Tor Browser is the #1 in our list above for all the good reasons. We recommend that you use only the Tor browser to access the deep, dark web, if you must. If you fancy exploration, we’ve listed nine other options as well. It is made up of two virtual machines – a Gateway and a Workstation. All traffic must always go through the Tor network through the Gateway. This architecture protects your IP address even when the Workstation is before malware that may compromise it.
Ahmia: A Powerful Dark Web Search Engine
If you participate in illegal activity in any way, you’re breaking the law. To access an onion website, simply open its onion link in the Tor Browser or, if using one of Proton VPN’s Tor special servers, inside your regular browser. You will first need to configure your browser to resolve .onion links, but you only need to do this once.
- This can help keep you and your data safer from malicious attachments that need an internet connection to wreak havoc.
- It’s one of the few resources that consistently updates its .onion mirror, ensuring availability even during domain seizures or censorship events.
- The website has an advanced search filter and an easy-to-use interface, which makes it easy to find what someone is looking for.
- In the image above, (a) is the surface web, which includes publicly visible websites like blogs, shopping sites, and news sites.
- A VPN also shields your data from prying eyes, making it much harder for anyone to monitor or trace your activity on the dark web.
Do I Need A VPN If I Use Tor?

However, don’t fret yourself about this frightening concept, than the actual meaning of the dark web. For instance, if you want to buy a laptop or a smartphone, you can try your luck in one of these shops. Sure, you can use other cryptocurrencies if Bitcoin’s not your cup of tea. Chill, because nobody will ever find a record of you ever fiddling around the darknet.
What Can I Do If My Personal Information Is On The Dark Web?
- The dark web is unregulated, which is why it is important to protect yourself while browsing.
- Accessing blocked content can result in being placed on a watch list or imprisonment.
- It also keeps the graphical copy and text of the page for better accuracy.
- Its large search library, speed, and commitment to user anonymity make it a preferred choice for many people who browse the dark web.
- Similarly, the CIA launched its .onion site to provide worldwide anonymous access to its resources.
You’ll keep your identity private while getting results for various Tor websites, forums, and marketplaces. Unlike traditional search engines, it doesn’t track or store personal information, ensuring your searches stay private. It’s a popular choice for users worried about online surveillance and data collection. Typical search engines and standard secure browsers can’t access the dark web. To explore it, you need to install Tor and use a dark web search engine or directory to find and visit onion search engine links. Dark web platforms focused on news and transparency include ProPublica’s onion mirror, which delivers investigative journalism free from surveillance or censorship.
Use A Computer That Isn’t Connected To Your Primary Home Network
We only considered porn sites with great firewalls and security measures in place, and the better the security, the higher up the list the site is. We all love free porn sites, but the trouble with safe free porn is that it’s hard to find. You can also stream their videos on your mobile device if you’ve got a good internet connection, as the mobile version is fully optimized. If there’s one thing users hate even more than pop-up ads, it’s porn tube sites that charge extra for every video you download. The website features any category of content you can imagine, from videos to parodies to original series to porn star content.

The internet providers and websites can still see that you’re using Tor, as Tor node IPs are public. Many countries, such as Qatar, China, Cuba, Russia, and Turkey, censor internet content promoting political dissent. The Darknet offers a place of free expression where not even a chunk of these limitations exists. Fraudulent activities on the dark web include phishing scams, fake identity sales, and the sale of fake products.
These search engines work best if you already know what site you’re looking for, not for general browsing. As we stated earlier, the Hidden Wiki is an unreliable platform. 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. The social media giant is also aware of the many attempts by repressive regimes to restrict its access.

Can I Search The Dark Web From My Phone?
DuckDuckGo is a search engine available on the Tor network that lets you browse the surface and dark web. Essentially, it’s a search engine like Google or Safari, but unlike other search engines, it doesn’t track your browsing activity or collect user data. So, search results won’t be based on your browsing history, location, or anything else. And I liked that if I visited a site that had a .onion version, it prompted me to switch to that version. To protect your data from the websites you visit, one of the most effective steps is to hide your IP address, which can reveal your location, identity, and browsing habits.
How To Use Tor, And Is It Safe To Access The Dark Web?
If the above average Joe’s explanation isn’t enough for you, below are some legitimate reasons to use the Dark Web in a bit more detail. The use of the dark web raises suspicion as it shows there is something you want to do privately. Another essential security feature is that all incoming and outgoing data from the app is encrypted, including any private and public keys involved. Some whistleblowers and journalists use these portals to safely leak information, especially when a source requires complete privacy.
You can use the Smart Location feature for the fastest connections. The provider also offers a dedicated CyberSec suite that prevents annoying ads and blocks malware and trackers. A reliable, fast, and user-friendly VPN service offering lots of customizable options for privacy geeks. Today, many organizations exist that are created only to handle these reports anonymously and effectively.
A Dark Web Search Engine

For example, when you sign in to your healthcare provider’s portal to view test results or request prescription refills, you’re accessing the deep web. The platform offers uncensored and unfiltered web search results. Along with offering an unrestricted search engine list, Torch also prevents web tracking. That means website operators and third parties can’t track your online activity when you use Torch. The site offers free messaging, teaser videos, and advanced search filters. Models cover various categories to meet diverse user preferences.

Also, the platform has a feature of automatic deletion of messages – set a timer and they will be deleted after a set period. However, we do not recommend using this platform without taking proper precautions, such as anti-malware and a VPN. You can also use it on the surface web, but it is still unadvisable without proper safety measures.
Encrypted Communication Tools
You risk being targeted for attacks if you explore the dark web without protection. The threat can extend to your entire network of devices connected to the internet. All in all, it is not illegal to access the dark web, but it can create issues for you. If you don’t take the necessary measures, many unsavory activities can expose you to unnecessary risks. Remember that illegal activities can still incriminate you, whether you are using a Tor browser.