If you’re considering using the dark web, it’s important to protect your online data. A VPN not only increases your security but also ensures your privacy. We reveal the best VPNs for the dark web and how to set them up.
The dark web can only be accessed through an anonymity network like Tor. Tor encrypts data sent to and from your device, hiding the contents of your internet traffic. But your internet service provider and government agencies can still see that you’re using Tor. Even though specific online activity is anonymized, Tor’s reputation as a criminal tool means simply connecting to the Tor network might be enough to raise eyebrows and draw unwanted attention. Some countries block Tor altogether.
If you want to hide the fact that you’re using Tor from your internet service provider and other third parties, we recommend using a VPN. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a middleman server in a location of your choosing. The VPN hides Tor traffic inside the encrypted tunnel, so no one but you and the VPN provider can see you’re using Tor.
If you don’t want to read the full article, here is our summary list of the best VPNs for the dark web:
- NordVPN: Our #1 choice for the dark web. Extremely fast, with a no-logging policy, Tor over VPN servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN. Zero logs, tons of servers, and strong layer of security.
- ExpressVPN: Security-conscious VPN with its own .onion site. Accepts bitcoin.
- CyberGhost: Very secure, no logs, and fast.
- PrivateVPN: Fast, easy, and comes with modifiable OpenVPN files.
- IPVanish: No logging, fast, and great security features.
- Atlas VPN: Doesn’t keep identifying logs of users. Secures data with military-grade encryption. MultiHop servers available.
How to use a VPN with Tor and access the dark web
There are many ways to connect to Tor, but for brevity’s sake we’ll assume you’re using the Tor browser.
Here’s how to access the dark web with a VPN:
- Sign up for and install a VPN. Our top recommendation is NordVPN.
- Open the VPN app
- Select a server location and connect to the VPN. Wait for the connection to be established.
- Download and install the Tor Browser.
- Open the Tor Browser.
- Enter the .onion URL for the Tor hidden service (dark web site) you want to visit into the address bar. Only use verified URLs from trusted sources.
- Surf the dark web!
Using this simple setup, your internet traffic is encrypted twice: first by Tor, then by the VPN. It then goes to the VPN server, where the VPN’s layer of encryption is removed, before going on to a Tor entry node. Your ISP only sees encrypted traffic going to a server and cannot detect that you are using Tor or connecting to Tor entry nodes.
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Best VPNs for the dark web – at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for the dark web.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | IPVanish | AtlasVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | IPVanish.com | atlasvpn.com | Ranking for Dark Web: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Encryption | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | Activity logs | None | Some | No identifying data | No identifying data | No logs stored | No logs stored | No logs stored | Total number of servers | 5,400 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 7,000+ | 200+ | 2,000 | 750+ | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 71 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE up to 63% + 3 months FREE | $2.30 Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% on the annual plan | $2.11 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 3 months FREE | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan | $2.49 SAVE 77% on the 2 year plan | $1.83 SAVE 83% on a 3 year plan |
The downside is that the VPN provider can see that you’re using Tor, even though your ISP can’t. With that in mind, you’ll need a VPN provider you can trust.
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is a veteran VPN provider that stores zero logs about its users’ online activities. Among its huge global server network is a Tor over VPN option, which automatically routes your traffic through the Tor network after it leaves the VPN tunnel. Whether you use that option or not, you get military-grade encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and strong leak protection. Speeds are among the fastest we’ve tested, and you can connect up to six devices at a time.
NordVPN accepts bitcoin, ripple, and ethereum.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV and Linux.
NordVPN speed test data
| No value | NordVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 268 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 174 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 147 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE up to 63% + 3 months FREE |
Pros:
- Zero logs
- Fastest speeds around
- Great digital security
- Accepts bitcoin
- Tor over VPN servers
Cons:
- Connecting takes slightly longer on the desktop app
Our score:
BEST FOR THE DARK WEB:NordVPN is the best option for browsing the dark web safely. Tor over VPN servers, blazing speeds, and a fantastic security offering. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark puts a major emphasis on security and has an excellent privacy policy. It boasts 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (in all versions of the app), protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a traffic obfuscation feature capable of hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. Most importantly, this service doesn’t log any information that could identify you. Privacy-conscious internet users can pay in Bitcoin, Etherium, or Ripple and use a disposable email address to register almost entirely anonymously.
Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Fire TV, and Android apps are available.
Surfshark speed test data
| No value | Surfshark |
|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 205 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 193 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 168 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.30 Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan |
Pros:
- No connection limit
- Unblocks major streaming services abroad
- Generally strong speeds
- Strong security features and a no-logs policy
- Accepts three different cryptocurrencies
Cons:
- Small (but growing) network
- Still has the occasional slow server
Our score:
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is affordable, reliable, and secure. Connect as many devices as you like. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN doesn’t log your real IP address nor any contents of the internet traffic that passes through its servers. It boasts strong encryption and the most robust leak protection we’ve seen on any VPN, ensuring your data never escapes the secure tunnel. Speeds are consistently fast, and 24/7 live chat support is at your disposal if you run into any issues. ExpressVPN accepts bitcoin as payment and even hosts a mirror site on the dark web that can only be accessed via Tor, so you can sign up with complete anonymity.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain wifi routers.
ExpressVPN speed test data
| No value | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 253 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 193 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 133 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $6.67 SAVE: 49% on the annual plan |
Pros:
- Excellent security and privacy
- Fast and stable
- Accepts bitcoin
- Has a .onion site
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- Doesn’t offer much control over advanced functionality
Our score:
PRIVACY FIRST:ExpressVPN makes it easy to use the dark web safely. Offers fast speeds, solid security, and its own .onion site, plus a 30-day guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is the only VPN to earn a perfect score in our annual privacy and security assessment thanks to robust encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a zero logs policy. You can purchase with bitcoin and connect up to seven devices at a time. Speeds are excellent and connections are reliable. CyberGhost doesn’t have any Tor-specific features, but you’ll get ample protection when using the “Surf Anonymously” option and the Tor browser.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, and Android.
CyberGhost speed test data
| No value | CyberGhost |
|---|---|
| Website | Cyberghost.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 392 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 244 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 253 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.11 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 3 months FREE |
Pros:
- Excellent security
- No logs
- Accepts bitcoin
- Fast speeds
Cons:
- No Tor-specific features
- Few customizable options
Our score:
VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is a good value proposition for dark web users who don’t compromise on security, and it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN not only works with Tor in the “Tor-over-VPN” setup we’ve described above, but also offers an alternative option: VPN over Tor. PrivateVPN’s website includes a helpful guide on how to modify the OpenVPN configuration files included with the app so that your internet traffic first passes through the Tor network, and then through the VPN. This is useful if you want to use Tor to access sites on the clear web that don’t normally allow Tor connections, since your IP address will be that of the VPN server. Note that if you don’t want your ISP to see that you’re connecting to Tor, it’s best to use a normal VPN connection and the Tor browser.
PrivateVPN offers great speeds and security, and a no-logs policy. You can connect up to six devices at a time. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
PrivateVPN speed test data
| No value | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 94 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan |
Pros:
- No logs
- Fast
- Strong security
- Allows Tor-over-VPN connections
Cons:
- Smaller selection of servers
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 support
Our score:
UP AND COMER:PrivateVPN is a newer provider that earns its place among the veteran players. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
6. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs around but doesn’t skimp on privacy or security. You get uncrackable encryption, strong DNS leak protection, and a zero-logs policy with every subscription. The apps are easy to set up and use on any number of devices. IPVanish doesn’t accept bitcoin, so if you want to make an anonymous purchase, you may want to look elsewhere. The IPVanish apps include an obfuscation feature that disguises your encrypted tunnel as normal internet traffic, plus the option to periodically change your assigned IP address at certain intervals, bolstering anonymity.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Fire TV, and Android.
IPVanish speed test data
| No value | IPVanish |
|---|---|
| Website | IPVanish.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 252 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 228 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 352 Mbps |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.49 SAVE 77% on the 2 year plan |
Pros:
- Fast
- Secure
- No logs
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments
- Struggles to unblock certain geo-restricted services
Our score:
FAST & SECURE:IPVanish offers a great combination of speed and security, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
7. Atlas VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Atlas VPN is a highly secure service with servers located across several dozen locations. Aside from fast server speeds for faster browsing and streaming, it provides comprehensive security and privacy protection. This starts with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch feature. Better still, you can secure all of your devices at once with just one account.
For even greater security while navigating the dark web, you have the option of connecting to one of Atlas VPN’s MultiHop servers. These route internet traffic via multiple locations for an extra layer of encryption. Add to this an ad, malware, and tracker blocker and the fact that Atlas VPN doesn’t keep identifying logs of users, and this is a service that provides more than enough protection from threats.
Atlas VPN offers apps for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS) while apps can also be downloaded for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV.
Pros:
- Highest level of encryption keeps your data secure
- No identifying logs of users ensures privacy protection
- Extra security features such as an ad blocker and MultiHop servers
- Good speeds so you can browse without unnecessary interruptions
Cons:
- Not the largest server network (700 or so in total)
- Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment
Our score:
MULTIHOP SERVERS:Atlas VPN offers security including 256-bit AES encryption and MultiHop servers. It also doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified. Secure all of your devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Atlas VPN review.
Can I use a free VPN for the dark web?
Free VPN service providers are generally a bad idea if your aim is to remain anonymous online. They tend to be less secure and many will log your online and dark web activity to sell to third parties. Others inject advertisements into your browser, and some even carry malware payloads.
Aside from privacy and online security risks, free VPNs are slow. If you’re using the Tor browser, your bandwidth will already be pretty limited, and a free VPN will only hamper it further. Server congestion, bandwidth limits, and data caps all contribute to a slow experience.
Paid providers have a vested interest in keeping your activity private, so we strongly recommend avoiding free alternatives.
I have a VPN and Tor Browser. Now what?
If your goal is to access the darknet, you need to know where to look. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide on how to access the dark web safely while keeping your anonymity intact.
Because the dark web isn’t regularly indexed by search engines like Google, it can be hard to find stuff. That’s on purpose, as most sites and services on the darknet aim to be kept secret, at least to some degree. You can’t just surf the dark web like you can the clear net.
Be very careful about links to dark web sites that you find on the clear web. The links may well lead to scam, malware, and phishing sites that look indistinguishable from a genuine site.
That being said, the darknet is home to a wide range of content, both legal and illegal. It’s important to tread with caution and never divulge any personal information that could be used to identify you.
Tor over VPN vs VPN over Tor
When you connect to a VPN and then fire up the Tor browser, outgoing internet traffic first goes through the VPN, and then through the Tor network. This setup is called Tor over VPN, and if you want to use a VPN while on the dark web, is the preferred option. Your ISP cannot detect that Tor is being used, but websites and other online services can see your traffic coming from a Tor exit node.
VPN over Tor works the opposite way, where outgoing traffic is sent through the Tor network first, and then through the VPN. Your ISP will be able to see that you’re using Tor, but websites and online services will see the internet connection coming from the VPN server. This setup is rarely useful but can be used to access websites that normally block Tor users. It can’t be used to access the darknet, though.
If you want your Tor traffic to exit the network in a specific country, a better option would be to use Tor country codes.
VPN testing methodology
Comparitech strives to publish the most accurate, comprehensive, and useful VPN reviews on the web. To do so, we evaluate all of the VPNs we recommend based on real-world experience, expert analysis, and performance testing. When it comes to Tor VPNs, we particularly examine:
- Encryption: The VPN’s data cipher, RSA key exchange, and authentication hash must meet a minimum set of requirements.
- Logging policy: The VPN’s privacy policy and terms of service are inspected for language or lack thereof that suggests the collection of personally identifiable user information while using the VPN.
- Data leaks: We check every VPN for IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leaks on both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
- Anonymous payment options: Acceptance of cryptocurrencies and other anonymous or pseudonymous payment methods factors into our evaluation.
In addition to those elements, we also test each VPN’s speed, ability to unblock region-locked streaming services like Netflix, and ability to bypass internet censorship in places like China. For more details, read how we test VPNs on our methodology page.
Access Dark Web FAQ
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is accessed primarily through Tor. Dark web sites have a ".onion" top-level domain. Users are anonymous on the dark web.
The deep web is everything on the internet that isn't indexed by search engines. It includes the dark web but also much, much more.
Can the dark web be monitored?
It depends on what you mean by "monitored". Banks and identity theft protection services routinely monitor dark web marketplaces for their customers' personal details, for example. Internet service providers can see if you're accessing the dark web if you're not using a VPN. But it's generally not possible to identify someone who is using Tor unless they expose personal information.
Is identity theft a problem on the darknet?
The darknet has several marketplaces where stolen identities are bought and sold. But it is usually not the place where identity theft actually occurs.
Onion routing vs. VPN, which is better?
Both have their pros and cons. A VPN guarantees privacy: no one can see what you're doing. Tor (a.k.a. onion routing) guarantees a layer of anonymity: no one can see who you are.
How can I further protect myself from hackers & cyber-criminals while on the dark web?
The golden rule of the dark web is to not reveal any information that could identify you or be traced back to you.
You will also need to avoid sites and services that aim to put malware on your device. There’s no simple indicator for this; you just have to know where you’re going before you get there. Make sure you only visit reputable sites with verified URLs.
Tor browser does remove some would-be threats, for example by preventing websites from running scripts without your permission.
Check out our step-by-step guide to safely accessing the dark web.
How can I spot malicious websites on the dark web?
Unlike the clear web, it’s much more difficult to determine whether a darknet website is legitimate. There are no dark web certificate authorities to validate HTTPS connections. Your browser probably won’t warn if you are about to enter a malicious website.
The dark web is not a place to browse aimlessly. You’ll need to find and verify URLs for the sites you want to visit ahead of time. You can find these URLs through other members of the dark web community whom you trust.
Do not look up dark web URLs on the clear web using Google or another search engine. The URLs posted on the clear web for novice dark web users to find are often malicious or outdated. In one example, Comparitech uncovered a fraudulent bitcoin mixing site on the dark web that featured prominently in Google search results.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Yes, broadly speaking, it is legal to access the dark web in most countries. But not everything on the dark web is legal.
The dark web is just the name for all of the Tor hidden services on the internet, including websites with .onion URLs that can only be accessed with the Tor Browser. Many of the sites on the dark web are perfectly legal and legitimate.
The dark web can be used to hide and anonymously operate as a criminal, which makes it a popular place to exchange illegal goods and services. These might include drugs, malware, or sexual material, among others. Extremist groups and criminal gangs can use the dark web to recruit and coordinate their activities. So there are parts of the dark web that you should certainly avoid from a legal standpoint.
Should I use my VPN with Tor or I2P?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to use a VPN with Tor or I2P will depend on your specific needs and goals. However, in general, using a VPN with Tor can be a good way to improve your online privacy and security, while using a VPN with I2P can be a good way to increase your anonymity and protect your privacy.
Is it illegal to visit onion sites?
No, there is no law that prohibits visiting onion sites. However, accessing these sites is not always legal. For example, some onion sites may host illegal content such as child pornography. As a result, it is important to always be aware of the legality of any site before visiting.
How do I access the dark web on my iPhone safely?
First, it’s important to know that while Tor Browser has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux, there isn’t an app for iOS. However, you can still access the dark web on your iPhone safely. The Tor Project recommends you use Onion Browser. This is available to download on the App Store. It encrypts your traffic through the Tor network and doesn’t save your search history. Furthermore, your ISP won’t be able to see your browsing.
While Onion Browser is the best way to access the dark web on your iPhone securely, as its site states, it “does not guarantee security or privacy on its own”. For example, it only encrypts traffic within the Onion Browser app and not that of apps on your iOS device. If you want to access the dark web on your iPhone with even greater security, it’s a good idea to also use one of the best VPNs for the dark web as detailed in this post.
Can my ISP see that I'm accessing the dark web?
If you're using a trustworthy VPN while navigating the dark web, your ISP won't be able to monitor your online activities. By encrypting your data and routing it through a remote server, a VPN effectively conceals your actions from your ISP. However, without a VPN, your ISP can detect that you're using Tor (commonly used to access the dark web) but won't be able to pinpoint the specific content you're viewing. To ensure the utmost privacy and security, we highly recommended using a reputable VPN service when browsing the dark web or partaking in any sensitive online activities.
Related post: Dark Web Monitoring Tools
Isn’t Tor too slow to watch videos on the dark web? What can I use instead (on top of using a VPN)?
Tor is probably too slow for most video streaming, but it’s the only way to access most of the dark web. If the videos are hosted on the dark web (the URL has a .onion TLD), then you probably have no choice but to use Tor. If not, you can use a VPN with your web browser in incognito/private browsing mode.