Is it illegal to access the dark web?

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.

Is it safe to access the dark web?

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.

How do I access dark websites?

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.

Are there search engines on the dark web?

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 However, most are outdated and have not kept up with the changing landscape.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.

Where did the dark web originate from?

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.

Can I be tracked when on the dark web?

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.

Is the dark web wholly private and secure?

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.

25 Best Dark Web Sites in 2023 (Unseen Onion, Tor Links)

Ruheni Mathenge - Streaming Expert

Last updated: December 5, 2023

Read time: 32 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

Are you curious about what happens on the dark web? Check out these best onion sites to access the dark web securely and anonymously.

Sneak peek at dark web sites

Though people usually think of the dark web as a wrong online place, that’s not the complete truth. Although the underground internet world is rife with everything bad, it also hosts positive elements. It then depends on you, as the user, how you surf the dark world. If you know the right websites, you can easily access a tremendous amount of information, including research articles, news stories, and more. You can also ditch search history tracking services like Google by instead opting for secure search platforms. To help you steer safely online, we have listed the best dark web sites in this detailed guide.

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.