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. These servers route internet traffic through the same tunneling protocol and guarantee privacy when browsing the Dark web.
Configure Tor For Privacy
The app makes it easy to find servers and switch between them as desired. This means that no data can be stored on them long-term — and is another privacy plus. You can use the VPN rated #1 for the dark web with no restrictions for a month – great if you want to browse anonymously and try its Tor over VPN servers for yourself. Your ISP only sees encrypted traffic going to a server and cannot detect that you are using Tor or connecting to Tor entry nodes. It then goes to the VPN server, where the VPN’s layer of encryption is removed, before going on to a Tor entry node. By using a VPN in conjunction with the Tor Browser, you’ll significantly enhance your online security and privacy while exploring the dark web.
You’ll be using this VPN for Netflix while at the same time, browsing through shady pages in Tor. Proton VPN’s apps include all the mentioned features, including the NetShield ad-blocker. This is amplified by the VPN Accelerator which can bump up the speed by up to 400%. While this provider isn’t the #1-rated VPN to use for the dark web, it’s pretty close; just three spots afar. PIA is so fair, it’s unfair to itself! That’s a silly price if you factor in a 30-day money-back guarantee.
VPNs To Avoid Using With Tor
One of its key benefits is unlimited bandwidth, which allows for unlimited dark web browsing. You’ll appreciate its added features, such as Threat Protection Pro, which shields you from malware and trackers. This provider excels in speed, performance, and security, making it the best VPN for the dark web.
So, once you’ve activated your VPN and your privacy is secured, it’s time to visit Tor’s official download page. Make sure that when you download the Tor file, it’s from their official website. Instead, you need to get the Tor browser to access the dark web. It’s impossible to access the dark web with a regular browser like Chrome or Safari. (And hackers are a big problem, especially on Dark Web websites. Read more about this in the “Words of Caution” section.)
Don’t Provide Personal Information
Since you now know what is the best dark web VPN, I think it’s the right time to talk about how to use it. Proton VPN is optimized for streaming and torrenting, with a handy ad blocker to clean up ads on your web pages. Like other dark net VPNs, Proton VPN works on all devices and is rated highly even on iOS and Android app stores.
- Along with providing unlimited bandwidth, CyberGhost VPN offers some of the fastest speeds of any VPN on the market.
- If you plan to purchase on a dark net marketplace or dark web commerce sites, you’ll need to create a fake identity.
- By encrypting communication before it gets to the Tor network, pairing Tor with a VPN gives a second degree of protection.
- Although it’s not as widely used as Tor, I2P can provide robust anonymity and is well-suited for peer-to-peer file sharing.
- It has a decent server network spread in 100 countries, offering unlimited bandwidth and fast and consistent speed.
Tails is better suited for users looking for quick, easy access to the dark web with minimal setup. Whonix is particularly suited for users who are concerned with security and wish to operate in a controlled environment. It also hides your IP address and browsing data from any malicious Tor volunteers.
Do I Need A VPN If I Use Tor?
However, it’s well worth noting that while the map-style interface on Nord’s mobile apps is good-looking, it might come across as a bit clunky, especially if you’re a beginner. So, whether you’re viewing important information on the dark web that’s blocked by your government or binge-watching your favorite TV show, you can rest assured that NordVPN won’t slow you down in the slightest. Even better, its mobile VPN apps come with dark web monitoring that will notify you if any of your details crop up in any dark web leaks. 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.
As explained earlier, you won’t be able to access the dark web the same way you would the surface web. Many dark websites use basic HTML, with few or no images. There are simply too many risks, such as honeypot sites set up by governments waiting for you to submit your info and fake marketplaces and scam sellers who won’t actually send you the items you buy. Disabling JavaScript, ActiveX, and Flash plugins, for example, will help to strengthen your privacy, though this may also cause some sites to run poorly. It has a range of settings you can configure to help with security and privacy. Take a look at your Tor Browser settings before you start your first dark web browsing session.
How To Access The Dark Web Safely With ExpressVPN? (Step-By-Step Guide)
Tor over VPN is not the preferred option as your ISP, and anyone watching will be able to see that you’re using the Tor browser. There aren’t any solid alternatives for VPNs when accessing the dark web. Yes, a VPN keeps you safe and private when browsing the dark web.
Secure Your Dark Web Sessions
The disadvantage is that you aren’t really leveraging the anonymizing power of the Tor network, making this solution a little less desirable than the one below. The simplest method is to connect to your VPN, open the Tor browser, then use the internet as normal. In other words, Tor takes the IP address assigned to you by a local service provider and switches it with a random, anonymous one from its own network. After a VPN, the second necessity for accessing the dark web is the Tor browser. VyprVPN features a free three day trial for anyone interested in trying it without committing to a full month. VyprVPN has a unique security advantage over other VPN providers.
NordVPN – Onion Over VPN + Fast Speeds & Cryptocurrency Payments
You might be underwhelmed by Proton VPN’s selection of servers for multi-hop compared to Surfshark, but there’s a good reason for it. You’re trading some user-friendliness for deeper control over your connection settings, making PIA ideal if you want to fine-tune your dark web browsing experience. Surfshark has completed a full upgrade of its server network, dubbed “Nexus”. Upgrading to Surfshark One gives you access to several privacy tools essential for browsing the dark web. The server location dropdown immediately recommends servers based on your location, but there’s also a favourites bar if you have a couple of key locations you need to keep coming back to. The service also includes identity theft insurance and data removal assistance from public websites.
The free version places a soft cap on your speed by putting you on a high-traffic server. This means that you can optimize your security for Tor browsing in an informed way. However, given all the features it offers, its value for money is excellent, plus you get a discount if you opt for the two-year plan. All of ExpressVPN’s servers use obfuscation technology, ensuring your ISP doesn’t detect VPN use.
Why Use Tor For Accessing The Dark Web?
If you have devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs, NordVPN also offers a Smart DNS feature that lets you access streaming platforms using smart TVs and games consoles. This negates the need to download, install, and run the Tor browser separately, and lets you access the Tor network without your ISP knowing. A dark web VPN prevents websites and your ISP from knowing when you’re using the Tor browser. It’s important to use a VPN when accessing the dark web to protect your online safety and identity. He strives to make complex cybersecurity topics accessible and understandable to the broadest audiences.
Are VPNs Legal?
It comprises websites, resources and services that aren’t indexed by regular web crawlers. The dark web is part of the deep web and is hosted on darknets and encrypted networks like Tor, Freenet and Riffle. We’ll also shed light on some of the legal uses of the dark web and show you how to access it securely in a detailed step-by-step guide. The dark web is part of the hidden web, which comprises non-indexed websites that are mostly used for illegal and illicit activity. The dark web is a controversial part of the internet, famous for being a hotbed for illegal and criminal activity. Yes, Tor offers a portable version that can run from USB devices.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN’s no-logging policy is among the best, with security audits from PwC, KPMG, and Cure53. AES-256 encryption is here and ExpressVPN even includes a proprietary DNS service, plus a kill switch. Once you do that, you can use ExpressVPN on all your devices and enjoy browsing the dark web.
