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Best Dark Web Sites Available Today

Last updated: April 17, 2024 39 min read
Best Dark Web Sites Available Today

Explore the hidden realm of the internet with our list of the best dark websites. Take a revealing trip into the secret worlds to discover the intriguing and contentious sides of the virtual shadows, from exclusive markets to enigmatic forums.

The Dark Web refers to a part of the internet that one accesses using a particular tool. It is a directory of inaccessible onion links you cannot access using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari browsers. The most suitable solution is the Tor browser, which lets you visit the best dark websites and routes your traffic through several nodes for anonymity.

As you head deeper into the darker parts of the Internet, remember to grab your flashlight. Here are some of the best dark websites that you can visit safely. Some Onion sites like Fark.com or Reddit.com help people without revealing, and others are purely entertaining.

Top Dark Web Websites 2024 – Quick List

Top Dark Web Websites 2024
  1. DuckDuckGo: It’s a privacy focused search engine, which is equivalent of a superhero and always there to save the day and keep you off the radar.
  2. The Hidden Wiki: There are hidden doors leading to the Dark web on The Hidden Wiki, the rebellious cousin of Wikipedia.
  3. Daniel: The enigmatic website with many fascinating text files and documents, much like a treasure chest.
  4. ProPublica: The investigative journalistic ninjas defending transparency, the truth, and holding influential people responsible.
  5. Sci-Hub: The scientific equivalent of Robin Hood, lowering the obstacles to scientific publication access even at the risk of upsetting some copyright holders.
  6. Hidden Answers: This dark web encyclopedia is prepared to respond to your urgent inquiries on subjects ranging from the intriguing to the blatantly secretive.
  7. SearX: Search engine undercover agent SearX collects information covertly from various sources without jeopardizing your privacy.
  8. Facebook Onion Site: Your privacy is the VIP guest at this covert Facebook location on the Tor network.
  9. SecureDrop: Whistleblowers can use SecureDrop, the superhero hotline, as a shield to speak truth to power.
  10. BBC Tor Mirror: An intriguing addition to your news, the alternate reality BBC is available via the shadowy Tor network.
  11. Tor Metrics: The unsung hero who uses data and statistics to reveal the inner workings of the Tor network’s performance.
  12. ProtonMail: The encrypted email fortress where your correspondence is completely private and secure because it wears an invisible cloak.
  13. RiseUp: The tech wizards from below provide a safe means of communication for activists and organizers to carry out their noble work.
  14. SecMail: Emails remain anonymous thanks to SecMail, the identity protection agency for digital superheroes.
  15. Archive.today: Web pages preserved in time for future generations to peruse can be found on Archive.today, the web traveler’s paradise.
  16. Mailpile: This email client is the modern-day Sherlock Holmes, figuring out privacy mysteries using encryption features.
  17. BlockChain.info: The detective of cryptocurrencies, searching the blockchain for information about digital transactions.
  18. ZeroBin: A digital graffiti wall with encryption that allows you to express your ideas anonymously and thrillingly.
  19. Wasabi Wallet: A Bitcoin wallet that keeps your transactions anonymous by dancing in the shadows.
  20. Imperial Library: The hidden library of the internet, where books and documents silently accumulate on the Tor network.
  21. Comic Book Library: Digital villains and heroes meet in an underground comic book store.
  22. Tunnels: A portal to the underworld featuring hidden passageways and unknown subterranean worlds.
  23. Deep Web Radio: Rebel radio station – playing songs only a black web knows how to dance to.
  24. Keybase: The encrypted knights protect the castle of safe messaging, file transfer, and group work.
  25. The CIA: Satirical geniuses, transforming humor from being a serious business of intelligence.
  26. OnionLinks: The entrance to the Dark Web, where various onion-themed websites are concealed.
  27. Ahmia: TOR Network guide and a lamp for the trail of the shining sun of the dark web.
  28. Dark.fail: What’s more, a vigilante keeping watch over the dark web, monitoring different services to ensure we will not be behind the trend.
  29. OnionName: The mysterious domain registrar for .onion domains on the Tor network.
  30. Elude: Search engine fire breather, helps you disappear into .onion pages in the dark web.
  31. Darknetlive: News and information portal that tells interesting stories from the edge of the digital world, where secrets live and tales are born.

Caution: Prioritize Safety When Visiting Dark Web Sites

Safer

When exploring the dark web, there are important measures you should take to ensure optimal security. For example, you ought to utilize anonymous web browsing software such as Tor, a VPN that will encrypt your connection such as ExtremeVPN, and an antivirus capable of blocking virus attacks. You also have to be careful not to share your private information.

One should also remember that higher authorities can supervise the dark web, such that visiting some of the sites may result in being held criminally responsible for the acts carried out within them.

Top Dark Web Websites 2024 – Detailed List

Best Dark Web Sites Available Today

Although the dark web does not have friendly search engines, people can still surf around the internet. Fortunately, some good websites will also guide you through the dark web maze in your quest for top-quality content.

Some examples are listed below. Now, you have many dark net websites to select from before logging in for your browsing activities. Remember to open these onion sites using the Tor browser to access the deep web.

1. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo
Our Rating
4.5
Price

Free

Doesn’t record or store information

Limited advanced features

DuckDuckGo is a stand-alone business that sells items designed to protect online privacy. The DuckDuckGo search engine is the company’s flagship product and its official name, Duck Duck Go Inc. Since then, it has released extensions for external web browsers that prioritize internet privacy and its web browser. The classic kid’s game Duck, Duck, Goose inspired the name DuckDuckGo.

DuckDuckGo

The DuckDuckGo website is made with user privacy in mind. The business doesn’t log other identifying information, track users, or save user IP addresses. It doesn’t keep track of the websites or search histories that its users have visited.

DuckDuckGo doesn’t connect any terms with users; it only keeps track of aggregate search terms. DuckDuckGo does not have any search or browsing history that it could give to governments or law enforcement agencies because of these practices.

2. The Hidden Wiki

The Hidden Wiki
Our Rating
4
Price

Free

Massive directory of links

A reputation of supporting pedophile sites

The Hidden Wiki is the unrestricted link directory listing all the significant .onion links. Like regular Wikipedia, users can make changes anonymously after registering. It’s a fantastic place to start when researching the dark web. However, exercise caution—many fake, illegitimate, and dead links are in the link directory.

Hidden Wiki

In addition to marketplaces, forums,  search engines, and other websites not indexed by conventional search engines like Google, it acts as an index for various hidden services.

The Tor Browser is the only way to access the Hidden Wiki. It lets users access the web anonymously by passing through several encrypted layers.

3. Daniel

Daniel
Our Rating
4.4
Price

Free

Hosts over 7000 .onion sites

Scams and fraudulent activities

There are 7,000 .onion addresses on Daniel, the Onion website. They are further classified into different categories so that it will be easier for one to browse through.

Furthermore, Daniel’s website comes with an in-built testing feature. Learning about Tor starts by visiting Daniel’s website, which helps determine whether a Tor site is functional and when it was active last.

Daniel

Unfortunately, Daniel took down its onion link list in August 2023 since it was not possible for one person to monitor the entire dark network. The site also contains some fun and educational blog posts and technical guides.

4. ProPublica

ProPublica
Our Rating
4
Price

Free

Exposes controversial stories

May contain potential biases

ProPublica does investigative journalism. In 2016, they won the Pulitzer Prize for analyzing a story on sexual abuse cases. To reach Propublica, one uses a normal internet interface called cleanNet. The latter ensures its site is available on the Tor network for those willing to use it. You may access it via a Tor browser to bypass country bans and enhance security and anonymity.

ProPublica

ProPublica is among the best-designed websites you can find on the dark web. Additionally, you can use Tor to read news websites like The New York Times and others and utilize their SecureDrop integration to report news of interest.

5. Sci-Hub

Sci-Hub
Our Rating
4.5
Price

Free

Contains hundreds of scientific research documents

Legal restrictions in certain countries

Paywalls restrict numerous scholarly articles. Sci-hub aims to provide all research projects free. There are currently over 88 million studies in the site’s database. Its database consists of journal research articles, over 80%.

Remember that Sci-hub is prohibited by copyright in some nations, so before using or downloading any of Sci-hub’s papers, you should confirm the legal requirements in your area.

Although the Onion link is no longer active, you can access it on Tor using the standard link. Additionally, you can try Sci-hub’s mirrors (sci-hub.ru and sci-hub.st) if you discover that the site is unavailable.

6. Hidden Answers

Hidden Answers
Our Rating
3.7
Price

Free

Provides answers to dark web

Unpleasant conversations

One of the dark web addresses frequently appearing on these lists is Hidden Answers. That’s because Hidden Answers is just Yahoo Answers, Quora, and Reddit on the dark web. If you have any inquiries regarding the dark web or are unfamiliar with this area of the internet, this is a great place to start.

For particular inquiries on the dark web, it’s safer to check out some of the subreddits.

Hidden Answers

Once you log onto the website, you’ll quickly observe that the questions cover many subjects. Even with the internet’s greatest anonymity, people still want to know the origin of your nickname and whether you want your head cryo-frozen when you pass away.

7. SearX

SearX
Our Rating
3.3
Price

Free

Protects your IP address and browsing history

Search results may be irrelevant

You can use SearX as a metasearch engine on both the dark web and the surface. To preserve your privacy, it doesn’t share IP addresses or search histories.

Furthermore, it disables tracking cookies to avoid results based on user profiling.

SearX

We will submit your queries via HTTPS POST to prevent keywords from appearing in the website’s server logs. The ability to search for in-depth questions is the best feature. You can search for documents, photos, videos, maps, social network posts, and more.

8. Facebook Onion Site

Facebook Onion Site
Our Rating
4.6
Price

Free

Unblocks content from restricted locations

Doesn’t focus on privacy

There are many unexpected websites on the dark web. Facebook Onion site is one of them. While we advise against using Facebook if you wish to maintain your anonymity, it’s interesting to see how prevalent this social media platform is on the dark web.

This website is a replica of the actual Facebook. Using an alternate username and email address, you can create a Facebook profile on the dark web to remain completely anonymous.

Facebook Onion Site

However, identity verification may be impossible since Facebook is known for collecting personal data. Some people use it as a workaround for government censorship in certain nations. Using Facebook’s dark web version, users can try to remain anonymous while speaking freely.

9. SecureDrop

SecureDrop
Our Rating
3.5
Price

Free

A reliable file-sharing dark website

Does not employ end-to-end encryption

Journalists and whistleblowers can connect at SecureDrop. The dark web is one of the few places whistleblowers can share information, knowing they won’t be followed.

Several significant newspapers and publishers have created unique SecureDrop URLs after realizing the potential of anonymous leakers on the dark web.

SecureDrop

Additionally, SecureDrop significantly reduces the possibility of an initial metadata trail from communications with journalistic sources. Furthermore, it aims to offer a more secure medium for those exchanges than the potentially vulnerable regular corporate news networks.

10. BBC Tor Mirror

BBC Tor Mirror
Our Rating
4
Price

Free

Allows you to access the content anonymously

Legal concerns

Strict internet censorship is enforced by some governments and nations, preventing people from reading foreign news sources. The BBC website is one of the best examples of a news source unavailable in some repressive nations—tor steps in at this point.

BBC Tor Mirror

The news website of the BBC has been mirrored on the dark web by a dedicated Tor mirror. The intention is to provide an unrestricted, anonymous means for anyone, anywhere in the world, to visit the BBC website.

11. Tor Metrics

Tor Metrics
Our Rating
3.9
Price

Free

Shows statistics of the dark web

Takes time to respond

The dark web is an interesting topic because it appears popular with shadowy characters and is difficult to use. What would happen, though, if we quantified all that activity? The website that tracks who and where the network users are is called Tor Metrics. It may surprise you that 20% of all internet users are Russian. Second place goes to the US, with about 18% of the market.

Tor Metrics

The data indicates that not many people use Tor daily—approximately 1.5 million—and shows the size of the network. Data shows that there are a little over 60,000 distinct .onion addresses.

12. ProtonMail

ProtonMail
Our Rating
4.2
Price

Free

End-to-end encryption

Limited features

Proton Mail, a Swiss encrypted service, is one of the best email clients. They don’t keep any logs and employ end-to-end encryption. Furthermore, creating an account with them doesn’t require giving them personal information.

ProtonMail

According to Proton, there are security benefits when utilizing Tor to access Proton Mail’s dark web version. It is more difficult for outside parties to view the sites and mail services you visit using the Tor browser. Furthermore, Tor can work around a country’s blocking of ProtonMail.

13. RiseUp

Riseup
Our Rating
3.5
Price

Free

Secure communication platform

Demands an invitation code to create an account

Riseup offers chat and email services without storing any information about your usage. Unlike Google, it is also safe from hacking attempts and has no plans to work with any government. “Human freedom, proper care of animals, and environmental sustainability” are the causes that Riseup champions. In addition, Riseup offers mailing lists, organizing tools, and more.

RiseUp

You need an invitation code to create a Riseup account; knowing the dark website address is insufficient. You may still peruse the security section, though! It offers great advice on incorporating information security into your day-to-day activities.

14. SecMail

Secmail
Our Rating
3.7
Price

Free

Popular email service platform

Data limit of 25mpbs

Among the most widely used email services available on the dark web is SecMail. The drawback is that each user’s data can only flow at 25 Mbps. It is sufficient for PGP-encrypted messages, even though it is not much compared to traditional email services.

SecMail

Unlike several similar services, secMail email security is more than just a mail filtering service. SecMail stops spam from being received by identifying and blocking it while it’s still in transmission. Typical email servers then send the messages back to the sender along with a delivery block message that includes the error description from SecMail.

15. Archive.today

archive.today
Our Rating
3.2
Price

Free

Allows to take and view screenshots of web pages

Contain ethical concerns

A web page time capsule is Archive.today. Even if the initial posting disappears, it can preserve a version of the webpage that remains accessible online. It is a useful tool for getting a quick screenshot of a page on the internet that may change soon, like job listings, pricing pages, or real estate listings.

Archive.today

You can access a selection of available snapshots by entering the URL of the website you want to view snapshots from. Even archived websites are available for download as ZIP files.

16. Mailpile

Mailpile
Our Rating
4.3
Price

Free

User-friendly interface

Limited features

An attempt to recover private online communication is called Mailpile. a project to save our personal lives from the exclusive cloud and stop government and corporations from spying on us through the strip-mining of our conversations. Mailpile is reclaiming email. Regardless of how many messages you have—thousands, millions, or even just a few—you can manage your inbox with the help of robust search and tagging.

Mailpile

Mailpile outperforms “the cloud” even on sluggish computers thanks to its quick and responsive design. It also functions when the web is unavailable. Encryption and OpenPGP signatures are not an afterthought but an integral part of Mailpile’s design. Encrypting and signing emails is made simple with Mailpile. Ironically, most web-mail services remove spam only to insert their adverts in its place. Mailpile is ad-free.

17. BlockChain.info

BlockChain.info
Our Rating
3
Price

Free

Used to buy and sell cryptocurrencies

Privacy concerns

Users can explore the murky depths of the dark web by using the Tor network. Because of Blockchain.info’s extra security and anonymity features, it will be very difficult to link the Bitcoin transactions to the actual people.

BlockChain.info

The Tor network gives users access to the dark web, or hidden corners of the internet, for those who value privacy and anonymity. Because Blockchain.info transactions provide additional security and anonymity, it can be difficult to track the movement of cryptocurrency and connect it to the real parties involved.

18. ZeroBin

zeroBin
Our Rating
3.8
Price

Free

Privacy-focused messaging tool

Does not offer user authentication features

Similar to Clearnet, Tor has useful web pages. ZeroBin is among those. You will need a method to share content with other dark web peers if you are a frequent user of the Tor network. You can do that in total privacy and safety with ZeroBin. 

ZeroBin

One of its selling points is that even ZeroBin servers are unaware of what you copied. Your browser encrypts the data before sending it to the server. Password security is one of the sharing options. Naturally, the pastes will be removed at a later time.

19. Wasabi Wallet

Wasabi wallet
Our Rating
4
Price

Free

Provides coin control feature to users

Higher transaction fees

A well-liked wallet for cryptocurrencies on the dark web, Wasabi Wallet is a secure option for receiving and sending funds. Since the code is open-source and completely free, almost anyone can edit and verify it.

Wasabi Wallet

Using the website’s “coinjoin” function, multiple cryptocurrencies can be combined into a single transaction. It makes it challenging for third parties to locate your money. Additionally, Wasabi Wallet is non-custodial, meaning only you can access your personal encryption keys.

20. Imperial Library

Imperial Library
Our Rating
3
Price

Free

Contain a massive library of books

May contain copyright infringement

Like the Comic Book Library, the Imperial Library has a huge collection of digital books accessible via the dark web. It extends to the Imperial Library, where a wide range of materials are available in addition to comic books.

Imperial Library

Approximately 1,500,000 books are available at this online library as of the time of this writing. Once more, watch out for copyright violations. If you accidentally violate someone else’s copyright, you may utilize ExtremeVPN to conceal your IP address.

21. Comic Book Library

Comic Book Library
Our Rating
3.2
Price

Free

User-friendly application

Possibly includes copyright material

Do you enjoy comic books? You can download hundreds of comic books from the Comic Book Library, ranging from highly popular titles to niche comics. Just be mindful of potential copyright violations when using the Comic Book Library (or another Onion site) to access comics.

Comic Book Library

If you unintentionally come across any copyrighted content, we advise using a VPN. We know you mean well, but if you inadvertently read content protected by copyright without using a virtual private network (VPN), your IP address may be registered, putting you in danger of legal repercussions.

22. Tunnels

Tunnels
Our Rating
3.4
Price

Free

Describes the adventures of urban explorers

May possess serious legal obligations

Tunnel exploration at US universities is the subject of some of the most well-known Tor websites. Such infrastructure is illegal to access and dangerous to use. For this reason, blogs run by urban explorers are hosted on Tor. 

Tunnels

The smaller blog, IIT Underground, focuses on Illinois Tech. Virginia Tech is more noticeable beneath VT. It offers more information about the tunnels and the risks connected to them. Additionally, the website’s designs surpass those of the typical Tor website. However, they continue to resemble a thing from the earlier aughts.

23. Deep Web Radio

Deep Web Radio
Our Rating
3
Price

Free

Diverse genres of music streams

Lack of regulations

Do you want background music to accompany your exploration of the dark web references in this writing? Fortunately for you, the dark web features a digital radio station.

Deep Web Radio

You can select from various music streams over Tor with Deep Web Radio. When we looked, there were eleven channels to choose from, each playing a different genre of music.

24. Keybase

Keybase
Our Rating
3.5
Price

Free

An encrypted chat and file-sharing service

Could be confusing for users unfamiliar with cryptography

Sharing data you discover on the website Tor with your peers and other contacts securely is made possible with Keybase. It’s a useful messaging tool that functions similarly to well-known messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp. Keybase’s greatest feature is that its servers are unaware of the content you copy and paste. 

Keybase

After all, before it ever reaches Keybase’s server, your data is encrypted in your browser. Additionally, you can set a password to secure your message and determine when it will expire.

25. The CIA

The CIA
Our Rating
4.1
Price

Free

Helps to transfer information safely on the internet

Contains accessibility issues

For those who wish to interact with the CIA anonymously, the agency has opened a shop on Tor. Everything on the main website will be accessible, including job postings, CIA contact details, and historical data such as the World Factbook. The primary distinction is that you can contact the agency without worrying about being followed.

The CIA

We advise getting additional protection if you can’t bear the thought of being identified or if the data you share is compromised. For even greater anonymity when using the dark web, consider using a high-quality VPN service like ExtremeVPN. Additionally, this will add another level of data encryption, enabling secure communication with organizations like the CIA.

OnionLinks
Our Rating
3.9
Price

Free

Secure access to cryptocurrency wallets

Human trafficking

OnionLinks lists operational dark web pages. The website is clear and well-structured. Each link is categorized as financial services, business services, news websites, email providers, and security services.

OnionLinks

Remember that not all of the dark websites that OnionLinks provides are 100% secure. Whenever you visit any of these pages, we advise using a robust antivirus program like Norton 360 to protect you from malware.

27. Ahmia

Ahmia
Our Rating
4.4
Price

Free

Used to view statistics, insights, and news

Hosts illicit content

Ahmia describes itself as a concealed service search tool, and that’s exactly what it does, even though it’s difficult to determine which engine performs better. Content about child abuse can also be eliminated from search results. For individuals who wish to explore the dark web, it’s a useful service.

Ahmia

But keep in mind that using Tor is difficult. Most of the Tor network isn’t indexed, making it invisible to search engines and being cut off from the regular internet. The network is essentially made up of hidden web pages.

28. Dark.fail

Dark.fail
Our Rating
3.3
Price

Free

Provides links to various dark web sites and markets

The website raises ethical concerns

With the help of the handy platform Dark.fail, you can keep an eye on the uptime of different .onion websites. Put differently, it lets you see which well-known dark sites are active at any given time. It also offers precise URLs that have been PGP-verified. There is no tracking or JavaScript manipulation on the website. Many websites listed here are among the fifty websites that Dark.fail currently monitors.

Dark.fail

While not particularly impressive, the majority of well-known websites are included. You can also get in touch with the team to suggest new listings. Be aware that Dark.fail only keeps an eye on how many top dark websites are up and running. Since it doesn’t check for malware, it cannot inform you if these are safe. For this reason, we suggest a reliable virus scanner like Norton with real-time threat detection.

29. OnionName

OnionName
Our Rating
3.6
Price

Free

Generates domain names for websites on the Tor network

Legal consequences

Usually, domain names for darknet sites consist of a random combination of characters and symbols. OnionName is a great option if you’re looking for a domain name for your dark website that makes sense to people. OnionName is an innovative platform that allows you to personalize your online presence by creating a unique domain name with any combination of words or letters you desire. 

OnionName

With a simple registration process and a specific amount of millibitcoin (mBTC), you can easily establish a distinct online identity that reflects your personality or brand. Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional domain names and hello to the freedom of choice with OnionName.

30. Elude

Elude
Our Rating
3.6
Price

Free

No signups required

Privacy concerns

Keeping your emails private is the goal of the email client, Elude. Through webmail, users can exchange anonymous emails. No information is needed to set up an Elude account. The service is a great and free option for sending private and sensitive information via mail. It’s a great option because of how simple it is to use.

Elude

Every server on the Elude network is hidden and is hosted on the Tor network. It indicates strict protection for all user data and no government eavesdropping. Nameless Platform: Setting up an email account requires no personal information. The Tor protocol removes all traces associated with your identity.

31. Darknetlive

DarkNetLive
Our Rating
3.3
Price

Free

Provides information related to dark web

Contain stolen private data

Users can find articles about the dark web on Darknetlive. Articles with fascinating facts, pictures, and official quotations are frequently released. A handy list of dark web vendors is also available on Darknetlive; it provides comprehensive details about each vendor, including .onion addresses and FAQs.

Darknetlive

You can use the list to steer clear of dubious or unlawful marketplaces. In addition, Darknetlive provides a list of resources for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, a collection of dark web forums with descriptions that include FAQs, screenshots, and .onion addresses, and an extensive collection of dark web links with descriptions for each website.

What are Onion Sites?

What are Onion Sites

The Dark Web consists of sites only browsable by Tor and other networks that avoid regular search engines like Google or Bing. You can’t normally surf onion sites with Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browsers. To access such sites, you must download a special browser invented by the Tor project.

No ordinary domain names are registered within the domain name registry for onion/darknet websites. However, they are created using a cryptographic accessible via Tor only. Through volunteer-operated nodes, it passes internet traffic throughout the world. Over 6,000 relays in this private network ensure nobody will find out where you are from.

You can use the Tor browser to surf the regular HTTPS sites on the web. You will improve your privacy using the Tor browser, as it provides isolation whereby no third-party tracker or ISP can reveal your identity. On the other hand, tor is not always appropriate. Onion routing makes your internet very slow but provides anonymity. Therefore, we do not advise relying on Tor to carry out data-exhaustive tasks such as HD streaming, playing games, torrent downloads, and video calling.

What is a Dark Web, and How Does it Work?

Unblock the Internet

The dark web comprises a facet of the internet that users cannot search on common devices like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. You can’t access it with a regular browser such as Chrome or Firefox. However, one cannot access it without a special configuration, software, or authorization.

Dark Web Vs Deep Web: What’s the Difference?

Deep Web vs Dark Web What’s the Difference

The internet comprises three main parts: the surface, deep, and dark web. 

The Surface web is the narrowest part of the internet. Anyone and everybody can access it without any setup. It can be accessed using typical browsers or search engines. It includes sites such as Facebook, Wikipedia, online commerce sites, and YouTube, among others.

On the other hand, The deep web is that part of the internet you cannot find with your everyday search engine. Access to this website’s content is protected via a password. Furthermore, logging in or from one’s specific IP address or URL is necessary to access such deep web information. Some sites in the deep web also use unusual TLDs like .gov, .com, or .net, which normal browsing engines will fail to track down. In other situations, some sites will blatantly deter search engines from identifying their location.

The third and last category is the Dark web, a section of the deeper world. P2P is dependent and requires special software and tools. The most commonly used tools to give anonymity online are Tor or I2P to access the dark web. One can easily discover materials through the dark Web by being provided with a link by an individual with information concerning its existence.

Though popularly associated with the transaction of illicit goods and services like drugs, guns, identity thefts, pirated software, malware, and other contraband, the Dark Web also contains a wide assortment of genuine information and activities that people use daily. For instance, it gives the users privacy by allowing access to information not found in the open space and sharing information in secrecy and anonymously.

Although you may be tempted to explore the dark web, it is important to note that the risk here far surpasses those in the deep web. Therefore, it means that when going to it, be careful.

How to Access the Dark Web?

What-is-the-Dark-Web

The dark web originally began as a tool for communication amongst governments, big corporations, hackers, and black markets. However, technologies that involved encryptions and the Tor browser allowed the public to get through to them.

In the late 90s, The US Naval Research Laboratory developed The Onion Routing (Tor) project. The sites under the .onion registry operator are accessible through a network browser.

There is no privacy on the internet since it cannot be restricted only to a certain population. The armies made the first generation of Tor to cover up spies’ communications. Eventually, this framework was revised and rolled out as an SSL browser.

Consider Tor similar to a normal browser like Firefox, Google, and Safari. It is the same as tunneling but passes your traffic through certain random nodes before reaching its final destination. It implies that you leave no traces of your online activities and no exposure to your browser’s browsing history.

Legitimate Reasons Why People Use the Dark Web

China Flag
  • Activist advocates for democracy are turning to the dark web in highly secure areas like China and Iran. Their encryption and anonymity give them a medium for accessing normally suppressed information.
  • People use the dark web because they live in restrictive environments. They might not find access to social media portals such as Facebook because of government restrictions and use it to visit such sites.
  • Journalists use the dark web to shield themselves and their sources’ privacy.
  • Most users of the dark web seek anonymity due to non-observance of others’ online activity, traffic, and geographical position, among other things.
  • Using the dark web is how some individuals who may not like talking openly about their medical problems approach this tool, where they try to get some medical advice.

Other Best Ways to Access the Dark Websites

Dark Web

Mozilla Firefox

Accessing the dark web using Mozilla Firefox can be achievable if you alter its settings. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the Mozilla Browser.
  2. In the search bar, type “about:config” and enter.
  3. Here you have to find “network.dns.blockDotOnion.”
  4. Change the settings to “False.”
  5. Restart the Mozilla browser and start surfing.

Before going into the depths of the deep web, ensure the NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere plugins are installed on your Firefox browser.

Subgraph OS

This system offers improved security as well as a high level of privacy. It is written in Tor browser code. The specifics comprise kernel hardening, application firewalling, package-level safety, filesystem encryption, meta-proxy encoding, and binary integrity.

The conclusion is that Subgraph OS is a secure, privacy-orientated operating system that users can use in high-risk environments. You may also choose Subgraph OS as an additional alternative to Tor. page

Invisible Internet Project

I2P, known as the Invisible Internet Project, is used to browse and navigate both the surface and the dark web. For example, one can access DarkWeb via I2P, made possible through the Tor plugin of Orchid Outproxy. A layered program runs the user’s data through it to deny access to the dark web and ensure undetectability.

Another essential security characteristic in this case is that everything entering the app from external sources, like private and public keys, is also encrypted. Its unique aspect lies in utilizing file storage that lacks any central agency through the Tahoe-LAFS plugin.

Whonix

It is also compatible with other platforms such as macOS, Linux, and Windows. Ensure your Whonix experience is similar to Tor’s, as they share the same underlying source code. There are, however, major differences within the background, notwithstanding the similarities. Another instance is where an employee accesses Whonix’s virtual workstation machine through the internal virtual LAN. However, it can only communicate to the gateway, which is the best way for the browsers to protect user apps from getting the device’s IP.

According to the creators, despite being strong, their technique would make it impossible for any malware to detect the machine’s IP address regardless of whether it possesses root access. You should also note that Whonix is not a single browser. It is part of Whonix, an all-in-one OS that runs within a VM.ICENSED This comprises the whole package of productivity programs such as Word software and a mail client.

The Legality of Accessing the Dark Web

legal

Viewing and navigating the dark web is not illegal. Surprisingly, there are many advantages you can get from it. As such, it protects your privacy and lets you view unverifiable content and services.

The ability to remain anonymous has made it a haven for people whose existence would be compromised by using the surface web. Some of these people are whistleblowers, abuse, persecution, and activist victims, as well as politicians. Conversely, it also forms a conducive environment for crooks and other criminals who engage in illegitimate actions.

As a result, the validity of the dark web will be determined by what you do with it. It is easy to find yourself in trouble when you act illegally and compromise other people’s security and liberty.

Is Using the Tor Network Illegal?

No legal restrictions are associated with using anonymous browsers like Tor or I2p. They do not target the black market solely. In recent years, several individuals have utilized the Tor browser to browse the surface of the Net and delve into the hidden recesses with complete anonymity.

The anonymity of the Tor network becomes necessary due to growing online privacy concerns today. That is how one can avoid third parties monitoring their online activities. Countries that heavily censor their internet traffic will necessitate a Tor Browser or VPN for people to access the surface web.

It is important to note that even though Tor protects your privacy, you may still be charged if you engage in any criminal activity. For instance, no one should download pirated copyrighted material involved in terrorism or sharing of illegal porn. It does not mean such actions are right because you use an anonymized browser.

Is it Illegal to Visit and Use Dark Websites?

Getting .onion sites, however, is questionable. Employing the dark web is also suspicious since it implies secrecy. Critics of governments or activists try to be anonymous because they can get in trouble because of their names. Moreover, the victims of a crime may not want their respective perpetrators to know them. However, if you engage in any act that is considered illegal in your country, you will be in great trouble.

However, the anonymity of Tor comes at a price, as malicious hackers and criminals love doing their evil acts under shade. Traffickers and cyber criminals conceal themselves by using the dark web. In sum, surfing on the dark web isn’t illegal, but it could turn around and be a problem for you. Failure to apply proper steps might render you vulnerable to malpractices and many risky activities, which leave you with more harm than good if possible.

Dark Web Common Misconceptions and What You Can Use it For

Surf the Web Privately

Anything you post or say on the dark web always stays your secret. Therefore, it enables others to bypass governmental barriers, hence facilitating unlawful conduct such as drug trafficking and weapon smuggling. A special environment of the dark web. It all depends on how you turn it in as benefits or disadvantages. Here’s how an average Joe may utilize it:

  1. Surf the web covertly.
  2. Access restricted websites and documents.
  3. Thousands of research articles and scientific publications are available for free access.
  4. Make Bitcoin donations and read fair news sources.
  5. While staying anonymous, educate the public about fraudulent politicians and businesspeople.

However, one must remember that despite being filled with beneficial resources, the Dark Web is an amalgam of cyber crooks.

Types of Threats Associated with the Dark Web

Risk icon

Is it safe to operate on the dark web? Always ensure that you do not just see the web as a place for general privacy, but also remember that the dark web can be risky. Among common threats of using the dark web are;

Scams

Much of what passes for “service” on the dark web are elaborate lies. Other services are real; if you need something, you will receive it after reaching a certain price agreement. Sadly, some individuals use the dark web’s image to scam people. In addition, malicious hackers may use phishing to steal your data, extort you, or access other sensitive materials such as intellectual property.

Government Monitoring

Various government bodies take control of numerous Tor sites around the world. Some even express concerns, for example, if this implies that law enforcement can monitor the happenings on the dark web, so to speak, as in the case of Silkroad site administrator, one of the biggest illegal marketplaces in the so-called deep space. Law enforcers can use custom software to penetrate the dark web and detect activity analysis.

Even if there is nothing wrong with what you do, you can still be watched over very closely. Some countries regard evasion of government dictates for new political beliefs as a punishable crime. One of these is, for instance, the Great Firewall, whereby China blocks any Western website it considers harmful. Accessed information may also make you end up on a watch list or be targeted for imprisonment.

Malicious Software

All kinds of malware are on the dark web. The dark web usually provides malware for use in cyberattacks. Malware has been present on the darknet for a long time. Therefore, any unaware individual can get infected through any of these devices they use. Unlike most sites on the surface webs, many .onions don’t take essential steps to give user protection.

It exposes you to botnets, ransomware, keyloggers, and phishing viruses. Therefore, by visiting dark net sites unprotected, you expose yourself to potential attacks that may target you. This danger may spread to your collection of smart devices networked on the internet.

Tor protects you when browsing the dark web, but other things about your online activity will be a trail that will give away your real identity. Therefore, you should only rely on a trusted VPN like ExtremeVPN for greater safety and anonymity.

Tips to Stay Safe When Using the Dark Web

Stay Safe Online

Ensure that if you enter the dark web, do so safely. These tips will help you:

Separate Your Real Life from Your Online Persona

Never expose your data using the dark web anywhere outside its sphere. Wherever possible, develop fresh burner accounts and documents. Use prepaid and anonymous credit cards for secure transactions while buying from the dark web. Make sure to refrain from using payment methods that disclose your identity.

Trust Your Instinct

You should always be on alert while on the web and trust your gut feeling. Do not take it at face value. Most people are not what they appear to be. Also, beware of the dark web links you visit and the media you consume. Only open any site if you feel it might be correct.

Use Active Monitoring of Financial and Identity Theft

Several online facilities now provide identity security. It is prudent to ensure that you secure the services of a good supplier for safety when using the dark web.

Disable Java and ActiveX in Your Network Settings

Hackers can use ActiveX or Java vulnerabilities to compromise the systems with these frameworks. Therefore, you shall turn these off in your network settings, where you will encounter various threats that make you unsafe when navigating unknown territories.

Avoid Downloading Dark Web Files

There are many types of malware infections in the dark web because it has no control. Therefore, you should only open dark web links if necessary and avoid downloading all the files that appear here. In addition, ensure that you run a thorough threat scan using advanced antivirus software when downloading files.

Use a Secondary Non-admin Account

It is probably so because admin permission comes with a native account you would have on a device. listade: A wide variety of learning styles may be used. Malware exploits this weakness, in turn initiating an assault. It will, therefore, shield you against exploitation, as users can do it even through a non-admin account.

How to Access .onion Sites Safely

Browser

The Tor browser enables anonymous internet browsing and access to unavailable websites. It will encrypt your traffic and data, leaving no way of interception for anyone.

Nevertheless, other entities like the government or your ISP will be able to tell that you are communicating via a Tor. However, the browser has mostly become synonymous with illegality. Such practice raises red flags as it might be illegal according to the legislations of certain states where the ISPs fully limit Tor connection.

One useful tool for disguising Tor activity is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN will route your traffic through a different server and add an encryption layer. It will shield your Tor usage from prying eyes.

A Quick Guide on How to Use a VPN with Tor

VPN
  1. Select a reputable VPN service provider. ExtremeVPN’s lightning-fast speeds, impenetrable security, and expansive server network are why we suggest it.
  2. Install the VPN software on your router or device after downloading it.
  3. Launch the app, then select a server of your choice.
  4. Start anonymously and safely perusing onion websites.

ExtremeVPN – The Best VPN for Dark Websites

ExtremeVPN

Looking for the best Tor VPN for connecting to top onion sites of the dark web? To make it easier for you, we tested over 20 other VPN services (on top of testing our listed dark web sites with ExtremeVPN) based on the following criteria:

  • Conformance to the Tor network
  • Strong privacy and security
  • No-logs guidelines
  • Methods of payment that are anonymous
  • Lightning-fast speeds

Regarding all customer issues concerning the choice of a VPN, ExtremeVPN is the best among others. It supports the safest and most trusted VPN protocols, including IPSec/IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN. These protocols assure you of the best P2P sharing, encryption, streaming, and speed.

ExtremeVPN works on all popular devices. Its user-friendly Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and router apps. Installation of ExtremeVPN is quite straightforward and requires no special know-how from the user. When you set up ExtremeVPN on a router, you can connect your smart TVs, game consoles, and any other streaming device through WiFi, accessing ExtremeVPN on them.

ExtremeVPN

The company is very popular and has over 6,500 servers in 78 countries. Each of those countries is home to users of the best server to get into it. Additionally, it supports a maximum of ten devices at any given time. Users do not have to log out from one device to connect with ExtremeVPN on another.

Additionally, ExtremeVPN gives nonstop data usage, thus allowing users to enjoy anything without worrying about data limits. It offers users with high data transmission rates. It will enable them to stream, game, scroll, download, upload, and do anything without buffering or slow load times.

Also read: Tor vs. VPN: What Are the Differences?

Conclusion

Darknet may sound scary, but the internet offers numerous legal websites that allow access. The dark web already has sufficient surface web data, so ordinary web searchers may not necessarily go to it. Any dark sites available there will allow you to watch content or access services unavailable on the surface web.

While this piece covers the safest dark websites, it is important to observe the utmost caution while surfing the dark web. That is why we suggest getting a virtual private network (VPN), specifically ExtremeVPN. It will enhance extra security on top of the privacy the Tor network ensures. Our number one recommendation is ExtremeVPN for stealthy security and very fast speeds.

FAQs

Is it illegal to access the dark web? Up
Mainstream media reports often paint the dark web as unrightfully associated with illegal items and activities. However, the dark web has great importance—from newspapers, safe mail providers, libraries, etc. Hence, avoiding the dark web’s illegal section is feasible if one wishes to escape any trouble.
Is it safe to access the dark web? Up
The Tor browser is what you are most likely going to use to enter the dark web. Luckily, the browser has inborn safety and privacy settings to protect you. Additionally, it employs strong encryption in each node, which will route your traffic. However, passing your traffic through several servers gives you a good deal of privacy. Nevertheless, it would require you to take other safety precautions – for instance, a VPN. First and foremost, it will change your IP address, a process referred to as tunneling.
How do I access dark websites? Up
The dark web poses slightly more problems in terms of navigation than the so-called ‘surface web.’ It is mostly a result of the strange out-of-the-way links that are on offer here. However, index sites like Daniel and Hidden Wiki list also classify the web addresses.
Are there search engines on the dark web? Up
Yes. Although many .onion browsers are obsolete and do not comply with changing circumstances. In the same way, they are just a bunch of new-age search engines of the 90s. For instance, DuckDuckGo is widely used with frequent duplication outcomes that might not correspond to the query.
Where did the dark web originate from? Up
During the Cold War, the US government set up the dark web so that their spies would send and receive messages safely. Tor Project was also released back in 2002.
Can I be tracked when on the dark web? Up
Adopting several measures helps to make it hard to trace your activities on the dark web. For instance, you must use a reliable VPN such as ExtremeVPN. Tor’s browsers are fairly encrypted, but pairing them with a VPN ensures more safety. Nevertheless, do not consider it a chance to carry out unlawful practices to evade law enforcers’ clutches.
Is the dark web wholly private and secure? Up
No, obviously. Anonymizers are tools that include strong encryption, VPNs, proxy servers, and masked web addresses, among many other things they may do to strengthen one’s virtual privacy as much as possible; however, no completely anonymous and safe solution exists. Hidden does not mean immunity to surveillance and hazardous operations. With increased data mining, tracking, and ad targeting, you must ensure you have secure and trustworthy privacy tools like VPN at hand in such a world.

Knowledge is Power, ExtremeVPN is Freedom

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Samuel is a freelance journalist with over a decade's experience in the VPN industry and digital mar...
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