The creators assert that because their technique is so strong, even malware with root access could not determine the machine’s IP address. I2P, or the Invisible Internet Project, allows you to access the ordinary and dark web. Specifically, the I2P darknet is accessible, while the Tor network is accessible through the Orchid Outproxy Tor plugin. The only difference is that it passes your traffic through random nodes before reaching the destination.
- Citizens of such countries can use the dark web to bypass firewalls and access global information.
- To send a message or image via ZeroBin, you just need to copy the desired content and paste it into ZeroBin’s editor.
- However, technological advancements such as encryption and privacy-focused browsers like Tor enabled the general public to access it.
- In 2021, some of the most popular marketplaces included Dark0de, Torrez, and OpenRoad.
- I also recommend covering your webcam and disabling location services before accessing .onion sites.
- With Tor Browser, you are free to access sites your home network may have blocked.
Why Do The Darknet And Deep Web Exist In The World
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. Dark web websites are pages that exist on a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines like Google. Also known as deep web sites, these pages typically have URLs ending in .onion and are only accessible through special software like the Tor Browser. Anonymity of the dark web is one of the main draws for using onion sites, and most dark web links use a “.onion” domain. This is usually due to the sensitive nature of the businesses or services they offer.

You can also take a look at the blogs & essays section if you want to find some nifty coding resources. Well, VPN over Tor is basically its opposite – instead of going through the VPN first, the signal passes through the Tor network, before going through the VPN. Unlike regular browsers that directly connect to websites via your ISP’s DNS, Tor anonymizes your journey by routing your request through several relays before reaching its destination. The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet, completely different from the clear web we all use daily.
Best Dark Web Websites: Video

Just bear in mind that many of those will be out of date, and using this index will require a lot of discretion, due to its size. In addition, Ahmia and Haystack make every effort to filter out and blacklist sites known to contain harmful, abusive, or illegal content. This makes them a safer (though still not foolproof) option for searching the Dark Web. The nice thing about Ahmia is that it lists .onion sites that want to be found.
Is It Illegal To Use The Tor Browser?
We recommend using NordVPN and a robust antivirus like TotalAV to keep you safe while browsing the dark web. Knowing this, we tested many dark websites, and only the safest and most reliable ones made it to our list of 29 best dark web sites you should know in 2025. Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections to protect as many devices as possible. Also, try its services risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. A top-of-the-line VPN network that ensures maximum security while accessing dark sites online. You risk being targeted for attacks if you explore the dark web without protection.
A reliable, fast, and user-friendly VPN service offering lots of customizable options for privacy geeks. If you are in a position to report the incident safely, you should report it to the authorities immediately. It’s recommended not to be too vigilant here and leave the investigation to the professionals. Tor anonymity comes with a cost since malicious hackers and criminals like to operate in the shadows.
Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that is very popular with cryptocurrency enthusiasts. While no single tactic is foolproof, a layered approach—combining technical, operational, and psychological defenses—greatly improves your safety and confidence when navigating the dark web. While many dark web websites, like the former black market website Silk Road, are used to facilitate criminal activity, there are also plenty of legitimate dark web websites.
Useful Links

If the operating system detects any non-anonymous connection, it blocks it, thus ensuring maximum online protection. Don’t ever reveal your true identity on the dark web marketplaces because there’s a high chance of hackers and scammers misusing it. Beware of sharing your financial details on the dark web, as this can result in identity theft and your bank account amount being stolen. Cybercriminals on the dark web marketplace always look for new victims to target them with scams or infect their devices with malware, spyware, or adware. Thus, use the best antivirus software that protects against these online threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dark Web Marketplaces
Ensure you have used prepaid and unidentifiable credit cards when purchasing on the dark web. Today, many organizations exist that are created only to handle these reports anonymously and effectively. They know how to process the information and get it to the correct law enforcement agencies internationally. Since malware lingers across the dark web, your device can easily become infected, even if you are an unsuspecting user. Activists and government critics prefer to remain anonymous, fearing repercussions if their identities are revealed. Besides, victims of crime may want to hide their identities from their perpetrators.

Staying Safe On The Dark Web
Set Tor Browser’s security level to “Safest” for critical dark web activity. This disables potentially dangerous features like JavaScript that could reveal your identity. NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere extensions provide additional protection against malicious scripts and unsecured connections.
This prevents anyone—including your ISP—from knowing that you’re using the Tor network. While Tor offers anonymity by routing your traffic through a decentralized network of nodes (onion routing), it shouldn’t be your only line of defense for privacy. Malicious actors and government agencies can run Tor nodes, compromising privacy and security. In fact, there have been instances where attackers controlled hundreds of Tor nodes. While Tor lets you reach .onion sites, many require invitations, passwords, or verification.
- Never log in with your real name or reuse passwords from other accounts.
- Remember that phones can get viruses just as easily as computers, and the chances of getting a virus likely increase when you’re browsing dark web mobile sites, no matter your platform.
- Keybase is a dark web messaging application that functions much like Signal and WhatsApp, except it is secure and private.
- It is also available on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
- In addition, several fake websites impersonate the famous dark net marketplace to obtain your financial and personal information and use it for malicious purposes.
Popular Dark Web Links & Websites
Using a VPN can help strengthen your privacy while visiting the dark web. Yes, you can access the dark web on a smartphone, but you’ll need an appropriate browser, like Tor browser for Android or Onion browser for iPhone. Remember that phones can get viruses just as easily as computers, and the chances of getting a virus likely increase when you’re browsing dark web mobile sites, no matter your platform. Norton VPN fortifies your internet connection with ultra-secure AES-256 encryption, masks your IP, and never logs your activity. And, with an automatic kill switch that guards against unexpected exposure if the connection drops, you can enjoy powerful privacy protection as you navigate even the darker corners of the web. The CIA’s onion site allows users to securely report threats or suspicious activity, especially in regions where online surveillance is common.
If we need a website to get links to other hidden sites, we will choose Hidden Wiki. But if you are thinking you can find links to the deepest part of the dark web using this site, it’s not that simple. The Tor browser is the most preferred browser for surfing the dark web because it creates encrypted pathways for user traffic, ensuring all the activities are anonymous. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Tor and accessing the Dark Web.
Is DuckDuckGo A True Dark Web Search Engine?
Accessing any darknet marketplace is dangerous because it is known to be a hub for illegal trade. In addition, several fake websites impersonate the famous dark net marketplace to obtain your financial and personal information and use it for malicious purposes. The dark web presents various threats, including malicious software and computer viruses, posing risks to users’ systems and data security. Users also face the potential danger of government monitoring and surveillance — or scams and fraud, and other activities that can lead to financial loss and identity theft. At the heart of Riseup’s philosophy is the belief that secure communication is fundamental to effective activism. In a digital age where surveillance and data interception are prevalent, Riseup provides critical infrastructure that shields activists from potential threats and harassment.
However, it’s also a haven for those seeking privacy from oppressive regimes and for whistleblowers needing a secure means to communicate. Reddit’s .onion link provides secure and anonymous access to the popular discussion and content-sharing platform through the Tor network. With over 50 million daily active users, Reddit hosts communities (subreddits) on a wide range of topics, making it one of the most visited social platforms. The .onion version helps users in restrictive regions or those looking for more privacy. It’s a bit of a contradiction to talk about search engines for dark web sites because, by definition, these are not sites that get indexed by traditional search engines.