Once you feel ready and comfortable navigating this hidden part of the internet, you can take the next step and use our dark web search engine at the homepage to explore even more sites. This approach allows you to broaden your experience while staying in control of your privacy and security. SecureDrop’s .onion link is a platform designed for whistleblowers to securely and anonymously submit sensitive information to journalists. Used by over 70 media organizations worldwide, it supports encrypted communication and protects the identities of both sources and reporters. SecureDrop is maintained by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and is a trusted tool for investigative reporting in high-risk environments. It all starts with Tor, which keeps your identity under layers of encryption.

What exactly is sold on these marketplaces?

This is where an Onion website, like the Tor browser, comes in handy. Launched as a successor to similar platforms as they keep going down, it has quickly become a major darknet forum. If you want to access the dark web, your first step toward a more private experience should be to secure your internet connection and data with a reliable VPN. Staying safe on the unregulated dark web requires some vigilance. Its seedy reputation, fostered by controversy like that surrounding the Silk Road website, is well-earned. The safest way to navigate the dark web is to know what you want to look for ahead of time.

Stay Safe On the Dark Web With a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is a good way to mask Tor activities. It adds an extra encryption layer and passes your traffic through a secondary server of your choice, preventing anyone from seeing that you are accessing the web via Tor. All in all, it is not illegal to access the dark web, but it can create issues for you.

How to Access the Dark Web Safely

However, again, platforms like these are mostly a hotspot for criminals to gather info, trade illegal stuff, and pull off fraud. Authorities closely monitor such platforms, and users risk scams, data theft, legal action, or sudden loss of access if the market is shut down or compromised. With all of that in mind, you need to tread carefully when browsing, in terms of the sites you visit and the other users you interact with. Bear in mind too that laws about freedom of speech and censorship vary from country to country, which is part of the reason the dark web exists in the first place. Even if you’re using a private, anonymized crypto wallet, there are other ways your identity can be revealed—even if it’s something as simple as letting a personal detail slip in an instant message.

Hackers Using Teams to Deliver Malicious Content Posing as Microsoft Services

Hackers spend a lot of time on the dark web, and it’s not too difficult to get access to hacking tools and data leaks in this part of the internet. However, it’s much harder to get at the people who are doing the uploading and downloading. Marketplaces often collapse when servers, hosting providers, or related services are seized. Even partial disruptions can trigger panic, causing users and vendors to abandon the platform. Access is semi-private, and membership is restricted to reputation-verified users.

What Are Onion Sites?

AVG Secure VPN encrypts your internet traffic and obscures your IP address every time you use it to go online — dark web or not. With a variety of server locations around the world to choose from, you’ll be able to navigate the web more privately and access the content you want. Because dark web sites can only be reached with a dark web browser like Tor browser, the best dark web sites, best onion sites, and best Tor websites are all one and the same. And because they aren’t searchable via Google or Bing, onion site lists are important roadmaps to help users find what they’re looking for on the dark web. Dark web websites look pretty much like any other site, but there are important differences.

What are onion sites and dark web websites?

• It hosts an onion site so people in countries with restricted press freedom can access its journalism, which covers everything from hacktivism to government repression.
• Tor makes it difficult to trace your activity because it hides your IP address and bounces your traffic through a series of nodes.
• Security vulnerabilities get discovered regularly, and updates patch them quickly.
• Tor users in the USA, in particular, may want to use a VPN, which will be faster and more reliable.
• Common mistakes to avoid while accessing darknet links include using regular browsers, clicking random links, and failing to verify site authenticity.

I especially like how TorLinks categorizes links based on their type, letting you easily find what you need. It’s not illegal per se to access an onion website, but that doesn’t mean your actions while connected to the dark web are immune from law enforcement. It’s still illegal to commit crimes while connected to Tor, regardless of whether or not you think you’ll be caught. Swiss based ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that is quite popular with the cryptocurrency community. It’s a paid service, and while it’s extremely secure you will need another email address to sign up, which can leave traces of your true identity without you realizing. Anyone can archive or retrieve data on any site they want, wherever available.

A quick guide on how to use a VPN with Tor

The VPN’s encryption will hide from your ISP the fact that you’re using Tor. Like I2P, Hyphanet is a self-contained network within the network that can’t be used to access sites on the public web. It can only be used to access the content uploaded to the Hyphanet, which is a peer-to-peer distributed data store. Once you upload something, it stays there indefinitely even if you stop using Hyphanet, so long as it is popular. Tor over VPN requires you to place some trust in your VPN provider but not your ISP, and is best if you want to access .onion websites.

What is the dark web? How to access it and what you’ll find

Our search engine at GOTDW is here to help you explore more safely, but we still urge extra caution as you dive in. All content on this site is strictly for educational purposes; we neither endorse nor encourage illegal activities of any kind. Ultimately, your safety on these sites is your responsibility, so please keep your wits about you as you navigate. The Tor Project’s .onion site provides access to resources for downloading and using the Tor network, which facilitates anonymous communication and browsing. Tor, used by millions of people daily, routes traffic through a global network of over 6,000 volunteer-operated relays to protect users’ privacy.

Dark Web Tools: What Is Tor Browser?

• I especially like how TorLinks categorizes links based on their type, letting you easily find what you need.
• Please note that you must take great care when using the Dark Web as sites often contain adware, spyware, malicious links, and scams.
• We recommend you only visit safe dark web links to explore such as The CIA, Facebook, DuckDuckGo, and Torch.
• It also boasts that no personal information is required to use the service, and payment can be made with cryptocurrency.
• The same team runs Torch, OurRealm, and IMGDex (an image search engine for Tor).
• The Tor Project recommends that iPhone users install Onion Browser — you can download the app directly from the App Store.

Users can boot Tails off of USB storage devices, while it forces all of their outbound connections through Tor. Unlike a standard operating system, Tails leaves no trace or evidence on the computer after you use it. Tails also has several pre-configured top-of-the-line privacy tools. The Tor Project uses Tor Metrics to measure the performance and security of its network, and researchers from around the globe rely on it to measure the international impact of the Tor network. If an IP address is confirmed as a Tor exit node during the period of an incident, the confirmation supports the defense of the user. Thus, it offers a critical means of transparency into the commitment by the Tor Project to being accountable.

So Facebook’s onion portal is a valuable tool for people living under repressive regimes. ProPublica is a non-profit, Pulitzer Prize-winning news outlet that focuses on abuses of power and issues of public trust. ProPublica’s investigative journalism can upset powerful interests, so the outlet joined the dark web to help their journalists and readers access their content anonymously. Being on the dark web also lets whistleblowers send material to ProPublica without fear of reprisal. While the best dark web sites listed above are a good starting point for a safe, legal surfing experience on Tor, there really is no substitute for a VPN.

Does Tor hide your IP address?

The dark web, or the darknet, is a small subset of the deep web. It’s a hidden collective of sites that you could only access through a special browser. Since all activity on the dark web is anonymous by default, it is definitely where the murkiest transactions on the internet take place. A study by researchers at King’s College London that examined the contents of over 2,700 darknet sites found that approximately 60% of them hosted illicit content. The dark web and the deep web are often used interchangeably, but they’re two distinct concepts.

TorDex is one of the largest uncensored search engines for the dark web. The same team runs Torch, OurRealm, and IMGDex (an image search engine for Tor). The Tor Project has endorsed it since 2014, which gives it credibility other search engines lack.

KEY TAKEAWAYS If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick list of darknet search engines of 2026 list… Rely on frequently updated link lists like OnionWiki, OnionLinks, and other vetted directories. These communities often verify the operational status of links, saving you the time and risk of hitting phishing sites or malware traps. Sci-Hub serves as the dark web’s version of a massive online library, giving millions of users free access to legally protected academic papers, books, and scientific resources. Facebook, run by Meta, operates an official Tor mirror of its main site.

Hidden Answers — anonymous questions and answers

The experience is reminiscent of searching the web in the late 1990s. Even one of the best search engines, called Grams, returns results that are repetitive and often irrelevant to the query. Link lists like The Hidden Wiki are another option, but even indices also return a frustrating number of timed-out connections and 404 errors. That’s why it’s important to make it as difficult as possible for them. It’s important to use a Tor-Over-VPN connection when you go on the dark web and make sure you’re using a VPN service you trust. Your ISP, and possibly the authorities, may decide to start monitoring your activity more closely to look for threats or illegal activity.

Keybase is an exciting identity service that aims to make it easy for you to link the presence of your online identities together in a cryptographic way. You can upload your PGP key or have the site create one for you, and use it to cryptographically link your Twitter profile, Github account, or Bitcoin address together. Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that is darknet markets links very popular with cryptocurrency enthusiasts. The process costs a fee, but unlike other “tumbler” or “mixing” services, there is no risk that Wasabi or any of its users could scam you out of your coins. Advocacy groups are also reaping the advantages of the darknet because, here, the term of censorship is as popular as HTTPS. Always remember that the dark web is a people-centric community.

This guide shows you how to get on the dark web and some safe sites to visit. You’ll get access to a bunch of stats helping you understand where dark web traffic comes from and why people use the dark net. If you’re doing research about the dark net, Tor Metrics can be a very helpful resource. If you need to privately share information, ZeroBin is one of the safest options.

The peer-to-peer routing structure is more advanced, and it does not rely on a trusted directory to get route information. I2P uses one-way tunnels, so an eavesdropper can only capture outbound or inbound traffic, not both. The big downside is that your ISP will know you are using Tor, which is cause for concern in some places and will put many people off using this method.

Real-world attackers start with credential stuffing, so penetration testers should too. Finding actual leaked passwords demonstrates risk more effectively than theoretical vulnerabilities. Not all onion sites are dangerous, but many host illegal, harmful, or deceptive content.

But let’s be realistic, the best defence isn’t just playing detective after the fact. It’s making sure your sensitive information never lands there in the first place. It quickly outgrew its military roots, emerging as the Tor browser, a free gateway to the dark web’s digital back alleys.

Since most Tor websites are non-indexed and unregulated, the probability of scams is much greater on the dark web. Malicious actors can prey on unsuspecting users without leaving much of a digital footprint on Tor, so it’s often just a matter of time before you run into one. Ahmia also discourages access to illegal content and promotes safer internet practices. Confidential government files and pages tied to unlawful trafficking often get filtered out.

It could initially look abandoned, but the community members answered questions in the end. It served as a great place to learn more about it for people new to the dark web. However, the owner shut it down when the TOR network moved to v3 URLs (allegedly for personal reasons as per some Reddit user comments).

• The existence of an anonymous and hidden internet then allowed for alternative information channels and illegal websites to flourish.
• The Camouflage Mode is intended for people living in countries with heavy internet censorship, like China.
• It doesn’t track searches or store personal data, making it a strong option for users seeking more anonymous private browsing.
• These search engines work best if you already know what site you’re looking for, not for general browsing.
• This repository contains a comprehensive list of .onion links to various resources available on the dark web.
• Dark web search engines in 2025 and how enterprises use monitoring, APIs and IOC hunting to detect credential leaks, impersonation and supply chain exposure.

These browsers incorporate multiple layers of encryption and routing protocols to protect user identity and data. Some browsers even include built-in security features like script blocking and automatic HTTPS enforcement to enhance protection against potential threats. While these tools provide substantial protection, it’s essential to maintain vigilance and follow security protocols consistently. Regular updates of security tools, verification of darknet links through trusted sources, and avoiding suspicious downloads form the foundation of safe darknet access. Remember that no security measure is foolproof, but implementing these steps significantly reduces potential risks. Implementing a VPN adds an extra layer of security when accessing darknet links.

• Dark web hacking forums are bad, but it gets so much worse than what you’ve heard.
• The Tor network combined with a VPN is one of the safest ways to get on the dark web.
• Check out these best onion sites to access the dark web securely and anonymously.
• Your activities on the dark web are not entirely shielded from tracking, and relying solely on anonymity can lead to a false sense of security.
• DOJ cases confirm that criminals often purchase stolen card data from darknet shops such as Brian’s Club and then re-encode it onto physical cards for fraudulent transactions.
• Dread considers itself “the front page of the dark net” and many liken it to a dark web version of Reddit.

Some contain harmful or illegal content, and others may lack encryption or expose users to tracking risks. Fresh Onions constantly crawls the dark web to discover and map new onion services as they appear. It doesn’t just find pages — it gathers technical data such as uptime, bitcoin addresses, SSH keys, and service fingerprints.

This makes it a great place for activists to convene and share ideas. Cybercriminals plant data-collecting malware all over the dark web to target vulnerable visitors. This makes it ideal for whistleblowers who would suffer if their identity got out. The Tor-Over-VPN method means you connect to a VPN before you fire up Tor. Your internet provider usually sees your online activity, but when you connect to a VPN first, they won’t know you’re using Tor.It’s important to use a VPN you can trust. If you’re going on the dark web, you obviously don’t want anyone recording everything you do.

There are estimated to be 1.1 billion websites on the Surface Web as of 2025 (Internet Live Stats). Even completing a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive. Many need to cross international borders, and customs officials are cracking down on suspicious packages. The dark web news site Deep.Dot.Web teems with stories of buyers who have been arrested or jailed for attempted purchases. The dark web has flourished thanks to bitcoin, the crypto-currency that enables two parties to conduct a trusted transaction without knowing each other’s identity.

This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address). But as a result, Tor Browser will feel much slower than a normal web browser. The Tor network combined with a VPN is one of the safest ways to get on the dark web. Many internet service providers (ISPs) and governments are suspicious of Tor use, but a VPN will hide your internet activity and help prevent anyone from knowing that you’re using Tor. The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden or dark websites (that’s 30,000 people).

There are several whistleblower sites, including a dark web version of Wikileaks. Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there. It has many legitimate uses because sometimes people need anonymity to stay safe. For example, victims of abuse might need to hide their location while communicating. Journalists working in unsafe conditions also use the dark web for security reasons.

Dark Web Links: 21 Best Onion and Tor Sites in 2026