Not only do you need a dark web browser, you need a dark web search engine too. This search engine will get you to the sites you need, though you can also go directly to dark web addresses if you know what they are, as with standard URLs. Even with Tor and onion routing in place though, you’re not suddenly completely invisible and free to do whatever you want, without repercussions. You’re also open to threats like end-to-end correlation attacks, so while Tor is a lot more secure and private, it’s by no means completely safe. To get on the dark web, you need a browser built for the job, and the best in the business is Tor.

Should I Use Services Like Web2Tor?

Whether you’re curious about the hidden corners of the internet or need practical tips on navigating it, we are here for you. Exploring the dark web can seem mysterious, but with the right guidance, it becomes a valuable tool for privacy, security, and uncensored access to information. The project is widely regarded as a cornerstone of internet anonymity, supporting activists, journalists, and individuals in restrictive regions worldwide. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available at a discounted rate. DarkNetLive is an onion news site that provides up-to-date information related to the dark web and its use.
Avoid Downloading Dark Web Files
The website has received six Pulitzer Prizes for its grassroots-based journalism. Accessing it through an onion link is much more convenient if you’re unable to directly view it on your screen. Switzerland-based Proton (formerly ProtonMail) is one of the most secure email services, and has a reputation for not logging IP addresses. If you care about your privacy on the Internet, no other site comes close.
The Most Popular Dark Web Search Engines
Candle is a well-known lightweight and intuitively designed dark web search engine that’s ad-free, providing users a distraction-free environment. Like the other dark web search engines, Candle doesn’t track user activity or store data, giving users peace of mind about their online activities and anonymity. Torch is a leading dark web search engine known for its extensive index of .onion sites. Torch stands out for its commitment to user privacy, as it doesn’t store search history or collect any user data, ensuring higher anonymity. It also provides uncensored search results without displaying ads, which reduces the risk of encountering malicious links or suspicious sites. So while it’s not exactly a deep web search engine, it makes navigating Tor easier by providing a categorized directory with indexed links to onion websites.

They also provide access to sensitive information for activists and whistleblowers. Clicking on random onion links is quite risky and isn’t recommended. A random dark web link can lead you to malicious software, phishing sites, and illegal content.
Understanding The Surface, Deep, And Dark Web Layers
- 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.
- To conclude, you may also find the links of other dark web search engines but these happen to be the ones that stand out the most.
- That it is an open source project that is in charge of handling suggestions and comments anonymously.
- People in countries with heavy internet censorship must get a VPN or Tor browser to access the surface web.
While it doesn’t index dark web content, it’s the default search engine on the Tor Browser because of its strong privacy features and lack of tracking. For searching within the dark web, specialized tools like Torch are better, as they specifically index .onion sites and hidden content. Using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN with dark web search engines is essential for protecting your privacy.
Torch: One Of The Oldest Dark Web Search Engines

This raises the possibility of coming across dangerous content or a rogue website. Users may access restricted websites, circumvent censorship, and browse the internet in private with the Tor Browser. However, the multi-layered encryption procedure could make browsing slower. One web browser that provides improved privacy and anonymity is the Tor Browser. It encrypts internet traffic and routes it across several relays using the Tor network, making it challenging to track down your exact location or identity.
Types Of Dark Web Sites (and What Really Goes On There)
The Hidden Wiki is a comprehensive starting point for exploring verified dark web links. Unlike many imitators, this is the official Hidden Wiki that maintains a curated directory of legitimate .onion services. During my testing, I found its categorized index particularly helpful for discovering trustworthy sites across various topics. First, you need to know how to access the dark web, and once you’re in, you can’t just perform a normal Google search. You’ll need a dark web search engine, and we’ve compiled the best ones for you to try. Ahmia bridges the gap between the surface and dark web, allowing you to search .onion sites from a regular browser while filtering out illegal content.
Can I Use A Free VPN To Access The Dark Web?
Here are some of the ways to reduce the risks that come with using the dark web. If you only want to mask your IP address and don’t need to access the dark web, then going online with a VPN is much easier and faster than using Tor. These domain names are not registered with a central authority but are instead derived from cryptographic keys. Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that is 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.
Navigating The Dark Web Safely And Responsibly
Ahmia goes beyond being just a search engine; it is used to read statistics, insights, and news related to the Tor network. Ahmia provides a useful initial service for people who want to explore the dark web. To access the dark web, we run our search engine after installing one of the Tor, etc. search engines.

Directory lists each link with onion URL, logo and short informative description. You can access this search engine using traditional browsers like Google chrome/ Firefox etc. Finally, you can also use its “explore” link at the bottom to find the “most popular” searches on OnionLand. Moreover, when accessing the dark web, you’re probably already looking for things which are either illegal, or restricted by the govt.

When choosing a deep web search engine, start by identifying reputable providers. Reliable search engines often have a history of consistent performance and positive feedback from users. They prioritize your safety by offering secure connections and trustworthy results.
All of this underscores Riseup’s prioritization of users’ rights over business interests. ProPublica is independent, so you’ll find trustworthy news reports on topics ranging from corruption to inequality and environmental issues. As a bonus, the site is one of the most polished on the deep web, so you shouldn’t get a clunky experience that feels sus. Not to be confused with the riskier Hidden Wiki page, Wikipedia on Tor serves as a vast repository of information.
Following the NYT, the BBC launched a dark web “mirror” of their international edition in 2019. Note that some features of the normal website are not available on the .onion version, including BBC iPlayer. Archive.today is considered an important tool to track changes across government and corporate websites, preserve cultural heritage, and keep knowledge outside of autocrats’ reach. You can archive any site you want, or retrieve historical records wherever available. While you’re at it, now might be a good time to check whether any of your personal information has been leaked on the dark web. The dark web is home to a variety of useful and legitimate resources — educational materials, encrypted email services, anonymous forums — that can’t be found elsewhere.