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
- Show Full Guide
The 5 Best VPNs for the Dark Web at a Glance
- NordVPN – The best dark web VPN overall
- Surfshark – The fastest VPN for dark web browsing
- ExpressVPN – Best dark web VPN for privacy
- PureVPN – Top budget-friendly VPN for dark web users
- 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
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 |
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
2. Surfshark – The Fastest VPN for Dark Web Browsing
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 |
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
3. ExpressVPN – Best Dark Web VPN for Privacy
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 |
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
4. PureVPN – Top Budget-Friendly VPN for Dark Web Users
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 |
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
5. CyberGhost VPN – Best Dark Web VPN for Beginners
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 |
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
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 |
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:
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.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.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.
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:
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.
FAQs
Which VPN to use for the dark web?
How safe is the Tor browser?
Is the dark web safe without a VPN?
What is a dark web monitor VPN?
Is the dark web the same as the deep web?
Who can see what I’m browsing on the dark web?
References
- NordVPN Verifies its No-Logs Claim for the Fourth Time (NordVPN)
- Surfshark B.V. Independent Reasonable Assurance Report (Surfshark)
- ExpressVPN Publishes its Latest Transparency Report (ExpressVPN)
- PureVPN’s Consistent Privacy Standards: Fourth No-Logs Audit Affirms User Trust (PureVPN)
- CyberGhost VPN Announces Completion of Independent Audit Conducted by Deloitte (CyberGhostVPN)
- De-Anonymisation Attacks on Tor: A Survey (Arxiv.org)