5 Best VPNs for Dark Web in 2025
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Most often, people do not know the best VPNs for the dark web and or even what the dark web is. The dark web is that hidden layer of the internet that most people never see. The dark web does not show up in search engines, unlike regular websites. You cannot access it through Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or other regular browsers either. To access the dark web, you need to use the Tor (The Onion Router) browser. Tor browser hides your identity and lets you explore the dark web.
So why do people use the dark web? Many people are privacy seekers. They use the dark web to browse anonymously and without being tracked. For example, journalists or whistleblowers use the dark web to share sensitive information without revealing their identities. Similarly, researchers or cybersecurity experts use the dark web to check for cyberthreats or illegal activities. And then there are people who are just curious about what the dark web is and want to see what it looks like.
Dark web is said to be the “underground” of the internet because it offers both positive and negative spaces. On the positive side, it allows people to communicate anonymously, access censored information, and protect their privacy. On the negative side, it is known for hosting illegal marketplaces, scams, and criminal activities such as stealing people’s data or tricking people into losing money. This makes the dark web a risky place for beginner users, as they can easily fall into trouble. This is a big reason why not everyone uses the dark web.
This is where a good, reliable VPN protects you while surfing the dark web. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your original identity by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. Even though you need to use Tor, your internet provider can still see what you are accessing. So, to be extra protected against hacking and possible surveillance, you should use a reliable VPN. This way, your activity stays private and your location stays hidden on dark web. It is like putting on armor before stepping into unknown territory.
How to use the dark web with VPN?
These are the steps to use the dark web with a VPN.
- Pick a reliable and trustworthy VPN with strong encryption features.
- Download the VPN on your device. Log in and connect to a server.
- Enable safety key features. e.g. kill switch and DNS leak protection.
- Download the Tor browser available for free on the official Tor Project website.
- Ensure that your VPN is connected and then open the Tor browser.
- When done, close the Tor browser first and only then disconnect your VPN. This ensures no trace of your activity leaks outside the secure tunnel.
Dark web websites usually end with .onion instead of .com or .org.
5 best VPNs for the dark web in 2025
VPN matters a lot when it comes to accessing the dark web. After reviewing multiple VPNs and comparing their privacy features, we have selected these five best VPNs for dark web safe surfing in 2025.
1. EonVPN
EonVPN is the best free dark web VPN. It is the perfect option for someone who wants security and privacy while using free VPN for dark web browsing on Windows.
EonVPN is free forever with no credit card needed at all. You get global access with 40+ servers across 8+ countries, including Germany, Australia, Italy, and the United States. EonVPN keeps no logs and encrypts your traffic using military grade AES-256 encryption protocol to keep you secure on dark web. It also has an in-built kill switch feature, which disconnects the internet if the VPN connection is lost. The service is popular with 441k+ registered users.
Unlike many free VPNs, EonVPN is a free dark web VPN that does not sell your user data. It does this by borrowing a small part of your unused internet bandwidth to carry secure enterprise traffic. This business model is especially safe for dark web surfing because it removes the risks that come with ads trackers, or weak free VPN services.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN has consistently been a top choice for privacy. It offers different security features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and lots of optimized servers that allow you to access the dark web securely.
But NordVPN’s hefty price plans are hard to ignore. Also it’s heavy marketing has made it a target for hackers as they know many users rely on it. So the risk of being attacked by hackers may be high while using NordVPN.
3. PureVPN
PureVPN scores high in user-friendliness and affordability. With over 6,000 servers in 65 + countries, beginners appreciate its easy setup, strong device compatibility, and helpful guides and tutorials.
On the downside, PureVPN carries some privacy concerns. It does claim a no-logs policy, but it has a history of logging certain data, which once aided law enforcement in tracing a user. Additionally, its speed and usability performance can be inconsistent.
4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is famous for its privacy-first design. It offers open-source software, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced features such as the “Stealth Mode” protocol that helps bypass censorship.
However, ProtonVPN is not perfect for dark web users. Its signup process for anonymous subscription is tiring. Plus, the free plan has limited servers and slow speeds, and the premium options are relatively expensive.
5. IVPN
IVPN is a highly privacy-focused VPN. It is open-source, and offers both AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption protocols. IVPN’s strict no-logs policy is audited annually by third-party firms and includes a reliable kill switch and ad/tracker blocking.
On the downside, IVPN has relatively slow speeds and a limited server network. IVPN maintains a small IP pool per server to enhance privacy, but that can cause access issues such as trouble reaching certain websites and experiencing extra captchas.
How to surf dark web safely?
Before you surf the dark web, ALWAYS use a powerful and reliable VPN. However, remember any VPN is not a magic shield. Here are 12 habits you need to surf the dark web safely along with using a VPN:
- Stay anonymous, never share personal details e.g. name, phone, address, credit card info on dark web.
- Never download random files.
- Avoid clicking on random ads and avoid using illegal markets because they can get you into serious financial trouble.
- Always access .onion sites on Tor using trusted directories (like The Hidden Wiki) to find .onion sites on dark web, but do stay cautious.
- Do not log into personal accounts like gmail or facebook while you are browsing the dark web.
- Keep VPN’s kill switch enabled.
- Regularly update your operating system and browser.
- If you can, use a separate device for added security.
- Cover your camera and microphone.
- cNever enable JavaScript or plugins.
- Don’t resize your browser window.
- Clear your data after each session.
A good VPN can save you like a seatbelt, but you still need to drive carefully.
How to choose the best VPN for the dark web?
Not every VPN is suitable for dark web usage. How do you choose the best VPN for the dark web? Here are the VPN features that matter the most for safe surfing on the dark web.
A strict no-logs policy means that the VPN service does not collect or store any data about your online activity. This is especially useful because your identity remains safe even if authorities request data.
These are industry-standard encryption protocols and are considered virtually unbreakable. AES-256 is used by governments and militaries. ChaCha20 is efficient on mobile devices and is faster. Both of these encryption protocols ensure that your data is protected from hackers and surveillance.
A kill switch immediately cuts off your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly. This protects your real IP address from being exposed while browsing on Tor.
Not every VPN works smoothly with the Tor network. Some providers offer Onion over VPN, also called Tor over VPN feature that routes your traffic through the VPN first and then into Tor. This gives extra security but can affect the performance of the dark web.
Many VPN companies make big claims about privacy, but only those that actually undergo third-party audits can back it up.
Conclusion
Surfing the dark web can be interesting, but it is not a place to explore recklessly. So, in 2025, if you want to get more confidence to explore the dark web, always use a trusted VPN for the dark web and pair it with safe browsing habits.
FAQs
What browser is good for the dark web?
Tor Browser is good for the dark web. It hides your location and encrypts your traffic using onion routing to give you protection while surfing the dark web.
What is onion routing?
In onion routing, your data is wrapped in multiple layers of encryption, like an onion. It is then sent through a chain of servers called nodes. Each node removes only one encryption layer and passes the data to the next. The final node decrypts the last layer and delivers the data to its destination.
Is the dark web real?
Yes, the dark web is real. It is that part of the internet which is not indexed or listed by standard search engines unless you use specialized software like Tor to access it.
