For example, some people use it to read news in censorship-heavy countries.

Thats because theres not much information about the sites it’s possible for you to browse.

Pro Tip:Using a VPN can protect your privacy while accessing the dark web.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

I recommendExpressVPN it has servers in 105 countries and has industry-leading security and privacy features to secure your browsing.

Remember: you are responsible for using the dark web responsibly and following all local laws.

At SafetyDetectives, we are strongly opposed to using the web for any criminal activity.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

I really like that there are different site categories.

This makes it very easy to find the content you want.

The brief website descriptions are very accurate, too.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

Only a few links are incorrect or no longer active.

Always read the sites description before clicking the link.

Ahmia is a search engine for .onion sites you search for a keyword and Ahmia retrieves relevant results.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

I tested it 10+ times, and it always provided me with accurate search results.

So, search results wont be based on your browsing history, location, or anything else.

Startpage is similar to DuckDuckGo.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

The website sees Startpage visiting the site, not you.

It also always uses a secure HTTPS connection, so youre safer on public Wi-Fi networks too.

Its also available as an app or net net app extension for normal browsers like Firefox.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

Haystak is one of the most popular darknet search engines.

Its pretty fast, too.

I like that it provides an option to report illegal content, such as child pornography or human trafficking.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

The site does its best to take down these results quickly.

It doesnt censor out any content, so youll have free access to more than 400,000 indexed pages.

This also means you wont come across many dead sites.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

News & Media

Facebooks dark web version works just like the clearnet site.

However, Facebooks dark web version will still log your data, so keep that in mind.

While your IP address is hidden, the site can still collect information you share on your profile.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

Darknetlive contains articles about everything related to the dark web.

Articles are published regularly and include interesting information, images, and quotes from officials.

Im a fan of how you’re able to search articles by tag.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

For example, cryptocurrency has 48 results.

it’s possible for you to use the list to avoid shady or illegal marketplaces.

ProPublica exposes corruption and abuses of power through investigative journalism.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

you might also getProton UnlimitedandProton Duoplans that add even more extras.

Its used by 50+ news organizations, including ABC, Bloomberg News, CBC, andThe New York Times.

SecureDrop protects your privacy by encrypting your data, which makes it unreadable.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

Also, it doesnt log your IP address or any information about your net net app or gadget.

Moreoever, the servers are owned by the organizations that use the service.

This is a free service that lets you upload images to share them with other people.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

I uploaded and shared an image on Facebook in less than 10 seconds.

Image Hosting supports 6 image formats and a maximum image size of 3 MB.

Riseup is a secure email and chat service that doesnt track or store your activity.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

Its run by volunteers in the US and focuses on privacy, security, and supporting social justice.

The platform is independent and funded by donations and not ads or big companies.

you could use Riseup on the regular internet or through the Tor web link for extra privacy.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

Its onion site lets you access email without revealing your identity.

Its a good choice for people in risky situations and censored countries.

The blog contains tons of useful guides about how you could avoid online surveillance.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

The site saves text and images, but it cant save videos and sounds.

it’s possible for you to also search for snapshots using keywords.

For example, I looked upgoogle.comand was able to find a snapshot of Googles home page from 2008.

Best Sites on the Dark Web in 2025

OnionName lets you buy readable .onion domains.

The keyword in that example is onioname, which is right at the start of the .onion link.

With a readable site name like that, people will know what to expect when they hit the link.

ExpressVPN

OnionName only accepts payments in Bitcoin.

Only use .onion links that come from legitimate sources like The Hidden Wiki.

Its also a playground for cybercriminals, illegal activities, and shady stuff.

Norton

Yes,but you better be cautiousbecause there are many malicious sites on the dark web.

Always ensure youre using the correct .onion link.

The best way to do that is to get the link from legitimate sources, like The Hidden Wiki.

What Is the Dark Web & How to Stay Safe

I also recommend using an antivirus (like Norton360) to protect your gear from malware infections.

Is it illegal to use the dark web?

It depends on what country youre in.

how to stay safe on the dark web

I strongly advise doing your own research to ensure youre not breaking any local laws byvisiting the dark web.

Is it safe to visit the dark web on an iOS or Android equipment?

Yes, but you oughta take some precautions to avoid cyber threats.

How to Browse the Dark Web on Any Device

Also, only use .onion links from legitimate sources like The Hidden Wiki.

Which is better Tor over VPN or VPN over Tor?

Thats helpful because Tor can suffer IP leaks and malicious actors can run Tor servers.

How to Browse the Dark Web on Any Device

Whats the difference between the dark web and deep web?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but theyre not the same.

Heres the difference:

How to Browse the Dark Web on Any Device

To find .onion links for dark web sites, youll need touse a dark web search engine.