Best Dark Web VPN in 2024

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The best dark web VPN can help you browse the hidden parts of the internet and shield you from the privacy and security risks associated with it. Although the Tor browser is enough to access the dark web, the best VPNs will also prevent ISP tracking, malware infections, hacking attempts, and private information breaches.

Adding VPN protection on top of the Onion network makes your online activities impossible to track, which is why this combination is often used by journalists, whistleblowers, and political activists.

I’ve tested dozens of VPNs and explored their features, compatibility with Tor, and performance to find the best VPN for the dark web. Only a handful of providers made it to the list, starting with NordVPN, which proved the best.

The Best Dark Web VPNs Tested by Our Experts

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NordVPN – The Best Dark Web VPN Overall

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Surfshark – The Fastest VPN for Dark Web Browsing

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ExpressVPN – Best Dark Web VPN for Privacy

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PureVPN – Top Budget-Friendly VPN for the Dark Web

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CyberGhost VPN– Best Dark Web VPN for Beginners

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The 5 Best VPNs for the Dark Web at a Glance

  1. NordVPN – The best dark web VPN overall
  2. Surfshark – The fastest VPN for dark web browsing
  3. ExpressVPN – Best dark web VPN for privacy
  4. PureVPN – Top budget-friendly VPN for dark web users
  5. CyberGhost VPN – Best dark web VPN for beginners

Best Dark Web VPNs Reviewed

In this section, I’ll cover how the top dark web VPNs performed in my tests and which features I found best with each. I’ll also highlight their best pricing plans to help you make an informed decision.

1. NordVPN – The Best Dark Web VPN Overall

NordVPN logo

Server Fleet 6,400 in 111 countries
Max Devices and Compatibility 10 – Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser Extensions, Routers
Malware Protection
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial on Android
Starting Price $3.09/month
NordVPN is currently running a Black Friday pre-sale. Get up to 74% off now.
Why We Picked It

NordVPN’s balance between security and robust performance puts it ahead of the competition. It’s also one of the few dark web VPN providers with dedicated Onion servers, which eliminate the need for a separate dark web browser.

Performance

NordVPN delivers an impressive performance with its proprietary protocol, NordLynx, based on WireGuard. I tested its performance on a 1Gbps baseline connection, and it retained 930Mbps when connected to nearby servers.

Although using its dark web VPN servers reduced that to around 800Mbps, I had no buffering issues while watching videos on various news pages, such as The New York Times.

Features
  • Onion Over VPN – NordVPN’s Onion over VPN servers route your internet traffic through the Onion network. This boosts your privacy and lets you access the dark web even while using a regular browser.
  • Obfuscated Servers – Just as it hides your VPN usage while you browse the dark web, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers will prevent your ISP and other snoopers from tracking your activities on the regular web. I also found them highly effective at bypassing VPN blocks in countries with heavy censorship and online restrictions.
  • Security and Privacy Features – NordVPN offers robust malware protection, a reliable kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.
Pricing

NordVPN’s entry-level plan costs $3.09/month with a two-year subscription. However, I found its Plus plan to work best for dark web visitors, as it adds malware protection, one of the best password managers, and a data breach scanner.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee for each plan and a 7-day trial on iOS and Android, you can try NordVPN risk-free.

Who It’s Best For

NordVPN is fast and secure, and thanks to its Onion Over VPN servers, accessing the dark web is easier than ever. This makes it ideal for comprehensive protection and users who don’t want to use the Tor browser.

Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Unblocks most streaming services
  • Verified no-logs policy
  • Scans the dark web for leaks of your information
  • Robust anti-malware protection

Cons

  • Somewhat cluttered PC apps
NordVPN
9.5
Review

2. Surfshark – The Fastest VPN for Dark Web Browsing

Surfshark VPN logo

Server Fleet 3,200 in 100 countries
Max Devices and Compatibility Unlimited – Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser Extensions, Routers
Malware Protection
Free Version/Trial 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS
Starting Price $1.99/month
Surfshark is currently running a Black Friday pre-sale. Get up to 87% off now.
Why We Picked It

Surfshark is among the fastest VPNs, and its performance is equally impressive while you roam the dark web. It’s also one of the few dark web VPNs that protect unlimited devices for the price of one subscription.

Performance

Surfshark’s performance is impressive, and I never saw my connection drop below 950Mbps on the regular web. However, due to the nature of Tor, the speed dropped to 850Mbps while surfing the dark web.

Nevertheless, this didn’t significantly impact Surfshark’s exceptional performance while I streamed 4K videos and downloaded large files over Tor.

Features
  • NoBorders – Surfshark makes bypassing geo-restrictions easier than ever with NoBorders. If you run into an obstacle while browsing the dark web, Surfshark will automatically curate a list of VPN servers that could help you gain access.
  • RAM-Only Servers – Surfshark has a verified no-logs policy that prevents it from logging your browsing history. In addition, all its servers run on RAM, meaning all traces of your data get deleted with each reboot.
  • Security and Privacy Features – Surfshark offers one of the best antivirus solutions for dark web users, obfuscated servers, robust AES-256 encryption, and even webcam protection to help you stay safe online.
Pricing

Surfshark’s entry-level plan costs $1.99/month for two years and offers all of the core VPN features. I recommend getting the One plan, though, as it includes antivirus protection and advanced privacy protection tools for just $0.50 more per month.

There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for all Surfshark plans and a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS users.

Who It’s Best For

Surfshark is the best dark web VPN for users looking for speed and security for their entire family, as a single subscription covers unlimited devices.

Pros

  • Blazing-fast speeds
  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Ideal for buffer-free 4K streaming
  • Robust antivirus and anti-spyware protection
  • Supports some of the best VPN protocols

Cons

  • Antivirus protects up to five devices only
  • No free trial for Windows and Linux users
Surfshark
9.5
Review

3. ExpressVPN – Best Dark Web VPN for Privacy

ExpressVPN logo

Server Fleet 3,000+ in 105 countries
Max Devices and Compatibility 8 – Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser Extensions, Routers
Malware Protection
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial on Android and iOS
Starting Price $6.67/month
Why We Picked It

ExpressVPN offers impeccable DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a proprietary, security-oriented Lighway protocol. The provider’s features and no-logs policy have been audited more than 18 times, making it one of the safest dark web VPNs.

Performance

ExpressVPN’s performance lags behind that of NordVPN or Surfshark, as it averaged 560Mbps in my tests. However, connecting to the dark web via Tor didn’t significantly affect these speeds.

I used it to access the go-to search engines for privacy-conscious users, including Torch, Ahmia, and Haystack, and experienced no noticeable slowdowns.

Features
  • Lightway – ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, is based on WireGuard and offers solid speeds while bolstering user security. It also offers near-instant server connections – just a fraction of a second in my tests.
  • P2P-Optimized Servers – Most ExpressVPN servers are optimized for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, ranking it among the best torrenting VPNs. That also makes it an excellent dark web option if you use the Invisible Internet Project (I2P).
  • Security and Privacy Features – In testing, ExpressVPN successfully prevented DNS and IP leaks and offered uninterrupted VPN protection on my computers and phones, making it an excellent choice for users looking to stay anonymous online.
Pricing

ExpressVPN has a single pricing plan that starts at $6.67/month with an annual subscription and protects up to eight devices.

There’s a 7-day Android and iOS free trial to test ExpressVPN risk-free, and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who It’s Best For

ExpressVPN’s robust encryption, verified no-logs policy, and excellent results in IP and DNS leak protection tests make it ideal for privacy-conscious users.

Pros

  • One of the best VPNs for Android and iPhones
  • Excellent connection quality
  • Works in countries with heavy censorship
  • Doesn’t retain user data
  • Broad support for routers

Cons

  • Comparatively small server network
  • Pricier than the competition
ExpressVPN
9.2
Review

4. PureVPN – Top Budget-Friendly VPN for Dark Web Users

PureVPN logo

Server Fleet 6,000+ in 65+ countries
Max Devices and Compatibility 10 – Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers
Malware Protection
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial for $0.99
Starting Price $2.14/month
Why We Picked It

PureVPN is a solid dark web VPN that comes at an affordable price and delivers impressive speeds and security. It also offers the best tracker blocker I’ve tested so far.

Performance

PureVPN is slightly faster than ExpressVPN, clocking in at around 640Mbps on a 1Gbps connection. Although that’s considerably lower than Surfshark’s 950Mbps, it handled Tor and I2P browsing well.

I noticed no lag or latency issues when accessing various dark web sites on the dark web, even while streaming videos.

Features
  • Split Tunneling – PureVPN lets you control which applications and services have their internet traffic encrypted, leaving others unaffected. This allows you to optimize your connection speed and enjoy better performance for activities left outside the VPN tunnel.
  • Smart Server Selection – Whether you’re using PureVPN to browse, download files, or stream videos, its apps will help you connect to the fastest server for your needs in a single click.
  • Security and Privacy Features – Its other features include a reliable kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, P2P-friendly servers, and more. In addition, PureVPN’s no-logs policy has been verified numerous times and is always open to independent auditing without prior notice.
Pricing

PureVPN is one of the cheapest dark web VPNs, with its entry-level plan starting at $2.14/month for a two-year subscription.

Although it includes all its VPN features and tracker blocking, I found its Plus plan to offer the best value for money, as it offers a reliable password manager for just $0.80 more per month.

PureVPN has a 31-day money-back guarantee for each plan, allowing you to try it risk-free.

Who It’s Best For

With affordable plans and no hidden price hikes, PureVPN is the best dark web VPN for those looking to protect their devices and identity without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Affordable plans
  • Easy-to-use VPN and password manager
  • Consistent speeds on the dark web
  • Unblocks the most popular streaming platforms
  • Offers a static IP as an add-on

Cons

  • Relatively low number of countries
  • 7-day trial costs $0.99
PureVPN
9.2
Review

5. CyberGhost VPN – Best Dark Web VPN for Beginners

CyberGhost VPN logo

Server Fleet 11,500+ in 100 countries
Max Devices and Compatibility 7 – Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers, Smart TVs
Malware Protection Yes, via an add-on
Free Version/Trial 1 to 7 days free trial, depending on OS
Starting Price $2.19/month
Why We Picked It

CyberGhost VPN offers beginner-friendly apps and intuitive automation features for all devices. It also has a massive VPN server network that makes it a great choice for frequent travelers.

Performance

This budget-friendly VPN delivers impressive speeds, averaging 730Mbps outside of the dark web. That changed, however, once I launched Tor, with its speeds falling to the 400Mbps range.

Regardless of the steep connection speed drops, CyberGhost allowed me to visit every corner of the dark web, including sites like ZeroBin and Just Another Library.

Features
  • Automatic Kill Switch – CyberGhost’s kill switch will automatically cut your device’s connection to the internet if its VPN protection suddenly drops. This prevents privacy-related issues like location and IP leaks.
  • Content Blocker – CyberGhost VPN will block all pop-ups and other intrusive ads as you browse, ensuring a smooth experience. It also blocks potentially dangerous websites, bolstering your security on the dark web.
  • Security and Privacy Features – CyberGhost has a verified no-logs policy, and unlike most competitors, it offers various automation tools. For example, you can set it up to automatically connect your device to a VPN server when you launch Tor.
Pricing

CyberGhost VPN has a single pricing plan that costs $2.19/month with a 2-year subscription and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

While it doesn’t offer a free VPN version, you can still test it risk-free. Its free trial lasts for 24 hours on Windows, three days on Android, and seven days on iOS.

Who It’s Best For

With servers optimized for specific purposes like torrenting, streaming, and gaming, CyberGhost is among the most intuitive services on this list. Its apps are also user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.

Pros

  • Massive server network spanning 100 countries
  • Easy to install and use
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Flawless kill switch

Cons

  • Inconsistent speeds on the dark web
  • Protects up to seven devices only
CyberGhostVPN
8.7
Review

Best Dark Web VPNs Compared

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a head-to-head comparison table with details about my top picks’ pricing, speed, servers, and features:

NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN PureVPN CyberGhost VPN
Server Fleet 6,200 servers in 111 countries 3,200 servers in 100 countries 3,000+ servers in 105 countries 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries 11,000+ servers in 100 countries
Average Speeds 930 Mbps 950 Mbps 560 Mbps 640 Mbps 730 Mbps
No-Log Policy Yes, verified by Deloitte Yes, verified by Deloitte Yes, verified by KPMG Yes, verified by Altius IT Yes, verified by Deloitte
Kill Switch
Malware Protection Yes, via an add-on
Split Tunneling
Free Trial 7 days 7 days 7 days No Up to 7 days
Starting Price $3.09/month $1.99/month $6.67/month $2.14/month $2.19/month
Methodology

How We Review and Test VPN Services

20 VPNS TESTED

25 DATA POINTS MEASURED

300+ HOURS TESTING

500+ USER REVIEWS READ

To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:

  • Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
  • Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
  • Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
  • Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
  • Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
  • Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
  • Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.

Is It Legal to Access the Dark Web?

Accessing the dark web is legal in most of the world, including in the US and nearly all European countries. However, countries with strict internet censorship, such as Russia and China, don’t allow their residents to access the dark web.

That’s because your activities are harder to monitor when you’re on that side of the internet, and even more so if you’re using a dark web VPN.

Although accessing the dark web is legal and made easy via browsers like Tor, problems arise when users engage in illegal activities. These can include purchasing illicit goods, engaging in cybercrime, or distributing copyrighted content.

Since many dark websites encourage such illegal actions, it’s crucial to adhere to your local laws while browsing.

Why Do You Need a VPN for the Dark Web?

The dark web harbors numerous sites that could be dangerous to visitors. Because of that, it’s best to ensure your devices and identity stay protected from trackers, hackers, and malware.

Speed, privacy, and security are essential when browsing the dark web, and only the top VPNs can deliver all three. The potential risks of being hacked, downloading malware-ridden files, or having your browsing activity tracked are often associated with the dark web, so having robust VPN protection is a must.

Simply opening Tor can alert your ISP that you’re browsing the dark web, raising suspicion and possibly leading to monitoring in certain countries. However, you can avoid this with a dark web VPN, as it masks your Tor usage.

In addition to countries with heavy censorship, some places, like university campuses and hotels, are known to block access to Tor. A VPN can help you mask your IP address and access the dark web from anywhere, making it a must-have if you frequently use public Wi-Fi.

Furthermore, Tor doesn’t offer built-in protection from Wi-Fi network snoopers or protect all of your internet traffic. On the other hand, a VPN will prevent anyone from tracking your browsing activities or intercepting your internet traffic while you’re using an unsecured Wi-Fi network.

How Does a VPN Protect You on the Dark Web?

By routing your internet traffic through volunteer-run servers, also known as nodes, Tor hides your information from the onion websites you visit. However, the people running the entry nodes can still access your personal data.

This means that you’d risk your privacy if a malicious actor is running the entry node. Meanwhile, enabling a VPN adds a crucial protection layer that masks your identity before your data enters the Tor network.

This way, a dark web VPN will only provide its server’s information to those controlling the entry nodes, leaving none of your data to hackers using de-anonymization attacks on Tor.

How to Access the Dark Web With a VPN?

VPNs are easy to install and use, and I’ll provide a quick step-by-step guide for installing NordVPN on Windows:

  1. Subscribe to NordVPN

    Visit NordVPN’s website and pick a plan that suits your needs. Once you’re done, download and install its Windows client on your PC.
    Subscribe to NordVPN
  2. Connect to a VPN server

    Open the NordVPN app and log into your account. Then, pick a server to connect to using the interactive map or the server list on the left-hand side.
    Connect to a VPN server
  3. Launch Tor and start browsing

    Finally, launch the Tor browser and start browsing the dark web securely. Alternatively, you can connect to one of NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN servers and use your regular browsers to access the dark web.
    Launch Tor and start browsing

 

How to Choose the Best Dark Web VPN?

The best VPN for dark web browsing would depend on your needs and requirements. However, it’s important to pick a service that prioritizes security and privacy.

Here’s a list of crucial factors to consider while selecting a VPN for the dark web:

Security FeaturesPrivacy FeaturesSpeed and PerformanceCompatibilityPricing

Opt for a VPN provider that offers a wide selection of protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and proprietary protocols, to ensure your device is safe. Additionally, your future VPN should offer AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

Don’t settle for a VPN that doesn’t have a verified no-logs policy. Furthermore, it should have RAM-only servers to ensure none of your data can be exploited, obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage, and tracker blocking.

Although Tor is notorious for slowing down internet connections, look for a VPN that retains a large portion of your original speed. Prioritize VPNs that offer servers dedicated to streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other activities.

Look for a dark web VPN that works across all your devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, ensure it’s compatible with Tor or any other dark web browser you use.

Pick a dark web VPN that offers affordable plans and doesn’t overcharge for features you might never use. Ensure the service has a money-back guarantee you can use to get a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Safely Access the Dark Web?

Using a free VPN for dark web browsing is something I can’t recommend, as there are numerous privacy risks and limitations involved. Free VPNs often come with no security or privacy features other than data encryption, which can often lead to DNS and IP address leaks, stripping you of anonymity.

Furthermore, even the best free VPN for dark web browsing will limit your monthly data usage or provide slow connection speeds, negatively impacting your experience. Sometimes, using a free service can carry even greater risks than visiting the dark web without a VPN, as some providers log and sell user data to third parties.

After extensively testing several free VPN solutions, the only one that stood out was Proton VPN, as it has a strict no-logs policy even with its free plan. Although it’s the best free VPN for dark web browsing, it can only protect one device at a time and offers only five VPN server locations for its free users.

If you wish to protect your privacy and devices while accessing the dark web without spending money, opting for a free trial with services like Surfshark or NordVPN is a much better option.

Conclusion – What is the Best Dark Web VPN?

Security, privacy, and speed are the three key factors you need to consider when picking a dark web VPN.

Out of all the providers I’ve tested, NordVPN stands out as the best choice for dark web users. It blocks malware-ridden files and sites from infecting your devices, offers robust AES-256 encryption, and delivers impressive speeds, even when using Tor.

Thanks to its NordLynx protocol, it also minimizes the lag Tor users often face, and it even lets you browse the dark web using your regular browser with its Onion Over VPN servers. NordVPN also has a verified no-logs policy, which ensures your privacy stays intact.

On top of its excellent balance between performance and security, NordVPN’s plans are affordable and have a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

NordVPN
9.5
Review

FAQs

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Ilijia Miljkovac
Technology Writer
Ilijia Miljkovac
Technology Writer

Ilijia Miljkovac is a Techopedia writer with seven years of experience covering all things tech. He writes about cybersecurity topics, spanning VPNs, antiviruses, and hosting, helping to inform B2B and B2C audiences about the latest products and services. He's written for publications such as Business2Community, TheTechReport, Comparitech, and more. When he's not working, Ilijia spends his time hiking in nature or holed up in his apartment gaming.