessible, while the Tor network is accessible through the Orchid Outproxy Tor plugin.
To prevent detection, the program runs user data via a tiered stream before allowing access to the dark web.
Another essential security feature is that all incoming and outgoing data from the app is encrypted, including any private and public keys involved.
The Invisible Internet Project’s distinctive feature is its ability to use decentralized file storage with the help of the Tahoe-LAFS plugin.
2. Mozilla Firefox
While accessing the dark web using Mozilla Firefox is possible, you must first adjust its settings.
- Launch the Firefox app.
- Type “about:config” and hit Enter in the address bar section.
- Locate “network.dns.blockDotOnion.”
- Adjust the setting to “False.”
- Restart the app.
Ensure you have the NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere plugins for Firefox before you go into the depths of the dark web.
3. Whonix
The software is available on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Be sure that your experience with Whonix will be comparable to Tor because both programs share the same source code.
However, there are some significant variances in the background despite the similarities. For example, Whonix’s virtual workstation machine connects to the internal virtual LAN. It can only interact with the gateway, the most effective method by which the browser protects user applications from learning a device’s IP address.
The creators assert that because their technique is so strong, even malware with root access could not determine the machine’s IP address.
Furthermore, it’s critical to understand that Whonix is not a stand-alone browser. It is a component of Whonix, an operating system that functions as a whole inside a virtual computer. It includes all the essential productivity software, including Word software and an email client.
4. Subgraph OS
The system is designed to provide enhanced security and privacy features. It is based on Tor Browser’s code. Its key features include kernel hardening, application firewall, package security, filesystem encryption, meta-proxy encryption, and binary integrity.
Overall, Subgraph OS is a secure and privacy-focused operating system well-suited for high-risk environments. Additionally, you can opt for Subgraph OS as a second option to Tor.
Onion sites: How to access them
Here is how to access onion sites on different devices.
On your computer
- Download and install the Tor Browser.
- Launch the Tor Browser.
- Click on ‘Connect’ on the startup page.
- Now, you can access the dark web.
Accessing .Onion sites on Android
- Download and install the Tor Browser app.
- Open the browser.
- Click ‘Connect’.
- Once the connection has been established, the onion icon will appear on the status bar.
- Start surfing the dark web.
On iOS
- Download and install the Onion browser from the App Store.
- Launch the Onion Browser.
- Click ‘Connect to Tor’
- Click ‘Next’ to choose the security level:
- Insecure
- Moderate
- Secure
- Click ‘Start Browsing’ to access the dark web.
The legality of accessing the dark web
Simply put, accessing and browsing the dark web is perfectly legal. In fact, you can reap several benefits from it. For example, it maintains your privacy and enables you to access untraceable content and services.
Due to its anonymity, the dark web has attracted people who could endanger their lives by revealing their identities on the surface web. They include whistleblowers, abuse and persecution victims, activists, and politicians. At the same time, it is a breeding ground for malicious actors who want to do illegal activities.
Therefore, the legality of the dark web will mainly depend on how you use it. You can quickly get into trouble for acting illegally, such as infringing on other people’s safety and freedom.
Is using the Tor network illegal?
It is legal to use anonymized browsers like Tor and I2P. They are not exclusively meant for the dark web alone. Nowadays, many people use the Tor browser to surf the public internet and navigate the deeper parts anonymously.
With rising online privacy concerns in the current digital age, the Tor network’s anonymity is becoming essential. It is a good way to prevent third parties from tracking online activities. People in countries with heavy internet censorship will need a Tor Browser or VPN to access the surface web.
Remember that illegal activities can still incriminate you whether you are using a Tor browser. For example, you shouldn’t pirate copyrighted material, engage in terrorism, or share illegal pornography. Using an anonymized browser does not make these actions right.
Is it illegal to visit and use dark websites?
Accessing .onion sites is a bit controversial. The use of the dark web raises suspicion as it shows there is something you want to do privately.
Activists and government critics prefer to remain anonymous, fearing repercussions if their identities are revealed. Besides, victims of crime may want to hide their identities from their perpetrators. Nonetheless, if whatever you do is deemed illegal in your country, you can get into trouble.
Tor anonymity comes with a cost since malicious hackers and criminals like to operate in the shadows. For example, perpetrators of trafficking and cyber attacks use the dark web to disguise their actions.
All in all, surfing on the dark web is not illegal, but it can be an issue for you. If you don’t take the necessary measures, many unsavory activities can expose you to unnecessary risks.
Dark Web common misconceptions and what you can use it for
Your online activity and communications remain private and secret on the dark web. Because of this, some people use it to get around government restrictions, while others use it for illegal activities like smuggling drugs and weapons.
The dark web is a unique environment. It depends on how you use the opportunities it provides to your advantage, whether good or negative. Here’s how an average Joe may utilize it:
- Browse the internet secretly.
- Access documents and websites that are restricted.
- Get free access to thousands of scientific publications and research articles.
- Read unbiased news sources and make cryptocurrency donations.
- Inform the public about dishonest authorities and businesspeople while remaining anonymous.
It’s important to note that although the dark web has many valuable services, it is also a hangout for cyber criminals.
Types of threats associated with the dark web
Is the dark web safe to use? Remember that the dark web can be dangerous if you only consider using it for basic privacy purposes. Here are some of the common threats of using the dark web.
1. Scams
Many services that are allegedly offered on the dark web are scams. Some services are genuine; you can get what you want at an agreed fee.
Unfortunately, others exploit the dark web’s reputation to con people. Moreover, malicious actors can attempt phishing scams to steal your data and identity for extortion.
2. Government monitoring
Government authorities across the globe are taking over many Tor-based sites. In fact, there are growing concerns about law enforcement monitoring what is happening on the dark web. For example, the Silk Road site operator, an illegal marketplace on the dark web, was traced and arrested.
Law enforcers can use custom software to infiltrate the dark web and analyze activities. You could be monitored closely even if you are not doing anything illegal.
In some countries, evading government restrictions to seek new political ideologies is punishable. For example, China uses the Great Firewall to block access to Western sites. You can be placed on a watch list or targeted for imprisonment for accessing blocked content.
3. Malicious software
The dark web is a hub for all types of malware. Many dark websites offer malware as a tool for cyberattacks. Since malware lingers across the dark web, your device can easily become infected, even if you are an unsuspecting user.
Many .onion sites do not undertake the necessary measures to protect users like most websites on the surface web. As a result, you can be exposed to different malware types, including botnets, ransomware, keyloggers, and phishing.
You risk being targeted for attacks if you explore dark net sites without protection. The threat can extend to your entire network of devices connected to the internet.
While Tor offers anonymity on the dark web, your online activities leave breadcrumbs that can reveal your identity. That is why you should only use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN for additional security and privacy.
The dark web is usually linked with illegal activities, so be careful when using it. If possible, stay away from it.
Tips to stay safe when using the dark web
If you want to access the dark web, make sure to do it safely. Here are some useful tips you can use.
1. Separate your real life from your online persona
You should never use your personal information on the dark web anywhere else in your life. In fact, create new throwaway accounts and documents if possible. Ensure you have used prepaid and unidentifiable credit cards when purchasing on the dark web. Avoid using payment methods that can easily expose your identity.
2. Trust your instinct
It is imperative to stay alert and trust your guts when on the web. Do not trust anyone, as most aren’t who they claim to be.
Furthermore, you should watch out for the dark web links you visit and the content you access. Don’t open any site if something does not feel right.
3. Use active monitoring of financial and identity theft
Nowadays, many online services offer identity protection. If you get a reliable vendor, you should procure the services to stay safe when accessing the dark web.
4. Disable Java and ActiveX in your network settings
ActiveX and Java frameworks are susceptible to being exploited by hackers. Since you are navigating in uncharted territories with all myriads of threats, you’ll have to disable them in your network settings to stay safe.
5. Avoid downloading dark web files
Malware infections are considerably high on the dark web since it is uncontrolled. As a result, you should avoid opening dark web links unnecessarily and downloading every file you come across.
Also, use an effective antivirus program to check threats if you decide to download files. You can check out this guide on the best antivirus software applications today.
6. Use a secondary non-admin account
Most likely, the native account on your device has full admin permissions by default. Many malware takes advantage of this vulnerability to launch an attack. Therefore, you can prevent this exploitation by setting up a non-admin account.
How to access .onion sites safely
The Tor browser allows you to browse the internet anonymously and visit inaccessible sites. It will encrypt your traffic and data so no one can intercept it.
However, third parties such as the government and your internet service provider (ISP) can see you are using a Tor. Although the browser can be used legitimately, it is often associated with illegal activities. This can raise red flags; in some countries, ISPs block Tor connections completely.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a good way to mask Tor activities. It will add an extra encryption layer and pass your traffic through a secondary server of your choice. This will prevent anybody from seeing that you are using Tor.
A quick guide on how to use a VPN with Tor
- Choose a well-established VPN provider. We recommend ExpressVPN because of its blazing-fast speeds, watertight security, and massive server network.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device or router.
- Run the app and connect to any preferred server.
- Start browsing Onion sites safely and anonymously.
Best VPNs for dark websites
Wondering what is the best VPN to use with Tor for accessing the best onion sites on the dark web? To make it easier for you, we tested over 20 VPN services based on the following criteria:
- Compatibility with the Tor network
- Robust security and privacy measures
- Zero-logs policy
- Anonymous payment methods
- Fast speeds
After that, we could finally pick the best three. So, below you go with the top VPN picks to use with Tor.
1. ExpressVPN
The most resilient and fast-speed VPN service to access dark web anywhere with thorough privacy.
Over 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
AES 256-bit encryption
ThreatManager protection
Network Lock (kill switch)
Smart Location Feature
Split tunneling
Tor compatibility
5 simultaneous connections
30-days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Easy to download and install
- Strong security features
Cons
- Slightly expensive
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Tor and accessing the Dark Web. In fact, it has a proprietary onion site in the Tor network to give you safe access even if your country restricts VPN usage.
The VPN hides your traffic with AES 256-bit encryption. This will help you to remain anonymous and secure at all Tor entry and exit nodes. It uses TrustedServer technology on the entire server network to wipe out your data after every session. This means that there will be no data to track your activities.
It offers multiple security protocols, including OpenVPN UDP/TCP, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. OpenVPN is the default option for most apps and is the most stable with minimal impact on your speeds.
ExpressVPN observes a no-logs policy. In addition, it has an automatic kill switch (Network Lock) that stops your traffic if the VPN connection fails. The accidental leaks can potentially expose your IP address at the Tor entry nodes.
Since Tor has to pass your traffic through several nodes, it will slightly slow your speeds. ExpressVPN will mitigate the issue as it has super-fast speeds. You can use the Smart Location feature for the fastest connections.
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN does not offer an ad blocker. However, you can check out this guide for the best adblockers to avoid annoying ads.
The VPN supports the Bitcoin payment method if you want to subscribe anonymously. All the plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the services risk-free.
Learn more about this provider in this in-depth ExpressVPN review.
2. Surfshark
A budget-friendly VPN service allowing users to access dark web safely anytime, anywhere, and on any number of devices they want.
Over 3200+ servers in 100 countries
AES 256-bit encryption
Camouflage mode
CleanWeb ad blocker
MultiHop feature
DNS leak protection
Automatic kill switch
Unlimited simultaneous connections
30-days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Accepts Bitcoin payments
- Affordable plans
Cons
- Some servers are slow
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option for Tor. It is a relatively new provider but offers better features than most established VPNs.
How secure is Surfshark? The VPN will protect your traffic when you connect with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. This is high-level protection; no one can intercept your data or activities.
The Camouflage Mode is intended for people living in countries with heavy internet censorship, like China. It will make your VPN activities seem like normal traffic, so you use uncensored internet. However, this feature is only available on iOS, Android, and Windows.
Surfshark has an ad blocker dubbed as CleanWeb. It is effective to stop annoying ads, even on YouTube. This feature also keeps you safe from trackers and malware.
The automatic kill switch will kick in, temporarily breaking your traffic if the VPN connection fails. There is also DNS/IPv6 leak protection to prevent accidental identity leakage.
Another Surfshark feature that stands out is the MultiHop mode. It will route your traffic through multiple servers instead of one, making tracking your data and activities even harder.
Do you want to access the Onion sites with multiple devices? Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections to protect as many devices as possible. Also, try its services risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Please read this extensive Surfshark review to find out more about this VPN.
3. NordVPN
A reliable, fast, and user-friendly VPN service offering lots of customizable options for privacy geeks. Seamlessly supports dark web surfing.
5400+ servers in 60 countries
AES 256-bit encryption
SmartPlay feature
Compatible with the Tor Network
Automatic kill switch
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Zero-logs policy
6 simultaneous device connections
30-days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Advanced security and privacy measures
- Onion over VPN special servers
- Effective ad and malware blocker
Cons
- Inconsistencies between apps
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs to combine with the Tor browser whenever you want to surf dark websites. It offers top-of-the-line security and fast speeds for a smooth browsing experience on the dark web.
The most interesting thing about NordVPN is its built-in Onion over VPN feature. It encrypts your traffic at the entry node and changes your IP address. This means you will get a VPN’s security and enjoy the anonymity of the Tor network simultaneously.
NordVPN uses state-of-the-art features for utmost protection. This includes military-grade 256-bit encryption reinforced with a 2048-bit DH key and SHA2-384 authentication to ensure your traffic arrives at its destination safely. This adds extra protection since the Tor browser already encrypts your traffic.
On top of that, the provider offers perfect forward secrecy (PFS). Plus, it supports reputable OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols.
If you are concerned with leaving a data trail online, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy. It is also based in Panama, which is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.
Besides, NordVPN supports six simultaneous device connections on a single subscription if you wish to use Tor on multiple devices.
The provider also offers a dedicated CyberSec suite that prevents annoying ads and blocks malware and trackers.
Take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try it before committing to a plan. You can quickly contact customer support through their 24/7 live chat to request a refund.
Explore this detailed NordVPN review for more information.
Conclusion
The dark web may seem scary, but you can use many legitimate .onion sites to access it. There is already plenty of information on the surface web, so regular internet users may not have a reason to visit the dark web. You can use any dark websites above to access content and services not found on the surface web.
Although this article lists the best dark web sites regarding user safety, you should exercise caution when exploring the dark web. That is why I advise using a virtual private network (VPN). It will add a level of security on top of the privacy the Tor network offers. Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN, which provides stealthy protection and fast speeds.
FAQs
The dark web is perceived as wrong with illegal items and activities because of mainstream media reports. On the contrary, the dark web has many positive things, from news outlets, secure email services, libraries, etc. So, avoiding the dark web’s illegal part is possible to stay out of trouble.
You will most likely use the Tor browser to access the dark web. Fortunately, the browser has built-in security and privacy features to keep you safe and secure. Moreover, it uses robust encryption on every node your traffic will route through. Despite everything, passing your traffic through multiple servers offers high privacy. However, you should take extra security measures, such as using a VPN, to remain completely safe. It changes your IP address and scrambles traffic so you can securely access the dark web.
The dark web is slightly difficult to navigate compared to the surface web. This is mainly because of the weird and random links available. Nonetheless, index websites, such as Daniel and Hidden Wiki list, even categorize the web links.
Yes. However, most are outdated and have not kept up with the changing landscape. They look like search engines in the 90s. For example, DuckDuckGo is the most popular but often shows repetitive results and is sometimes unrelated to the question.
The US government created the dark web to help their spies communicate and exchange information securely. The Onion Router (Tor) also made the technology available in 2002.
Taking the necessary precautions makes tracing your activities on the dark web difficult. For example, I strongly advise using a reliable VPN like NordVPN. Although the Tor browser has sufficient encryption, combining it with a VPN offers better protection. However, you should not see it as an opportunity to engage in illegal activities to avoid trouble with authorities.
No, obviously. Strong encryption, VPNs, proxy servers, and masked web addresses can increase anonymity, but no genuinely private and safe solution exists.
Hidden doesn’t mean safe from surveillance or risks of unlawful operations. In a world of mass data gathering, monitoring, and tailored ad tracking, you must take control of your privacy by utilizing a reliable VPN.
