With a VPN for dark web browsing, you can guarantee you remain safe online. Not only does a VPN hide the fact you’re using the dark web from third parties, but it also gives you an extra layer of protection.
To access the dark web, you’ll need to connect through the Tor (The Onion Router) browser, which encrypts your data. However, if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or government agencies see you’re using Tor, they might assume you’re using the dark web for illegal activity. This is just one reason why a VPN for the dark web is essential.
So that you can surf the dark web securely and stay safe, we have compiled a list of the best VPNs. All VPNs on our list will provide you with extra privacy and security on the dark web. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about these VPNs as well as how to use a VPN for the dark web.
With a VPN you can connect to the dark web via Tor browser and ensure you have an extra layer of protection. You’ll first need to download a VPN and set it up on your operating system.
Once you’ve done this, open the app and connect to a VPN server. Some VPNs, like NordVPN, offer optimized servers for Tor (called Onion over VPN as seen in the screenshot below). Connect to one of these if possible.
After establishing the VPN connection, you can open the Tor browser. Enter the URL of the dark web site you wish to visit and enjoy securely surfing the dark web.
Although your internet activity is encrypted on the Tor browser, combining a VPN and Tor is one of the safest ways to access the dark web. Below are the best VPNs that offer Tor over VPN so that you can securely access the dark web in 2025.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is a highly secure service and an excellent VPN for the dark web. It delivers a wide range of impressive security and privacy features such as military-grade 256-bit AES encryption. This means that you can rest assured that your online activities are private and undecipherable when accessing the dark web. A strict-independently audited no-logs policy states that NordVPN will never collect, monitor, or share your private data.
If you are accessing the dark web, you can connect to an Onion over VPN server. These servers are optimized for the Tor browser and Onion over VPN offers maximum protection when you access the dark web.
Dark web internet users can also choose to activate double VPN protection that will change their IP address twice by re-routing it through two different VPN servers simultaneously for an additional layer of security for your online activities. There is CyberSec software to protect you from malware and malicious ads whenever you access the open internet, as well as obfuscated servers to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
A reliable kill switch will provide non-stop protection for your data. If the VPN connection ever drops, the kill switch will ensure no data is ever exposed. There is complete DNS leak protection, too, so you can rest assured that your internet data will always be fully protected when using the VPN for the dark web.
NordVPN is compatible with most popular devices. It has specialized apps for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux devices. One NordVPN account enables support for up to 6 simultaneous connections, slightly more than the industry average.
There is 24/7 live chat customer support, too, if you run into any difficulties while using the VPN service. A hassle-free money-back guarantee protects all plans. If you’re not completely happy with NordVPN, request a refund, and you’ll get your money back, no questions asked.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for the dark web. It comes with a host of advanced security features, including the option to enable Onion over VPN. All subscription plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee too. Unfortunately, it is not the cheapest VPN for the dark web on the market, but for most, the unrivaled experience on offer is worth the extra investment.
With ExpressVPN, there is no need to reveal your real IP address on the dark web; simply change your IP address by accessing one of the VPN’s secure server locations. Browsing the dark web is completely anonymous with ExpressVPN, too, thanks to Bitcoin payment support and the VPN’s own hidden .onion website.
All of ExpressVPN’s servers operate on Trusted Server technology which is an innovative method. It ensures no information is ever stored on the servers giving you peace of mind when you use the VPN for the dark web. The VPN also utilizes its own private DNS across its server network for the fastest and most secure connections when you’re on the dark web.
And, as with all of the best VPNs for the dark web, ExpressVPN utilizes military-grade AES-256 bit encryption, which web security experts around the world trust. Moreover, ExpressVPN offers a strict, independently-audited no-logging policy which means that the VPN will never store your internet data.
The VPN is compatible with a host of devices and operating systems with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Android, and more. A single subscription with ExpressVPN comes with 5 simultaneous devices. This is likely enough for the typical user, but it is slightly less than the industry average. You can always install the VPN for the dark web on your Wi-Fi router for unlimited simultaneous connections and protection for every device connected to your Wi-Fi network.
There is split tunneling too which allows you to re-route some of your web traffic through a VPN server, while the rest goes through your normal ISP internet connection.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
No log policy
Unlimited bandwith
Free version available
Cons:
No dedicated IPs
Limited features on free plan
Very few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ProtonVPN is a highly secure Swiss-based VPN that journalists favor. The VPN for the dark web will offer maximum protection for your privacy.
ProtonVPN will re-route your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel of servers, so your activities and private data remain safe, even on untrusted Wi-Fi connections and the dark web. The VPN is based in Switzerland, a country that enjoys excellent data privacy laws, which means that it has no obligation to store or share private user data with third parties or the government. This is a real draw for privacy-conscious users, especially those accessing the dark web.
ProtonVPN operates on its Secure Core network, which has a unique ability to defend your activity from attack. The network will reroute your connection traffic through multiple different VPN servers for an additional layer of security. This means that no -one can access or monitor your internet activities or view your real IP address.
Accessing Tor with ProtonVPN is extremely simple. ProtonVPN offers Tor over VPN servers which are optimized for the Tor browser.
Prices on Proton’s Plus premium plans start at $6.63 a month if you are ready to commit for 2 years. This comes with access to the Secure Core network and the ability to activate Tor over VPN for when you’re browsing the dark web. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, although you’ll only receive a refund for the unused part of your subscription.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, and it comes with Tor over VPN, making it a decent choice if you need to browse the dark web.
Surfshark is arguable the most cost-effective VPN on the market. Subscription prices start at just $2.49 a month on the 2-year plan, and there’s an unlimited simultaneous connections policy too. This means that you could, in theory, share the VPN subscription with your friends and family while protecting all of your devices at the same time. There is support for a wide range of devices, including dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Surfshark comes with a transparent, although not independently audited, no-logs policy. The VPN assures that it will never monitor, store, or track your online activities. This means that it won’t store activity logs, connection data, or your IP address. There is a reliable integrated kill switch to protect your data in case the VPN drops, as well as complete DNS leak protection.
Once you are connected to the VPN, you can download and install the Tor Browser. Then, launch the browser and connect to the network, and you can begin browsing the dark web safely. It is necessary to note that Tor is relatively slow due to the number of nodes, so you may notice a slight reduction in connection speeds when you connect to a VPN server as well.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, iOS, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Moviebox, Plex, Kodi, SBS, ABC, Hotstar, Tenplay, Viu, NBC, ESPN, BeIN Sports, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, BT Sport, Channel 5, ZDF, FOX Sports GO, Hulu, Match TV, Star Sports, Discovery+ |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Streaming servers
Supports torrenting
Double VPN
Cons:
Limited device support
Smaller server network
No help page on website
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
BlufVPN is an extremely secure VPN service that will provide dark web users with an extra layer of privacy. There is AES-256 bit encryption to hide your use of the Tor browser from your ISP and other third parties.
For additional privacy, BlufVPN allows its users to connect through two servers instead of one. Combine this feature with the Tor browser, and you’re looking at an extremely private dark web connection!
While BlufVPN only offers 500 servers at the moment, these are spread worldwide and are based in popular VPN countries. This means you can connect to the closest server for a fast connection, to ensure you don’t enjoy slow page loads on the dark web. Unlimited bandwidth and unlimited speed also ensure dark web users enjoy fast page load times.
Unfortunately, there is a limit of five simultaneous connections per plan. However, if you have a dedicated system for accessing the dark web, you’ll still be able to use the VPN on four other devices at the same time.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option
NoSpy server network
Cons:
Limited Netflix unblocking capability
No phone support
Uses virtual servers
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
With more than 7700 servers available, CyberGhost users have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a server. This makes it easy to quickly connect to the VPN and access the dark web.
For additional privacy and security when using the dark web, CyberGhost users have several options. The NoSpy server network consists of VPN servers in Romania, which are directly managed end-to-end by the CyberGhost team. By connecting to one of these you can ensure your dark web activity is even more secure.
CyberGhost VPN offers seven simultaneous connections and support for many operating systems. This allows you to protect yourself on the dark web and also unblock geo-restricted content on your other devices.
The CyberGhost VPN app has a great interface that makes it easy for you to find a server for a specific function. Moreover, you can adjust security settings in the app, switching between protocols, and enabling leak protection for extra layers of security on the dark web.
The dark web sounds dangerous, but is it safe to access it? The internet is an overwhelming, disarrayed place, and there are 3 fundamental levels of the internet: open (which is the ‘regular’ internet), deep, and dark. The deep and dark web sound similar but are different.
The deep web refers to unindexed internet databases and other sources that normal web browsers cannot trawl through and organize. This includes web forums that require registration as well as private user email accounts. The deep web also includes government websites and academic archives, where you can use an internal search function but not an external search engine like Google.
In contrast to popular belief, the dark web is the smallest part of the internet and can only be accessed through the specialized Tor network. The Tor network re-routes encrypted data through multiple layers of points located worldwide to encrypt content and users’ locations.
When you connect to a Tor browser, you can access dark web sites with a .onion suffix. Users can also continue to access normal websites on the open web through the Tor browser. Some Tor sites are used for malicious and illegal activities, but the Tor browser is also used by internet users that wish to stay anonymous.
Tor is typically negatively viewed by government agencies, law enforcement, and the press. However, it offers internet users a host of benefits. For example, many journalists rely on the Tor browser for secure and anonymous communication free from state interference.
Although the Tor browser makes you anonymous, you should use a VPN whenever you access the Tor browser. Tor over VPN is the only way to ensure complete security and privacy and ensure your ISP doesn’t notice your use of the Tor browser.
Using a VPN will also allow you to access the dark web via the Tor browser even where access to it is typically restricted. For example, you’ll be able to visit the dark web at work, school, or in a restricted country. VPNs that have built-in malware protection can also protect you from malicious dark web sites that try to infect your system with viruses.
The dark web is monitored by law enforcement agencies, online security services, and banks. This is to check for stolen credentials and identifiable information or to catch criminals. However, by accessing the dark web via the Tor browser your identity will be anonymous, meaning no one will know who you are unless you reveal personal information.
Using Tor is completely legal and is an important tool for journalists to communicate in private. Many internet users also use it to access websites and services that are censored and restricted in their countries, including social media networks. However, this does not mean that illegal activities aren’t carried out on the dark web.
Without a VPN, government agencies and your ISP will be able to see you’re accessing the Tor browser, which may lead them to suspect you of illegal activity on the dark web. Keep yourself safe, and use a VPN for the dark web.
You'll find the best VPNs for the dark web on our list above. We recommend using NordVPN or Surfshark VPN if you want total privacy and security when browsing the dark web.
Yes, you can! However, if you use a VPN your identity should remain safe and your actions should be untraceable. This is why using a VPN for the dark web is imperative.
It is hard to spot malicious dark web sites since dark web pages aren't HTTPS protected. We recommend only visiting websites that you trust and never entering dark web URLs into your regular open web browser as you're more likely to click on something malicious.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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