Quick Guide: How To Set Up A Dark Web VPN In 3 Easy Steps
Although your internet activity is encrypted on the Tor browser, combining a VPN and Tor is one of the safest ways to access the dark web. Below are the best VPNs that offer Tor over VPN so that you can securely access the dark web in 2024. Tor Browser prevents someone watching your connection from knowing what websites you visit.
FAQs On Accessing The Dark Web Safely
How Does Symlex VPN Protect You From The Dark Web?
Dark Web VPN: Protect Your Privacy with These 5 Top Picks
Then get a data-monitoring tool like Avast BreachGuard to keep your personal information safe. You can access the dark web from any computer; you just need to download Tor Browser or Brave. Then, there are plenty of legal sites to visit, from dark web search engines to Bitcoin wallets, privacy tools, and news sites. PrivateVPN might have fewer servers than some of the services in this list (roughly 200 spread across 63+ countries), but it provides much higher speeds.
The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood corner of the internet. It’s a place where people can buy and sell illegal goods and services, and where hackers and cybercriminals lurk. While the dark web can be a dangerous place, it’s what bitcoins are accepted by darknet markets also a valuable resource for journalists, researchers, and activists who need to communicate securely and anonymously. If you’re planning to venture into the dark web, it’s essential to protect your privacy with a reliable and secure VPN.
What is a VPN and How Does it Work?
If you’d like to learn more about how each type of software works and how they differ, you can read our full guide to Tor vs VPN services. The company behind Full Tor VPN, Full Dive, is also based in the US. This combined with its awful privacy policy make it a horrible choice for online browsing.
The quickest way to access the dark web is to download and install Tor Browser, which will route your traffic through the Tor network and let you access the dark web. On Tor, you can type in any URL you’d like to visit, including .onion domains on the dark web. Even though the dark web is touted as being private and secure, there are still risks involved. Just like the surface web, the dark web is riddled with scams, phishing sites, and malware designed to exploit new users who may not know any better. The dark web may be safe in some cases—think legitimate content—and not in others.
- Plus, they’re not as efficient in helping you navigate to where you want to go.
- Kape Technologies bought ExpressVPN in 2021 and now owns a number of leading brands.
- Also known as the darknet, the dark web constitutes a large part of illegal activity on the internet.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. When you connect to a VPN server, all your internet traffic is routed through that server, so it appears as if you’re browsing from the server’s location. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity or identify your real location.
When you’re using a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) can’t see what you’re doing online, and neither can hackers or government agencies. This is especially important when accessing the dark web, where anonymity is crucial. A VPN can also help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that’s blocked in your country.
5 Top Dark Web VPN Picks
There are many VPNs on the market, but not all of them are suitable for dark web browsing. Here are five top picks that offer robust security features, fast connection speeds, and reliable performance:
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a popular choice for dark web browsing, thanks to its strong security features and fast connection speeds. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, has a strict no-logs policy, and offers a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. It also has servers in 94 countries, so you can easily bypass geo-restrictions.
- NordVPN: NordVPN is another excellent choice for dark web browsing, with its military-grade encryption, double VPN feature, and Onion over VPN servers. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and it offers a kill switch and DNS leak protection. NordVPN also has a large server network, with over 5,000 servers in 60 countries.
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN that’s ideal for beginners. It offers strong security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. It also has dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, and its connection speeds are fast and reliable. CyberGhost has over 7,000 servers in 90 countries.
- Surfshark: Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t compromise on security or performance. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, has a strict no-logs policy, and offers a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Surfshark also has a unique feature called Camouflage Mode, which hides your VPN usage from your ISP. It has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries.
- Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is a well-established VPN that’s trusted by millions of users worldwide. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, has a no-logs policy, and offers a kill switch and DNS leak protection. It also has a large server network, with over 35,000 servers in 77 countries. Private Internet Access is also one of the few VPNs that supports the Tor network, making it an excellent choice for dark web browsing.
FAQs
- Is it legal to use a VPN for dark web browsing? Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN for dark web browsing in most countries. However, it’s important to note that some activities on the dark web are illegal, and using a VPN won’t protect you from prosecution if you’re caught engaging in illegal activities.
- Can I use a free VPN for dark web browsing? While there are many free VPNs on the market, we don’t recommend using them for dark web browsing. Free VPNs do darknet markets like dream charge vendors fees often have limited security features, slow connection speeds, and data caps. They may also sell your data to third-party advertisers or inject ads into your browser.
- How do I access the dark web? To access the dark web, you’ll need to use the Tor network, which is a free software that allows you to browse can you buy fentanyl over the counter the internet anonymously. You can download Tor from the official website and use it to access dark web sites, which typically have a .onion domain.
In conclusion, using a VPN is essential for protecting your privacy when browsing the dark web. The five VPNs we’ve recommended offer robust security features, fast how to acess the dark web connection speeds, and reliable performance. By using a VPN, you can browse the dark web with confidence, knowing that your online activity is secure and private.
Can my VPN see what I do on Tor?
They know you’re using a VPN, but can’t see what you’re doing or what sites you visit. VPNs can also make your Tor browser more private. When you use a VPN in combination with Tor, the only IP address the entry node sees is your new IP from the VPN — provided you connect before opening the Tor browser.
What is the name of the strongest VPN?
- NordVPN: Best for Most General Users.
- TorGuard VPN: Most Customizable VPN.
- TunnelBear: Excellent User Interface, Great for Beginners.
- Private Internet Access: Unlimited Simultaneous Connections but Expensive.
- ProtonVPN: Open-Source Privacy Protection With Solid Features.
Is Tor really anonymous?
Tor Browser is anonymous in terms of hiding your location and browsing activity — but there are limits. Although they can't see your browsing activity or Tor encrypted data, your ISP can still see that you're using Tor.