Last Updated on January 16, 2022 by Editor Futurescope

You need a VPN to access the dark web privately, securely, and unrestricted!

Best VPNs for accessing dark web are IPVanish, PrivateVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.

Accessing the dark web is not accessible using the usual way. It requires you to have top-tier cyber security. The reason is the nature of the content you want to access or the activities you want to do online. 

Mostly, you will want content that is not listed or allowed by surface web, including Google. Many users of dark web are interested in firearms, hitmen, pornography, and other illicit activities. 

But you don’t have to be interested in illegal activities. You can do responsible gaming, movies, research, and any other activity that is not available on the surface web. Overly, you need a VPN to access all the above and much more content on the dark web. 

If you are stuck, we have a solution for you. Our guide comes with the best VPNs for accessing dark web. No worries if you’re using a VPN for the dark web for the first time. We will also guide you through the processes. 

Keep reading!

Why you need a VPN to access the dark web

As we stated earlier, using the dark web is not always an easy route to navigate. You have to keep your identity unknown to avoid any footprints. 

Most dark web users are crooks who can really mess up with both your data, devices or even track you. The government and other corporations know where to get you; in the dark web. 

For any movement in the dark web, you have to make your calculations right and cover up your tracks. And this is through a VPN. 

To sum up for you, here are the top reasons why you need a VPN to access the dark web;

• Anonymity

In the dark web, you have to stay pseudonymous. You do not want other users to know your true identity. A good VPN guarantee covers your name and IP address to keep you unknown to other web users. If you place your orders or access any information, you remain anonymous to any snoopers who may want to know you. 

• Security

It’s a dark web and so a crooks’ paradise. There is no form of protection on the dark web, and so you have to guard yourself. Info-hungry hackers can quickly get hold of your data and mess you up big time. If your bank account details fall into the wrong hands, what follows is a fraud, theft, and guzzling of your money by crooks. Cybercriminals in dark webs find it hard to crack military-grade encryptions.

• Accessing censored content

Have you ever tried to access research contents only for you to get scanty or get barred from obtaining crucial information? 

The browser probably slapped your face with a page or content not available wordings. Such content has censorship for access from your region. If you have a VPN in place, it is a walk in the park!

Best VPNs for Accessing the Dark Web & Darknet

1. IPVanish

IPVanish is a top pick in this guide because of its super-fast speed and expansive servers to both surface and dark web users. Currently, the VPN allows access to over 1,300 servers in over 60 countries. 

IPVanish uses the OpenVPN, a versatile, open-source, and secure protocol that cracks most firewalls. Its new feature, LAN traffic blocking, assures you top security.

Look no further in as the best free VPN for dark web as IPVAnish has military-grade encryption. The 256-bit encryption is difficult to crack, and the kill switch seals any loophole whenever your VPN is off. You’ve got the perfect protection against IPv6 and DNS and leaks.

Count on this VPN in keeping your dark web browsing a secret with the strict no-logs policy. Also, securely connect to Androids, Windows, macOS, and iOS apps. For network routers and Linux-based systems, do a manual configuration to use IPVanish.

IPVanish offers you a free trial where you use the service with a money-back guarantee. You can maximize this period to learn more about the service, especially for your dark web browsing.

2. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is not 100% free but offers you a trial period with a money-back guarantee for thirty days. As we mentioned, dark web browsing requires super speed and unlimited data, which you will not get on an absolutely free VPN.  

PrivateVPN comes to you with no data limits and so it is an excellent choice for dark web surfing. Its speed is also consistent and reliable.

Servers are about 150, spread across 60 countries. These may be fewer than you anticipate, but the services are superb and allow you to torrent and perform other advanced activities on the deep web.

 The VPN uses 256-bit encryption and has top-notch protection against leaks like DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC. The kill switch keeps you safe from snoopers’ eyes. Also available with PrivateVPN is the manual configuration for using this VPN-over-Tor.

PrivateVPN is committed to privacy. No logs whatsoever, meaning that you are safe from your ISP prying on you.

You can connect various devices, including Linux and home routers, which you have the option of manually installing. Major OS, including Androids, macOS, iOS, and Windows, are easy to connect, and you can include six devices at a go.

Get PrivateVPN free trial and test it with your dark web navigation. After thirty days, you can get your money back or opt to continue with the service. 

3. CyberGhost

This VPN is known for its high-speed service. It comes with an array of robust security features and a free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost servers are more than 5,800 and spread across 85 plus countries. The massive number of servers does not affect speed. The VPN’s connection is super fast with no buffering. The bandwidth is unlimited, which makes CyberGhost a top VPN for browsing the dark web.

This VPN does not keep logs. That means your identifiable information is kept anonymous. Whether you pay by Bitcoin or other e-wallets, no one will track your activities on the dark web if you install CyberGhost.

If it’s your first time using the VPN for the dark web, you have no worries. The service has configurations with several security features. With the 256-bit encryption, no one will ever track your online traffic. When the VPN is off, a kill switch takes its position to switch off the network. Other preconfigured features include the automatic malware scanner, ad blocker, leak protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.

Your several devices and apps come preconfigured to use this VPN, including macOS, Windows, Androids, et cetera. If you have Linux systems and home routers devices, you can manually configure them easily.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the king of dark web VPNs and a top VPN for browsing the dark web. The expansive servers (over 3000) and super high speed, among other features, make this VPN a great choice if you want to dive into the dark web privately.  

This VPN is top-notch in terms of privacy. The no-logs policy makes it difficult for anyone to dig your information. Not even an ISP can get your login details from ExpressVPN. Security is military grade. With 256-bit AES encryption, you have an assurance that the feature scrambles all your data to prevent anyone from tracking you.

Do your activities in the dark web without worrying about IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks as ExpressVPN prevents the leakages. When your VPN drops unexpectedly, a network lock stops all the connections so that you don’t lose any data to crooks and spies. 

ExpressVPN operates a .onion as a mirror site to sign up anonymously where you can ride on to the dark web privately.

Get Express VPN for all your devices, including Windows, macOS, and many more. If you have a home router, ExpressVPN gives you custom firmware to match up with the device. Just simple configurations and all is set up for you to browse in the invisible web. You can also connect five devices at a go. The free trial for ExpressVPN comes with a 30 money-back guarantee.

How to use a VPN for dark web

To navigate through the dark web streets, you are probably using TOR. TOR or The Onion Router is a network or browser. This is a network of volunteer routers that enable you to remain anonymous online. 

TOR scrambles your data through three different routers to erase all your online prints. This way, no one can crack who you are and where you have been online.

But TOR has to work with a VPN to be effective. The reason is some crooks have mastered the art of cracking TOR on the deep web. Either way, you may need both the VPN and TOR to help seal your online track.

Suppose you do not have TOR on your system. The simplest form to get the software is to download it from the official TOR website. 

Beware not to use third-party mobile browsers to avoid malware, spyware, and hackers into your system. 

Just that, and you are geared to go!

The next step takes us to the basics of using a VPN in the dark or deep web. Note that a VPN is an added security to TOR. That way, no one notices you in the web abyss. 

If you doubt, your ISP and other websites can detect any time you use Tor as Tor node IPs are public. The good news is none of these can decrypt your internet trails, but they can see that you are using Tor. You will thus be drawing unnecessary attention where anybody can easily track you.

So, here’s how to use a VPN for the dark web

The first step is to identify a robust VPN, sign up and install it. You can choose from our well-researched list. We recommend our top pick, IPVarnish.

1. Launch and open the VPN app.
2. Pick a server location.
3. Connect to the VPN.
4. Step four presumes that you have already downloaded and installed the Tor Browser. We also suppose that TOR is the browser of your choice. Go ahead and open the browser.
5. Enter the dark website that you want to access. It’s going to be a .onion URL for the Tor hidden service. The URL should be from a trusted source and verified. Otherwise, you may fall onto cybercriminals’ net.
6. Get ready to explore the dark web abyss.

The above simple setup encrypts your details in double; you have TOR encryption and the VPNs encryption. Both encryptions give you extra layers of protection so that you are invisible in the dark web. 

Buying a VPN for Dark Web: Features to Keep in Mind

Dark web streets are touch-and-go. You expose yourself to the anonymous, including corporations, the government, and even crooks. 

Getting a VPN up to par with the dark web will not be accessible if you have no adequate guidance. Don’t just pick up a VPN because it promises top-tier security. Go for a software-based on the below features;

• Customer support

A VPN whose customer support is not responsive is not worth trying. It may let you down at the hour you need them most. You can easily pick a VPN with excellent customer care support from our reviews and other online reviews.

• Server locations

If a VPN does not have expansive server locations, especially the areas you are interested in accessing the dark web, leave it out. 

• Devices and apps compatibility 

Devices and operating system compatibility matter most when it comes to the best VPN for dark web. If you are using androids, macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, the VPN should match the devices and apps.

• Configurations

Is the VPN easy to download, install, and configure and use? If the VPN’s configuration process is rocket science, you will find it challenging to use for the dark web.

• Speed

The best free VPN for dark web offers lightning speed. You want to open the pages super-fast so that you can accomplish your mission. Buffering VPN speed has no place in diving into the deep web pages.

• Protocols

Protocols in a VPN are processes and programs that determine how your online traffic is encrypted. There are several protocols that different VPNs use;

• OpenVPN
• IPSec/IKEv2
• WireGuard
• SSTP
• LTP/IPSec
• PPTP

The subject of protocols may look too technical, so if you are not familiar with any of the above, technical support can help. You can also delve deeper into researching the protocols to get the best. 

Each one has pros and cons, but the best VPN for dark web should be versatile and open source with no hidden codes. Also, the best protocol should offer maximum security and allow you to bypass most firewalls.

Final thoughts

Our comprehensive guide holds your hands through VPNs that go well with dark web browsing. We set the records straight that 100% free VPNs (those you don’t pay a penny) cannot let you browse the deep web peacefully. They will leak your data and will not encrypt your online traffic effectively. 

We have shared with you the best free VPNs for dark web. These are free trials that come with subscriptions at the end of the free period. You can then weigh on whether to abandon the plan or carry on. 

But remember that accessing the dark web requires the highest grade encryption, data leaks protection, network lock, electrifying speed, and a no-logging policy. These features are not readily available on free VPNs. The promises providers give are vague. So, make your mind and get the best paid VPN for Tor.

You might be interested to know more facts & opportunity for VPN. Check out!

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• How To Setup And Use NordVPN With Utorrent?
• Best Free VPN For Dark Web & Darknet Safe Browsing & Private Access
• Best Free VPNs That Work With Netflix
• Best Free VPNs for Gaming, Feel your Gaming Experience
• Best Free Trial VPN With No Credit Card, No Payment Details!