The Best VPNs for the Dark Web in 2022 (Privacy + Speed)

The best dark web VPNs (and how to use them):

Would you like to use the dark web? Tor is not infallible, which is why I recommend coupling it with a VPN. Continue reading to learn about the best VPNs for the dark web.

Consider using the dark web. Tor is not as anonymous as you may believe, which is why I advocate coupling it with a VPN (VPN). Continue reading to learn about the best VPNs for the dark web.

The best dark web VPNs and how to use them

After connecting to the Tor network, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will be unable to determine which websites you access. It can, however, determine whether or not you are using Tor. This is problematic because, despite Tor’s numerous legitimate uses (for example, enabling anonymous communication in countries with restrictive regimes), it has developed a reputation as a tool used by criminals.

However, there is an easy way to conceal your Tor usage: simply connect to a VPN. These work by redirecting your traffic to encrypted servers located throughout the world. This effectively changes your IP address and conceals your activities from everyone except your VPN provider.

I’ll go into greater detail on each of my recommended VPNs later, but if you’re in a hurry, I’ve included a quick summary of the top dark web VPNs below.

I discovered the following VPNs to be the best for the dark web:

NordVPN: My preferred method of accessing the dark web anonymously. A high-speed Internet service that places a premium on security and privacy. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee included.
Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for accessing the dark web. A VPN that prioritizes security over everything else, with respectable speeds, comprehensive privacy options, and no connection limit.
ExpressVPN is a dependable, secure VPN service that reliably delivers excellent speeds.
CyberGhost: An easy-to-use service with pre-configured security measures and a massive server network.
IPVanish: This high-speed VPN provider owns all of its servers entirely and maintains no logs.
PrivateVPN: A lightning-fast service with robust security features, a no-logs policy, and robust cross-platform compatibility.

How to use a VPN to access the dark web

The dark web does not have to be difficult to navigate. I’ll walk you through the process of using a VPN to visit the dark web below.

How to use a VPN to access the dark web:

Begin by registering for one of the VPNs listed below (I recommend NordVPN).
Connect to one of the servers on your VPN network. While the location is irrelevant, you’ll typically get the fastest speeds from local, low-load, low-latency servers.
The Tor Browser is the quickest and easiest way to reach the darknet. Simply install this and you are ready to browse.

Not every VPN is suited for dark web browsing. For instance, some maintain logs that can be accessed upon request by the authorities. With this in mind, when I conduct research on the best darknet VPNs, I only propose providers that meet all of the following criteria:

Privacy-focused: Does not maintain a database of personally-identifying information
Secure: Utilizes cutting-edge technologies, such as virtually uncrackable encryption

There is no tracking: Which allows for anonymous registration
Rapid acceleration: Ensures the availability of dependable, high-speed connections
There are no restrictions: Do not impose bandwidth restrictions, data caps, or prohibitions on torrenting

The best dark web VPNs

Consider the following to learn more about the best VPNs for the darknet:

NordVPN

The Onion Over VPN page for NordVPN.

NordVPN is the finest Tor VPN option. It boasts the quickest speeds I’ve observed and manages one of the largest networks on the market with over 5,600 high-speed servers. Additionally, NordVPN does not impose any restrictions on the user’s speed or bandwidth, which is excellent given how slow the Tor browser maybe.

This VPN has 256-bit AES encryption, automatic ad filtering, malware scanning, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, as well as an app-specific kill switch. Additionally, you can connect to a Tor over a VPN server, which eliminates the need to install the Tor browser entirely.

NordVPN’s stringent no-logs policy and shared IP addresses ensure that your online activity cannot be traced back to you. You can add an additional layer of secrecy by paying with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple.

NordVPN offers client software for Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and Linux, but it can also be installed manually on wireless routers. With a single account, you may safeguard up to six devices.

Pros

Strict policy against logging
Thousands of fast servers located throughout the world
Numerous security features that can be customized
Tor over VPN servers that are optimized for Tor
Cons: Excellent client service

The desktop application might be improved.

THE BEST TOR VPN: NordVPN is my first choice when it comes to dark web VPNs. It’s great for anyone wishing to explore the black web, as it features fast speeds, a no-logs policy, and Tor over VPN functionality. Additionally, it offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its plans.

Shark of the sea

Surfshark is a private VPN service.

Surfshark is an excellent low-cost alternative with a rapidly expanding network. At the moment, it maintains over 3,000 servers in 65 countries, which is quite impressive given the service’s unlimited bandwidth and torrenting capabilities.

256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC breaches are included as security measures. Additionally, there is an automated ad blocker, split tunneling, and a NoBorders feature that allows you to overcome VPN filtering.

There is no need to be concerned about your privacy, as Surfshark maintains no traffic logs. Additionally, it accepts three distinct cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum), which enables anonymous registration.

Surfshark is available for Mac OS X, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux and maybe set manually to operate with wireless routers. This service has no connection limitations, which means you may safeguard all of your devices.

Pros

Maintains no logs
There is no connection restriction.
A strong emphasis on security
Cons: 24-hour live chat

Support is not always adequate.

BEST BUDGET VPN: Surfshark offers fast speeds, robust security, and a no-logs policy. Additionally, it enables you to connect an unlimited number of devices. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for privacy.

ExpressVPN is another excellent option for those seeking anonymous access to the dark web. It offers consistently fast bandwidth and now operates over 3,000 servers worldwide, so establishing a low-latency connection should be rather straightforward.

This VPN is one of the most secure on the market. It employs 256-bit AES encryption and safeguards against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, as well as a network lock (also known as a kill switch) that prevents data transmission in the event of an unexpected connection loss. ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin and has its own cryptocurrency exchange. an onion mirror site, which allows for anonymous registration.

While ExpressVPN is not completely lossless, it does not keep any information that might be used to identify you. Additionally, because you share an IP address with everyone else on the server, it is virtually impossible to determine who accessed a certain site.

This service is available on Windows, Android, Mac OS X, Linux, and iOS platforms. Additionally, there is modified firmware that simplifies the installation of ExpressVPN on your home network. At the same time, up to five devices can be linked.

Pros

Does not keep track of personally identifiable information
Rapid accelerations
It’s own.
The onion website prioritizes your security Cons

There are a few sophisticated options available to power users.

SECURE AND PRIVATE: ExpressVPN is an excellent option for dark web browsing. It takes security and privacy seriously, has fast download speeds, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s private VPN service.

CyberGhost operates over 5,800 servers in over 85 countries, virtually assuring you a fast, low-latency connection. This service does not hinder your download speeds or bandwidth in any way, and it even includes dedicated torrent servers.

This VPN is ideal for inexperienced users since it comes pre-configured with a robust set of security measures. These features include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in all versions of the software), security against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, as well as automatic malware detection and ad filtering.

CyberGhost does not store any personally identifiable information about its users and enables them to sign up anonymously using a disposable email address and Bitcoin. Because all users on a particular server have the same IP address, your activities on that server cannot be traced back to you.

This service is available on macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android platforms. Additionally, it supports Linux systems and internet routers via manual configuration. CyberGhost accounts support up to seven concurrent connections.

Pros

By default, all security features are enabled.
Numerous high-speed servers in a vast network
Absence of logs

Does not have a great deal of customizability

QUICK AND VERSATILE: CyberGhost is a lightning-fast, simple-to-use service that includes a comprehensive set of security and privacy capabilities. Even better, it has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a lightning-fast VPN service that presently connects to over 1,300 servers in 60+ countries. It imposes no restrictions on data consumption or network speeds, making it a perfect alternative for everyday use as well as dark web browsing.

Despite its inexpensive pricing, this service does not scrimp on security. Indeed, IPVanish provides two capabilities that the majority of other VPN providers do not: LAN traffic blocking and OpenVPN traffic obfuscation. Naturally, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and security against DNS and IPv6 leaks are included.

With a rigorous no-logs policy, this VPN ensures that your actions remain secret at all times. While IPVanish does not accept Bitcoin as a payment method, it does accept prepaid gift cards. This means that it is still possible to sign up anonymously (although with a little more effort).

IPVanish allows you to encrypt an unlimited number of devices and includes apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Linux-based computers and network routers are also supported, although their configuration must be done manually.

Pros

Connections that are consistently fast
Does not maintain logs
Secures and protects your data with superior security and privacy features
Cons

PRIVACY-FIRST VPN: Does not take Bitcoin PRIVACY-FIRST VPN:

IPVanish is a zero-logs provider that prioritizes your privacy. Despite this, it maintains excellent speeds and unrestricted bandwidth. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included with this VPN.

PrivateVPN

VPN PrivateVPN Canada.

PrivateVPN may have fewer servers than some of the other services on this list (about 150 in 60 countries), but it offers significantly faster speeds. Additionally, it provides limitless bandwidth and enables unrestricted torrenting.

PrivateVPN protects your internet traffic from prying eyes with 256-bit encryption, security against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. Additionally, there is a cloaking option that conceals the fact that you are using a VPN. Additionally, this service can be configured manually for VPN-over-Tor (although the practical uses for this are limited).

One of the most appealing aspects of this business is its dedication to privacy. Although you can register anonymously by paying with Bitcoin and using a throwaway email address, this is absolutely optional due to PrivateVPN’s complete lack of logs.

This VPN service is available on Mac OS X, iOS, Windows, and Android. It may be installed manually on Linux machines and the majority of home routers. PrivateVPN supports simultaneous connection of up to six devices.

Pros

Faster than the majority of other VPNs
Provider with no logs
Secure features that are robust
Cons

There is no live chat available. 24/7
The network is rather tiny
HIGH SPEED: PrivateVPN is an incredibly fast service that also offers a slew of advanced security and privacy features. Additionally, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Is it possible to use a free VPN on the dark web?

Avoid using a free VPN when visiting the dark web. To begin with, these sites frequently have far too many users for their servers to handle, resulting in incredibly poor speeds. Given Tor’s inherent slowness, this is the polar opposite of what you desire.

Furthermore, you cannot rely on a free VPN to keep your online activity hidden. There is no guarantee that the supplier will resist pressure to disclose information about your actions, and some have been known to sell this information in advertisements. Worse, data indicates that using free VPNs is particularly dangerous, with over 40% of surveyed programs carrying malware.

Can I be prosecuted for accessing the dark web?

The dark web is not inherently criminal. However, due to the frequency with which criminals utilize it to purchase narcotics, guns, and stolen credit card information, the dark web has developed a reputation. Indeed, released NSA documents indicate that simply browsing the Tor website may put you on a watchlist.

Consider this: you cannot be prosecuted solely for being on the internet. Problems arise only when you use the internet for illicit purposes, and this is also true for the darknet.