When you add the VPN on top of it, you usually see considerable slowdowns. In my tests, web pages typically loaded within 10 seconds, which is quite good when using Tor over VPN. Its RAM-based servers are privacy-oriented, as they store no personal data. Plus, there’s ExpressVPN’s SmartDNS solution for streaming, while all 3,000 servers are great for torrenting. In fact, we found that ExpressVPN is great for Google Chrome and even has a full-fledged VPN extension.
What Services And Tools Are Available On The Dark Web?
However, while the Tor browser by itself is generally privacy-friendly, it might not stop your ISP from seeing you were accessing it. The best VPNs will not only crank up your privacy and security on the dark web but also help you access geo-restricted content, including the dark web if it’s banned in your region. Anyone looking for the ability to bypass censorship, exercise free speech, or needing complete online anonymity for any other reason can achieve it on the dark web. AirVPN is the best VPN for advanced users who want to access the dark web.
This lets you access .onion sites through a regular browser while still routing your traffic through the Tor network. It’s a solid option if you want extra privacy without installing Tor, though for full anonymity, we still recommend combining both. That means you can access .onion sites without even opening the Tor browser. For deeper access or full Tor anonymity, you can also stack NordVPN with the Tor browser for double encryption, and during testing, everything stayed stable. NordVPN runs on AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, has a no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte, and offers obfuscated servers for countries that block Tor or VPN use altogether. We stress-tested it using Tor over VPN, then flipped it and ran VPN over Tor, both held up without any weird breaks or traceable info.
Set Up CyberGhost VPN
If you want an in-depth guide, consider accessing the dark web safely with this tutorial from our experts. If not, Surfshark fully supports Tor and Onion over VPN connections that are native. This secure VPN for the dark web comes with MultiHop and a handy IP Rotator that rotates your IP every few or so minutes. ExpressVPN’s pristine reputation makes its users very protective of it.
Get Connected
Although you can use Tor on your mobile device, it’s not worth the risk as mobile browsers do not have the same protections as desktop browsers. If you connect to a VPN and then use the Tor Browser, it’s known as Onion over VPN. Here, your data is routed through the VPN’s server before it reaches Tor, which means your ISP is unable to see that you’re using the Tor Network.
Apart from strong encryption, the VPN for the deep web should also have some data protection mechanisms. The two most common ones you’ll find in nearly every top VPN are DNS and IP leak protection. Arguably the most important feature to look for is the VPN’s data logging policy. Ideally, the VPN should have a strict no-logs policy and be based in a privacy-friendly country. That way, you don’t have to worry about your data falling into the government’s hands or getting stolen by any malicious third party.
Accessibility
This makes the VPN server the first layer of network encryption, effectively keeping snoopers off your tail. Each VPN has its features and areas of strength, which means the best one might be subjective rather than objective. However, we recommend ExpressVPN for its versatility and support for Tor, Freenet, and the Invisible Internet Project (I2P). This app is available on the iPhone’s App Store and encrypts your Tor network traffic for maximum privacy. It’s not uncommon to find free VPN providers selling their users’ details to various businesses and organizations.
The Best Dark Web Search Engines In 2024
Sometimes, the server network can also influence the VPN’s speed. ExtremeVPN also has unique and advanced features, making it a must-have for the dark web. It uses obscure or obfuscated servers to hide VPN usage from ISPs and anti-VPN applications and services. ExtremeVPN also has multi-port and domain fronting capabilities, giving you a premium VPN experience.
ExpressVPN: The Easiest To Use Dark Web VPN
This, coupled with Proton VPN’s strict no-logs policy, guarantees that no details about your dark web activity will ever be leaked. Surfshark claims the second spot thanks to its excellent security, affordable pricing and unique features for dark web users. One such feature is “alternative ID,” which assigns you a unique profile to keep your identity and location concealed as you roam the risky underbelly of the internet. Using a VPN alongside a Tor browser provides proper protection against dark web risks.
You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network. Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here. Journalists and whistleblowers, including Edward Snowden himself, often use the dark web and Tor to exchange sensitive information.
It will be impossible to access regular websites from a specific country if the VPN has no servers there. You need an open-source browser called The Onion Router (Tor) to access them. Tor browser sends your connection through various Tor nodes (servers) run by volunteers. Before you visit the dark web, make sure your setup is safe and encrypted. The dark web isn’t regulated and you may come in contact with malicious third parties. There are several ways to protect your online activities from being tracked.
Can I Be Tracked By Government Organizations And My ISP If I Use A VPN?
This ensures that your online footprint remains completely invisible by routing your connection via a second VPN server. The downside is that it further slows your connection, which can be especially noticeable while using Tor. ExpressVPN offers automatic obfuscation on every server, also making it one of the best VPNs for China and other countries that limit VPN use due to internet censorship. Located in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, far from ’14 Eyes’ surveillance, ExpressVPN enjoys legal protection from mandatory data retention laws and government interference.
- Though most volunteers mean well, others are malicious actors and surveillance agencies.
- ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for browsing the dark web, with a speed loss of just 7.89 Mbps.
- Proton VPN has no data cap, so you can browse the dark web without limitations.
- While the dark web does host criminal activity, it also supports uses like protecting free speech and getting around censorship barriers in oppressive regions.
To prevent data loss and the transfer of viruses over the dark web, you should also purchase anti-malware software if you’re a frequent user of Tor. In this scenario, all your VPN traffic also travels through the Tor network. Exit nodes are unable to see your activity, but the first node in the Tor network will be able to see your real IP address. If you route your traffic through Tor and then connect to a VPN service, it’s known as VPN over Tor.
A secure VPN server slows down your browsing much less than the Tor Browser and also opens access to geo-blocked local content around the globe. This makes it a great option for watching videos from streaming services that are available only in other regions of the world. This is why I strongly suggest using a Virtual Private Network to protect and enhance all of your online activities.
