To protect the browser activity and remain anonymous and secure, most people use a VPN for Dark Web. The Dark Web is an umbrella term for websites that are mainly tied to illegal activity and can only be accessed via the Tor browser. If you want to add another layer of anonymity to your Dark Web browsing sessions, then a VPN is the best tool for the job.
Top 12 VPNs for Dark Web
- ExpressVPN - Network lock feature
- NordVPN - Onion Over VPN feature
- Surfshark - Anonymous paying
- FastestVPN - Above average speeds
- CyberGhost - Surf Anonymously option
- PrivateVPN - Tor-over-VPN
- Hotspot Shield - Strict no-logs policy
- IPVanish - LAN traffic blocking
- Windscribe - Military-grade encryption
- AirVPN - DNS leak protection
- Mullvad - Easy to use
- hide.me - Privacy check feature
ATTENTION! Even though using the Dark Web is legal in most countries, the illegal activity that regularly happens there makes it a dangerous place. That’s why it’s probably not the best part of the internet for you to visit frequently and you should be extremely careful when navigating the Dark Web.
The list below goes over only the VPN for the Dark Web services that will allow you to remain completely anonymous not only when browsing, but when sending payments as well. All of them also provide secure encoding and protection from leaks as well as fast and reliable internet speed.
1. ExpressVPN – Our Choice
- No identifying logs
- Accepts bitcoins
- Has its own onion website
- Fast and stable speed
- None detected
Verdict: ExpressVPN doesn’t register your real IP address or any of the internet traffic content that goes through its servers. It has a web blocker (also known as an emergency switch) that stops any data transfer in case you abruptly lose your connection.
ExpressVPN accepts bitcoin as payment and even hosts a mirror website on the Dark Web, which can only be accessed via Tor, meaning you can register while remaining completely incognito. All things considered, the answer to “Is ExpressVPN good for Dark Web?” is a resounding “Yes!”
2. NordVPN
- No logs
- Blocks harmful pop-up windows
- Supports up to 6 simultaneous connections
- Multiple adjustable security features
- Desktop app can work slowly at times
Verdict: NordVPN is a reliable VPN Dark Web software that doesn’t store any logs about its users or their internet activity. Among its global server network, you can find a Tor over VPN option that will automatically direct your traffic through the Tor Dark Web once it leaves the VPN tunnel.
Regardless of whether you’re using Tor over VPN or not, you receive military-grade encoding, an emergency switch for specific apps and reliable leak protection. The speed is decent in all directions and you can connect up to 6 devices at the same time. NordVPN accepts bitcoins and Ethereum.
3. Surfshark
- No limits on the number of connections
- Unblocks Hotstar and similar services abroad
- Unlimited number of devices on a single account
- No bandwidth restrictions
- Doesn’t have a router app
Verdict: Surfshark dedicates a lot of attention to safety and confidentiality, which makes it the best VPN for Dark Web browsing. It boasts 256-bit AES encoding, an emergency switch (available in all versions of the program) and IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection systems.
Users that care about confidentiality can pay in bitcoins, Etherium, or Ripple and type in a single-use email to remain almost completely anonymous. Additionally, this provider doesn’t have any restrictions regarding the maximum number of connections.
4. FastestVPN
- Low costs
- Bonus storage, manager
- Unlimited torrents
- Less extensive features
- Some minor tech problems
Verdict: FastestVPN stands out as a strong contender in the VPN landscape, excelling even in the hidden corners of the Dark Web. It offers compatibility with various devices such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Fire TV, providing comprehensive protection. The service also extends its security features to routers, covering more than 20 different platforms.
The true strength of FastestVPN lies in its optimized servers, specifically designed for rapid speeds of up to 10Gbps and beyond. This optimizes your browsing experience, eliminating buffering and reducing high ping rates. The WireGuard protocol, known for its speed, further enhances this capability, ensuring smooth streaming and efficient navigation.
5. CyberGhost
- Large network of high-speed servers
- No logs
- 7 simultaneous connections on multiple devices
- Terrific speed
- Lacks Tor-specific features
Verdict: CyberGhost is a terrific VPN service for viewing sites on the Dark Web thanks to the reliable encryption, leak protection, emergency shutdown, and zero journal policy. It doesn’t restrict your speed or bandwidth in any way and it even has dedicated servers that were optimized for torrents.
This is probably the best free VPN for Dark Web if you’re a beginner, as it offers a broad range of preset security features like automatic scanning for harmful programs and adblocking.
6. PrivateVPN
- Masking function
- Allows Tor-over-VPN connections
- Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously
- No logs
- Unstable speed when connecting
- Online chat isn’t available 24/7
Verdict: PrivateVPN, being one of the best VPNs for torrenting, provides unrestricted bandwidth and allows you to freely transfer torrents.
By using 256-bit encryption, IPv6, WebRTC and DNS leak protection, and an emergency shutdown feature, PrivateVPN hides your internet traffic from prying eyes.
PrivateVPN also has a masking function, which serves to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Moreover, you can manually adjust this service for VPN-over-Tor.
7. Hotspot Shield
- Servers in 70 different countries
- Low system requirements
- Very fast
- Allows simultaneously connecting up to 5 devices
- Occasional speed drops
- Free version has advertisements
Verdict: Hotspot Shield is one of the best free VPN for Windows thanks to its state-of-the-art traffic encryption technology. Even though it’s not optimized for Tor access, you can still use it to reach the Dark Web. However, you’ll have to make peace with a reduced speed.
A huge advantage of this option is that it’s not demanding on your system. Your data is protected by 256-bit AES encryption, allowing you to remain anonymous on the Dark Web.
However, you should be careful as a lot of hackers are currently sharing a Hotspot Shield crack online, which can be extremely dangerous for your device.
8. IPVanish
- 1300 servers in over 60 countries
- Expanded safety and confidentiality features
- Up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Obfuscation function
- Doesn’t accept bitcoins
Verdict: IPVanish is among the fastest VPNs around, while also offering high levels of confidentiality and security. With each subscription, you receive top-notch encryption, reliable leak prevention, and a log-free policy.
IPVanish includes several functions that can’t be found in other VPNs: LAN traffic blocking and OpenVPN traffic obfuscation, as well as the ability to change your IP address at regular intervals, allowing you to always stay anonymous while browsing the Dark Web.
9. Windscribe
- Unlimited number of connected devices
- No session logs
- P2P is allowed on most servers
- Available for all devices
- Free version has ads
- Occasional speed drops
Verdict: Windscribe is an all-encompassing free package that offers many features that you can find in its premium plans. It uses military-grade encryption, a strict no journal policy, and a built-in ad and virus blocker.
The connection speed can be unstable. Windscribe’s free servers tend to be overloaded from time to time, which can cause performance drops.
This option is a terrific choice for users, who want to remain anonymous while browsing Dark Web websites. Even the free plan doesn’t require you to enter personal information when registering. Additionally, you can pay in bitcoins to keep your identity hidden.
10. AirVPN
- High confidentiality
- 3-day free trial
- Accepts cryptocurrencies as payment
- Emergency switch
- Can be too complex for beginners
Verdict: AirVPN is a terrific and incredibly secure Dark Web VPN provider. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, Tor web integration, and an emergency switch, making it a reliable choice for browsing the darker parts of the net.
AirVPN doesn’t collect logs and accepts a broad range of cryptocurrencies as payment. You don’t need to provide any personal information to create an account, not even a real email address.
The only potential drawback for beginners is that AirVPN was created by “hacktivists” and is primarily aimed at tech-savvy users. However, that doesn’t mean that beginners can’t learn how to use it properly, only that it can take some time and patience.
AirVPN offers a free 3-day trial version.
11. Mullvad
- Anonymous payments by cash or in cryptocurrency
- Doesn’t register your IP address
- High speed
- Unlocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Limited to 5 devices
Verdict: Mullvad doesn’t create activity logs and doesn’t request personal information during registration or after it. You don’t have to waste time configuring the service or during registration. The company encourages payments in cash and cryptocurrencies, which are often used by users in the Dark Web that want to remain anonymous and protected.
Mullvad is possibly the best VPN for Dark Web if you have a tight budget since it offers reasonably-priced monthly plans that don’t require you to sign a long-term contract.
Mullvad has reliable encryption protocols and incredibly fast servers. The software client is exceptionally easy to use and is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
12. hide.me
- 10 devices simultaneously
- Free version doesn’t have ads
- Separate tunneling
- Active technical support
- Server can be slow sometimes
Verdict: hide.me is a good free VPN that offers high download speed in the Dark Web and comes without any ads.
Unlike other VPN providers, you don’t have to study rocket science to start using hide.me. Simply connect to a VPN and use up to 10 devices at the same time.
hide.me has a convenient confidentiality check feature that allows you to see if you’re not drawing unwanted attention from other users on the Dark Web. Besides, you receive additional protection thanks to the automatic shutdown function and the no-log policy.
Keep in mind that it’s important to only use the licensed version and not pirated software like a Hide.me VPN Crack.
