Venturing into the shadowy realms of the dark web can be a daunting journey, fraught with potential risks and pitfalls. This hidden segment of the internet, accessible only through specialized tools like Tor, serves as a bastion of anonymity, offering both valuable privacy for activists and journalists and a murky haven for illegal activities. To handle these hidden waters safely, one must arm oneself with more than just knowledge and caution; a robust virtual private network (VPN) becomes necessary.

The best VPNs for the dark web are not just tools but shields, guarding users against the myriad threats lurking in the anonymity they provide. They encrypt your online traffic, mask your real IP address, and ensure that your digital investigations remain confidential and secure. The critical role VPNs play in accessing the dark web safely highlights the features and strengths of the top contenders in the market. Among the myriad options, NordVPN stands out as one of the best VPNs for the dark web, offering unparalleled security and privacy features.

How to Access the Dark Web Safely

To access the dark web safely, a specialized browser like Tor is essential, but this is just the first step. Improving your security with one of the best VPNs for the dark web, such as NordVPN, is critical.

This combination encrypts your internet traffic and conceals your real IP address, adding an important layer of security. NordVPN, with its robust encryption standards, vast network of servers, and strict no-logs policy, ensures that your venture into the dark web is shielded from prying eyes, making it a top choice for dark web explorers.

Why Do You Need a VPN for the Dark Web?

Venturing into the dark web without a VPN is similar to walking through a storm without an umbrella. A VPN is important—it encrypts your internet connection, shielding your activities and identity from management and cyber threats.

NordVPN, recognized as one of the best VPNs for the dark web, offers comprehensive protection. Its encrypted tunnels route your connection through secure servers, safeguarding your data from potential interception and ensuring your dark web activities remain confidential.

12+ Best VPNs for the Dark Web

The dark web, a hidden layer of the internet accessible only through specific tools like Tor, promises anonymity and privacy. However, this secrecy also comes with risks, including potential surveillance and cyber threats. Using a VPN in conjunction with Tor is not just a recommendation; it’s a crucial step for anyone looking to explore the dark web securely.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service known for its robust security features, making it an excellent choice for dark web users. With a vast global network of over 5,400 servers, it ensures fast and reliable connections. NordVPN employs AES-256 encryption, the strongest available, ensuring that your data is safe.

It supports Double VPN, routing your traffic through two servers for an extra layer of security, and offers a strict no-logs policy to guarantee your privacy. The automatic kill switch and dedicated IP options further enhance your online anonymity, making NordVPN one of the best VPNs for the dark web.

Features: 

• Large Server Network: Ensures fast and reliable access to the dark web from anywhere in the world.
  
  
• Strong Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption for top-notch security.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: Guarantees that your browsing history is not recorded or stored.
  
  
• Automatic Kill Switch: Protects your data from accidental exposure if the VPN connection drops.
  
  
• Dedicated IP: Offers a personal IP address for even greater privacy.
  
  
• Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two VPN servers for double encryption.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark stands out for its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices with a single subscription. It offers a suite of security features, including AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, ensuring a smoother browsing experience.

The MultiHop feature routes your traffic through multiple servers, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. Additionally, Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency payments, allowing for anonymous subscriptions, which is particularly appealing for dark web users prioritizing privacy.

Features: 

• Anonymous Payment: Accepts cryptocurrency for privacy-focused users.
  
  
• MultiHop: Routes traffic through multiple servers for added security.
  
  
• CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: This does not store user activity or connection logs.
  
  
• Unlimited Devices: Support for unlimited simultaneous connections.

3. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a reliable choice for those exploring the dark web, offering strong encryption and a solid no-logs policy to keep your online activities private. It features SafeSwap servers that rotate your IP address as you browse, enhancing anonymity. Atlas VPN also includes a data breach monitor, alerting you if your personal information is compromised.

Despite being newer to the VPN market, it has quickly proved itself as a provider committed to user security and privacy, with its free version attracting users who wish to try out the service before committing.

Features:

• SafeSwap: Allows users to access the internet from several IP addresses.
  
  
• Data Breach Monitor: Alerts users if their data is compromised.
  
  
• Strong Encryption: Protects data with AES-256 encryption.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: No logging of users’ online activities.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is tailored for users seeking clarity and robust protection. It offers specialized ‘Surf Anonymously’ profiles, optimizing settings for maximum privacy. With an automatic kill switch and a strict no-logs policy, CyberGhost ensures your dark web activities remain confidential.

Its expansive network of over 6,000 servers in 90 countries provides reliable access to the dark web from anywhere. CyberGhost also stands out for its user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for VPN novices and experienced users alike.

Features: 

• Surf Anonymously Option: Dedicated profiles for enhanced privacy.
  
  
• AES-256 Encryption: Ensures secure web browsing.
  
  
• Automatic Kill Switch: Safeguards data if the VPN connection fails.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: Guarantees privacy by not tracking online activity.
  
  
• Global Servers: Extensive server network for accessing content worldwide.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is renowned for its speed and strong security measures. Its Network Lock feature, an advanced kill switch, protects your data if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. With TrustedServer technology, it ensures that all servers run on RAM, making data storage temporary and even more secure.

ExpressVPN offers a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your dark web browsing is private and secure. Its wide server network and high-speed connections make it one of the best VPNs for the dark web, providing a seamless and safe online experience.

Features:

• Network Lock Feature: Keeps data safe during unexpected VPN dropouts.
  
  
• TrustedServer Technology: Ensures servers run on RAM, not hard drives.
  
  
• High-speed Servers: Optimized for fast connections.
  
  
• Strong Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption for data security.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: A commitment to user privacy and no activity logs.

6. FastestVPN

FastestVPN lives up to its name by offering above-average speeds, making it ideal for downloading and streaming on the dark web. A notable feature is its NAT Firewall, which provides an added layer of security against malicious connections.

FastestVPN also includes an ad blocker to enhance your browsing experience and a strict no-logs policy to ensure your privacy. It’s a cost-effective solution for users seeking reliable performance and security.

Features:

• Above Average Speeds: Optimized for quick internet access.
  
  
• AES-256 Encryption: Military-grade security.
  
  
• NAT Firewall: An additional layer of security.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: Strict policy to ensure privacy.
  
  
• Ad Blocker: Integrated ad-blocking feature.

7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN offers a unique Tor-over-VPN feature, allowing for seamless access to the Tor network while benefiting from the added security of a VPN. It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data and adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your activities remain private.

PrivateVPN is known for its high-speed connections and ability to bypass geo-restrictions, making it a versatile choice for both dark web browsing and accessing global content. Its commitment to user privacy and security makes it a strong contender among the best VPNs for the dark web.

Features:

• Tor-over-VPN: Extra layer of security by accessing Tor via VPN.
  
  
• Strong Encryption: AES-256 encryption for secure communications.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: Ensures your internet usage isn’t tracked or recorded.
  
  
• IPv6 Leak Protection: Protects against data leaks.
  
  
• High-speed Connections: Optimized for speed without compromising security.

8. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is recognized for its lightning-fast speeds, thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol. It offers military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your dark web activities are secure and private. Hotspot Shield’s automatic kill switch is a crucial safety feature, protecting your data from exposure if the VPN connection fails.

Despite some controversy over privacy practices in the past, Hotspot Shield has made significant improvements, becoming a trusted VPN provider for users seeking speed and security.

Features:

• Strict No-logs Policy: Does not collect or store browsing activity.
  
  
• Military-grade Encryption: Protects online activities with AES-256 encryption.
  
  
• Catapult Hydra Protocol: Offers faster speeds and reliable connections.
  
  
• Automatic Kill Switch: Protects data in case the VPN connection drops.

9. IPVanish

IPVanish excels with its strong encryption standards and self-owned server network, ensuring fast and secure access to the dark web. It offers a complete no-logs policy, safeguarding your privacy from third parties. The LAN traffic blocking feature is particularly useful for users on public Wi-Fi, controlling local devices from detecting your VPN use.

IPVanish supports unlimited concurrent connections, making it an excellent choice for users with multiple devices. Its commitment to user privacy and security makes it a reliable VPN for dark web browsing.

Features:

• LAN Traffic Blocking: Prevents local network discovery while connected.
  
  
• AES-256 Encryption: For secure internet access.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: Commitment to user privacy.
  
  
• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Connect multiple devices at once.
  
  
• SOCKS5 Web Proxy: Offers enhanced anonymity.

10. Windscribe

Windscribe sets itself apart with its robust encryption and privacy features, including R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable blocker that filters out ads, trackers, and malicious content. It offers a great free plan, making it accessible for users looking to protect their online activities without a financial commitment.

Windscribe’s strict no-logs policy and transparent privacy practices ensure that your dark web browsing remains anonymous and secure. Its network of servers in over 63 countries provides reliable access to content worldwide, making Windscribe a versatile choice for privacy-conscious users.

Features:

• Military-grade Encryption: AES-256 cipher with SHA512 auth & a 4096-bit RSA key.
  
  
• R.O.B.E.R.T.: Customizable blocker for ads, malware, and trackers.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: Does not store identifying logs.
  
  
• Large Network: Servers in over 63 countries and 110 cities.

11. AirVPN

Developed by activists and hacktivists, AirVPN offers an impressive level of transparency and security. It provides DNS leak protection and uses OpenVPN protocol to safeguard your online activities. AirVPN’s commitment to net objectivity, privacy, and censorship is reflected in its service, offering real-time user and server statistics to its users.

For all its somewhat technical interface, it remains a favorite among users who prioritize privacy and freedom of information, making it a strong choice for accessing the dark web securely.

Features:

• DNS Leak Protection: Ensures DNS requests are fully encrypted.
  
  
• OpenVPN Protocol: Utilizes OpenVPN for secure internet traffic.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: Privacy-focused, does not monitor or record online activity.
  
  
• Network Transparency: Detailed network status information for users.

12. Mullvad

Mullvad emphasizes ease of use and anonymity, offering a simple setup process that requires no email address or personal information. Users can even pay in cash, enhancing privacy. It uses strong encryption and operates under a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your dark web activities are kept secret.

Mullvad’s unique account system, based on randomly generated numbers instead of personal details, sets a high standard for user privacy and security among VPN services, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing anonymity on the dark web.

Features:

• Easy to Use: Simple setup process.
  
  
• Anonymous Account System: No email or personal info is required.
  
  
• Cash Payment Option: Allows for anonymous subscriptions.
  
  
• Strong Encryption: Keeps internet traffic private and secure.
  
  
• No-logs Policy: A strict policy to ensure user privacy.

13. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is lauded for its focus on security and privacy, making it a stellar choice for dark web users. Developed by the team behind the secure email service ProtonMail, this VPN service stands out for its strong commitment to user privacy. ProtonVPN offers Tor over VPN functionality, allowing users to access Onion sites directly without the Tor browser.

Additionally, its free tier offers respectable speeds and unlimited bandwidth, a rarity among free VPN services. The integration of Perfect Forward Secrecy ensures that your encrypted traffic cannot be captured and decrypted later, even if an encryption key gets compromised, further solidifying ProtonVPN’s position as one of the best VPNs for the dark web.

Features:

• No-logs Policy: Adheres to a strict policy of not recording user activity.
  
  
• Secure Core Servers: Routes traffic through multiple servers to enhance privacy.
  
  
• Tor Over VPN: Direct access to Onion sites without needing the Tor browser.
  
  
• Perfect Forward Secrecy: Ensures that current encryption keys cannot be used to decrypt past sessions.
  
  
• Unlimited Bandwidth: Offers unlimited bandwidth, even on its free tier.
  
  
• High-Speed Connections: Provides fast connection speeds on its paid plans.

Dark Web stats and facts

• Surge in Activity: The Dark Web saw over 2.5 million daily visitors in 2023, with a notable spike to 2.7 million in April.
• Illicit Activities: More than half of these visitors were involved in illegal activities.
• Financial Transactions: An estimated $1.5 billion was exchanged on the Dark Web in 2022 for illegal transactions.
• Growth in Drug Sales: Illicit drug sales on the Dark Web are expected to grow by 15% annually.
• Market Dynamics: Despite the 2022 shutdown of Hydra Market, new darknet markets have quickly filled the gap.
• Increased Malware: There’s been a significant rise in the volume of malware, challenging cybersecurity efforts.
• Dark Web Price Index 2023: Prices for many items and services have dropped due to increased competition among sellers.
• Resilient Economy: Efforts to dismantle illegal marketplaces have not led to a long-term decrease in sales volume, highlighting the persistent demand for illicit goods and services.
• Hub for Threat Actors: The Dark Web continues to be a primary meeting ground for threat actors, facilitating the exchange of illegal goods and services.
• Robust Dark Web Economy: Despite crackdowns, the economy of the Dark Web remains strong, indicating a continuous flow of goods and services.

Conclusion

The best VPNs for the dark web offer more than just access; they provide a shield, safeguarding your privacy and security in a realm where anonymity is paramount. From NordVPN’s double-layered encryption to ProtonVPN’s secure core servers, each VPN on our list brings important features to the table, ensuring your dark web explorations are protected from prying eyes and potential threats. Whether you seek the anonymity of Tor over VPN, the assurance of a strict no-logs policy, or the strength of AES-256 encryption, choosing the right VPN is a critical step in securing your digital footprint. Remember, in the vast and often unpredictable expanse of the dark web, the best VPNs for the dark web are your first line of defense, offering peace of mind in uncertainty.