We have a complete guide on how to use NordVPN for various purposes, including accessing the dark web. This adds an extra layer of protection but at the expense of connection speed. Learn more about our editorial team and our research process.
Notes From The Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
NordVPN is the best VPN overall in our testing, offering both excellent security to surf the dark web and class-leading speeds and unblocking performance for streaming, gaming, etc. With NordVPN, you don't have to download the Tor browser, as its Onion over VPN feature allows you straightforward access to the dark web. I'll take a deep dive into how each service stacks up against the competition, recent test results, and all the features I did (and didn't) like.
Be Cautious With Downloads
Your best bet is to stick with one of the providers listed in this article for optimum security while accessing the dark web. Many free VPN providers collect your personal data and browsing habits to sell on to third parties. But just like anywhere else on the internet, be wary of suspicious sites and use your common sense. And in some corners of the globe, ISPs are notorious for selling the data they collect on you to advertisers and other interested third parties.
Best VPNs For Tor Privacy – Quick List
(And hackers are a big problem, especially on Dark Web websites. Read more about this in the “Words of Caution” section.) That means that when Tor is compromised, or perhaps there’s a new vulnerability exploit in the Tor network, a VPN will still protect your privacy. Obviously not all Tor users, but you never know whether someone might be looking into you. It’s not a secret that ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and the FBI are tracking Tor users. So, to get into the Tor network, follow the steps I’ve listed below.
Best Dark Web News Sites Offering Factual Information
It uses its own internal DNS to access “eepsites”, not .onion addresses. A VPN adds protection before Tor, closing these gaps without breaking access to .onion sites. This hides your Tor usage from local networks, masks direct Tor connections, protects against network-level surveillance, and reduces the risk of being flagged for accessing privacy tools. You’ll know you’re on the dark web when the URLs end in “.onion” — these addresses only work inside the Tor network. The best way to get access to dark web content is to look for aggregate sites. Tor is also the only way you can access .onion links, which is where almost all deep web content is hidden.
These settings ensure user traffic is routed through the Tor network before it goes through the VPN, often called “VPN over Tor.” It has advanced features to maintain online anonymity, keeping your activities hidden. You can rest assured that your traffic is secure and private with the no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption. This VPN has a no-log policy, except for non-identifying information such as dates (but not time), server location choice, and amount of data transfer per day. ExpressVPN users can expect good service since they recently launched a .onion version of their website for those who wish to sign up anonymously. With NordVPN, your device traffic is sent through the VPN and automatically rerouted through the Tor network.
Examples Of Legal And Useful Dark Web Content
We used the key criteria below to find VPNs that deliver a higher level of privacy for users curious about the dark web. Not all VPN services provide the same level of security, however. If you don’t use a VPN on the dark web, you’re broadcasting your name and location to the world. Always use a VPN when you access the dark web, without exception. Before diving in, you’ll need to download and configure several pieces of software that help encrypt and anonymize your data. If you’re planning to use the dark web, you need to take every precaution to protect your identity.
Easy access to every platform and region from around the world However, an aspect where PIA is perhaps not as impressive as the others is connection speeds. It's also ridiculously cheap (priced at less than $2 a month if you choose the lengthiest plan) and comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning a single subscription can cover an unlimited number of devices. Private Internet Access (PIA) as the name suggests, takes security and privacy very seriously, and it walks the talk by being the only dark web VPN to have proven its no-logs policy in court—not once, but twice. PIA isn't slow, especially if you're on a regular domestic connection, but Surfshark and NordVPN are much faster.
Best VPNs For Popcorn Time – How To Stream Safely
This wide reach not only helps in maintaining high-speed internet connections but also assists in bypassing geo-restrictions, making it ideal for users who need access to content available in specific regions. ProtonVPN offers a substantial network of servers spread across the globe, enabling users to connect from virtually anywhere. This advanced feature routes user traffic through multiple servers before leaving the ProtonVPN network, thus providing an additional layer of security. It has dedicated servers to connect you to a VPN and the Tor Network in a single click, and it offers a range of other security features. The term “dark web” refers to all of the content and websites of the internet that are effectively hidden from users, as they are not indexed by search engines and require special software to access. It offers 800+ fastest VPN servers, unlimited data, and robust encryption, making it a reliable VPN on the dark web.
Are VPNs More Secure Than Tor?
Even if you have no streaming subscriptions, you can use it to access free platforms like BBC iPlayer (if you’re not already in the UK). When you’ve had enough of the dark web, you may appreciate NordVPN’s ability to access geo-restricted streaming content. NordVPN has an audited no-logs policy, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and a special NordWhisper protocol as a faster alternative to its obfuscated servers.
Step 7: Use Additional Security Tools
- KEY TAKEAWAYS The Deep and the Dark web are the hidden part of the internet.
- This means your ISP can’t see that you’re accessing the dark web (or indeed, the specific sites you’re accessing).
- In addition to excellent encryption, make sure your VPN has a strict (and preferably proven) no-logs policy in place, and it must also have a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and other security features.
- Your internet provider might see Tor, but you can hide it with a VPN.
- You’ll appreciate its added features, such as Threat Protection Pro, which shields you from malware and trackers.
TunnelBear is one of the few VPN providers that has committed to annual independent security audits, publishing these results publicly to build user trust and verify the integrity of its security practices. ExpressVPN stands out for its user-friendly interface, which is accessible to both novices and tech-savvy individuals. This makes ProtonVPN particularly appealing for casual users who need protection without a financial burden. ProtonVPN's dedication to transparency and accessibility is evident in its approach to service offerings.
Combining a VPN and Tor adds an extra layer of security and ensures complete anonymity and privacy. Your VPN and Tor can encrypt your data and mask your IP address. IOS users, on the other hand, have only the Onion Browser, a third-party and open-source browser recommended by the Tor Project. Android devices have an official first-party browser available on the Google Play Store. Most of these attacks include compromising exit nodes, the last server relay in the sequence. However, Tor users should avoid it if they’re looking for an extra layer of privacy.
Navigating the dark web requires extra layers of privacy, not just because of its content but due to legal scrutiny. Unlike the regular internet, the dark web doesn’t use standard URLs or search engines. The Tor Onion Browser is essential for accessing the dark web, designed for user anonymity. Think of it as the internet’s wild card.
All free VPNs have restrictions on speeds, data allowance, servers, or all three. Different factors can cause issues, including software compatibility, network settings, and server errors. However, all free VPNs have limitations, such as speed and data caps or small server networks. It aims to preserve your privacy and anonymity by forcing all internet connections through the Tor network and leaves no trace on the machine unless explicitly asked. On top of the standard security features you’d expect, I could mitigate against malware with Avira Phantom’s malicious content blocker, which is also a rare feature among freemium VPNs. Plus, your internet service provider (ISP) can detect the use of Tor, and some of the volunteer-run nodes on the Tor network can see your browsing or your IP address.
- Websites and data on the dark web do typically require a special tool to access.
- The links may well lead to scams, malware, and phishing sites that look indistinguishable from a genuine site.
- Again, remember that it’s best to safeguard your dark web browsing sessions with the added protection of a VPN before using any of these browsers.
- It also has a kill switch and split tunneling that help separate regular traffic from the VPN.
- From this point onwards, you can enjoy complete anonymity and security while being able to access “.onion” websites and other dark web browser domains.
- However, keep in mind that the dark web is not organized like the regular internet.
Proton VPN’s free app is way slower and lacks Secure Core, NetShield, simultaneous connections, and P2P support. From this moment, everything you do is unbeknownst to any “entity” and you’re free to satisfy your curiosity on the darknet. You’ll surely hitchhike some if you’re not careful enough; but not in this case. When you first connect to a VPN, you encrypt your traffic and THEN use Tor.
Please check your local laws to ensure your use of VPN complies with statutory requirements. Learn moreWizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. If you’re planning to return, consider creating a burner OS or using a hardened Linux distro like Tails. These freesites are static pages you can visit anonymously once Freenet loads in your browser. However, its network is still small, and there aren’t many hidden services available yet.
