The deep web is everything on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines. Total VPN scored an impressive 8.5 points here putting it firmly at the head of the pack. Our team noted its low-cost long-term plans and its bundled antivirus app and password manager as key selling points. Surfshark would be a fantastic alternative if you need Linux support or more than five simultaneous connections.
Is It Illegal To Go On The Dark Web? 👮
Every site on the dark web has this domain, which cannot be accessed with conventional browsers. Accessing the darknet is a pretty controversial topic keeping in mind its sometimes disturbing nature. And while not all darknet sites are bad (in fact, some are pretty educational!), using Tor to access them is dangerous without proper security measures.
Method II – VPN Over Tor
As long as you pick your sites carefully and use a safe and secure VPN, you’ll remain untouched and be able to browse this internet space indefinitely. Tor supports a few systems only – Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. IOS is the only exception, leaving iPhone and iPad users without the option to go to this part of the internet. We love it because of its simplicity, which, as you saw, lets you visit the dark web in seconds. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is more than secure, with a certified no-logging policy that guarantees no logging and storing of your sensitive data.
- If the Tor browser is available for your device, ExpressVPN likely offers a native VPN app for it.
- We also like its 10 simultaneous connections – 2 more than ExpressVPN.
- Tor browser sends your connection through various Tor nodes (servers) run by volunteers.
- You might be underwhelmed by Proton VPN’s selection of servers for multi-hop compared to Surfshark, but there’s a good reason for it.
Use A VPN To Stay Safer On The Dark Web
This enables you to generate a new persona — with a name, date of birth, and address — in seconds. The tool is great if you don’t want to hand out personal details while trying to access online services. Bear in mind it also doesn’t have simultaneous connections and offers only 5 server locations; you can’t choose one, by the way! Other free VPNs have more severe issues, such as 2-10 GB of monthly bandwidth and intrusive logging. It’s one of the simplest VPNs for the dark web, with lightweight apps for all desktop and mobile devices. While its 8 simultaneous connections are “okay”, at least, you’ll enjoy aspects like streaming, torrenting, and privacy.
What Is The Dark Web? Here’s Everything To Know Before You Access It
We confirmed this by carrying out tests while connected to a server in Austria. Features include a tracker blocker, a kill switch, and app-based split tunneling. Obfuscation is applied to every connection, which means you can connect in countries such as China without any additional steps. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs the equivalent of $2.19 a month, while our coupon below gives you the cheapest possible one-month subscription with no ongoing commitment. All subscriptions allow unlimited simultaneous device connections and come with free access to a SOCKS5 proxy.
Tor Over VPN Vs VPN Over Tor: Which Should You Use?
To protect yourself on the dark web, I strongly suggest installing a quality VPN, like NordVPN. After installing the Tor browser, check for updates on a regular basis. Security and bug fixes are made to the browser on a regular basis. The dark web can be tricky to navigate and be a dangerous place for the average internet user. In this section, I’ll be offering a few words of caution about the risks of the dark web. No data caps or bandwidth limitations are ever imposed on PrivateVPN customers’ online activities.
Using A VPN To Access The Dark Web: FAQs
Choose a VPN known for strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and compatibility with various devices. This, joined by incredible value and the price of around $2/mo, makes PIA very attractive. Unfortunately, it’s slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN but overall, its performance is admirable in practice. This method is far more complex but we’ll still explain it for those too curious. As opposed to the previous situation, here, you’re first connecting to Tor and then the VPN.
A VPN is a confusing factor for many because there are two ways to use it with Tor. If you don’t know where to start, you can use The Hidden Wiki to find a few dark web domains. Simply copy the URL of the site you want to visit, press Enter, and you’re all set. If you’re prompted to connect, click the purple “Connect” button and wait for a few seconds.
Commercial Services
The VPNs on our list also support split tunneling, so you can decide which apps to protect and which not to. ExtremeVPN is a recently launched VPN with all the functionalities you’ll find in older VPNs and more. These include an extensive server network, state-of-the-art encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy. It has robust security and privacy features, such as 256-bit AES encryption. It hides your IP address and stops your ISP to throttle your internet connection and lets you enjoy the internet with freedom.
Therefore, it’s inaccessible through conventional browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, and others. The so-called surface web is readily accessible to all of us and thereby, less interesting. Well, relying on Tor to keep you anonymous online is a good recipe for disaster – we’ll see why soon. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security. All the VPNs listed in this roundup have a kill switch that activates immediately following a VPN disconnection, meaning your real IP address is not leaked. Our definition of a zero-logs VPN can collect personal information (an email address, username, password, and any payment data provided) and aggregate anonymous logs.
However, as there are only around 200 servers in the whole network, there are countries that sometimes become temporarily unavailable. On the plus side, PrivateVPN owns and maintains all of its servers, which reduces the risk of third-party interference. CyberGhost has some useful automation features that can establish public wi-fi protection or launch the Tor browser when a CyberGhost connection is established. Unusually, IPVanish allows users to choose between individual servers, and it helpfully displays the ping time and load next to each.
Tor’s anonymity function is used by everyone from human rights workers and journalists through to drug and arms dealers. Many cybersecurity and tech experts recommend using a VPN whenever you want to access the dark web via the Tor Browser or any other specialist browser. A quality VPN like ExpressVPN will encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, providing an extra layer of anonymity when establishing the initial Tor connection. The best VPN for browsing the dark web on iOS is NordVPN, as it has a robust kill switch, Onion Over VPN servers, 256-bit AES encryption, super-fast speeds, and a malware and adblocker. This VPN has a dependable CyberSec ad blocker which works well for blocking even YouTube ads.
The Best VPN For The Dark Web In 2025: Access The Tor Network Safely & Anonymously
Preferably, it should also be verified by independent audits so you know your dark web activities are safe if the authorities demand your logs. An app kill switch that will shut the Tor browser at the same time is also beneficial but not necessary. You’ll also get 256-bit AES encryption and reliable leak prevention (no leaks detected!), though PrivateVPN is missing a double VPN and dedicated Tor feature. So, you can enjoy obfuscation and a double VPN while browsing the dark web without the desire to throw your computer against the wall due to lackluster speeds. This makes the provider a great choice for unblocking the dark web in countries like China and Russia, especially as you don’t even have to access Tor Browser.
We’re fully independent and have been reviewing VPNs since 2016. Our ratings are based on our own testing results and are unaffected by financial incentives. They also need to work seamlessly with the Tor Browser and the Dark Web, and shouldn’t collect any identifying activity logs.
Like NordVPN, this provider doesn’t store logs and has around 20 third-party audits to prove it. Its RAM servers and Private DNS go a step further to protect your identity online. Not to mention its Advanced Protection that blocks malicious sites, trackers, and ads. This is accompanied by the Network Lock kill switch that also prevents IP leaks.
