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Looking for a secure way to explore the dark web using a VPN? Utilizing a VPN that encrypts your information and ensures your anonymity is critical for venturing into the dark web.
The dark web itself isn't illegal, although a lot of bad actors use the dark web to set up nefarious marketplaces. That's why it's important to protect yourself. Think of a virtual private network (VPN) as your friend who helps you stay under the radar while protecting your privacy and identity.
Based on our independent testing, we think NordVPN, Proton VPN, and PureVPN are the best VPNs to consider if you want to go to the dark side. We name NordVPN the best overall due to its air-tight security, advanced privacy features, and price point. Plus, NordVPN boasts features you'd need to stay safe on the dark web, like Onion over VPN, double VPN, a kill switch, and much more.
Learn more about VPNs for the dark web in our in-depth roundup.
At minimum, the best VPNs for the dark web offer enhanced security features, a promise not to log your internet activities, and a specialty server for Onion over VPN (or Tor over VPN). Our top picks boast an array of proprietary security protocols and features in addition to must-have VPN features for the dark web.
| VPN |  Our Pick
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| Star rating | |||
| Starting price | Starts at $3.09/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $4.49/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.14/mo (billed every two years) |
| Free plan | |||
| Onion over VPN/Tor over VPN | Yes, Onion over VPN | Yes, Tor over VPN | Yes, Onion over VPN |
| Headquarters | Panama | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands |
| Audited no-logs policy? | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Proton VPN | Get PureVPN |
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
#1 rated VPN with over 7,000 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 118 countries
Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
NordVPN is the best VPN provider we've tested, and we think it's perfect for anyone who wants unmatched security and privacy when browsing the dark web. NordVPN offers robust security features such as military-grade encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and, more importantly, lots of optimized servers that allow you to access the dark web securely. Plus, NordVPN is based in Panama, which means it doesn't log your internet activity, IP address, or other private information.
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Specialty servers: NordVPN is the most secure VPN we've tested. It offers advanced security features and specialty servers that help keep your dark web activities secure and private, including:
Robust encryption protocols: NordVPN offers OpenVPN and WireGuard, the latter of which boasts NordVPN's proprietary NordLynx architecture. NordLynx is designed to enhance your speeds and offer an even more secure connection. Plus, NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM (military-grade encryption protocols) or xChaCha20x (a top-of-the-line stream cipher), depending on your selected protocol.
Specialty servers are slower: NordVPN is a consistently fast provider overall, but the specialty servers can reduce your speeds. Connecting to Onion over Tor and double VPN, which have limited servers to start, can be frustrating due to the lag.
Limited dark web monitoring: If you're cruising the dark web, it's important to know if your info is leaked. NordVPN does offer dark web monitoring, but unfortunately, it's limited to your NordVPN email account only.
| Price range | $3.09–$17.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | 7,400+ servers in 118 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx) |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Port forwarding | No |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Stream from anywhere with 11,300+ high-speed servers
VPN Accelerator tech improves speeds by up to 400%
Block ads, trackers, and malicious scripts
ProtonVPN is packed with security and privacy features that help you remain anonymous and safe while browsing the dark web. Whether you are a private investigator, a journalist, or a privacy-conscious internet user, we think Proton VPN may be a great option, especially if you want to purchase and use a VPN without a paper trail.
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Anonymity: Proton VPN is one of a few VPN providers that lets you sign up without inputting any personal information. In fact, you can purchase a subscription using cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, ensuring that your purchase is untraceable.
Privacy: Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, where privacy laws are stringent, and there is no participation in the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes alliances. The added integration of Tor over VPN to facilitate anonymous browsing on the dark web makes it a powerful free VPN for Tor, giving us all the more reasons to appreciate its privacy-focused features.
Security: We were impressed by the powerful privacy and security features that ProtonVPN offers, making it a superb VPN for dark web use. Like NordVPN, Proton VPN implements secure encryption protocols like AES-256 or ChaCha20 to protect your data from prying eyes. but it also offers Secure Core architecture that allows multi-hopping, making it difficult for anyone to trace your web activities, and a strict no-logs policy that a third-party company independently audits on a routine basis.
Limited free plan: ProtonVPN’s free version is a bit limited. For example, it gives you access to fewer servers available in only three countries: the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands. Additionally, its free version only allows you to connect to one device at a time, versus the maximum of ten devices on its paid plans. You'll also need a paid ProtonVPN plan to access Tor over VPN servers and other premium features.
Limited dark web monitoring: Like NordVPN, Proton VPN offers dark web monitoring that is limited to users with a Proton Mail or Proton Pass account.
| Price range | $4.49–$9.99/mo |
| Free version | Yes — Unlimited GB data limit |
| Number of servers | 12,000+ servers in 117 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Port forwarding | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN Read Our Proton VPN Review |
Vast global network of 6,000+ optimized VPN servers in 65+ countries with smart server selection for the fastest connection
Turn any network private, protect apps separately, privately share files, and more with an ultra-fast 20Gbps connection
Fly past location restrictions and VPN blockers on up to 10 devices
PureVPN is best for VPN users who want to browse the dark web while monitoring their data for breaches or leaks.
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Affordability: PureVPN offers all the standard security features you'd expect in a premium service for dark web use, like Onion over VPN, a kill switch, split tunneling features, and more, but at a budget price.
Dark web monitoring: While other VPN providers offer dark web monitoring services, PureVPN's add-on feature isn't limited to a proprietary email provider. Whichever email address you used to sign up will be monitored. After signing up, PureVPN will scan the dark web for your sensitive data, including your SSN, email and home addresses, phone number, and more.
Dark web monitoring is extra: Like most of the bells and whistles PureVPN offers, you have to pay à la carte for premium add-ons. Other top VPN services include advanced security features like dark web monitoring with all paid plans.
Decreased server performance: Based on our in-house testing, we found that PureVPN doesn't offer speeds or connections as reliable as NordVPN or Proton VPN. Some PureVPN servers significantly lowered our internet speeds, and a few times, we lost connections and had to switch to different servers.
| Price range | $2.14-$19.95/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec/IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Port forwarding | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review |
We conduct speed tests with all our VPNs by measuring their baseline speed and then measuring the impact while connected to various server locations. It's typical for VPNs to reduce speeds because your traffic is encrypted and routed through security servers. However, both NordVPN and Proton VPN actually increased our download speeds. PureVPN decreased our speeds, but the decrease wasn't worse than most providers.
| VPN speed to U.S. server | Normal speed | Speed loss | |
| NordVPN | 317.52 Mbps | 314.19 Mbps | 1.06% increase |
| Proton VPN | 391.96 Mbps | 389.78 Mbps | 0.56% increase |
| PureVPN | 262.38 Mbps | 274.53 Mbps | 4.43% slower |
The Tor project, commonly called The Onion Router, is a privacy tool that helps keep your online activity anonymous and secure. Using Tor is legal in most countries (excluding China, Iran, Russia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan) as long as you are not engaging in illegal activities.
To use a VPN with the Tor browser, follow these steps:
In most countries, VPNs are legal and essential to use when navigating the dark web, as they can serve as a protective guard that maintains your anonymity while securing your data. However, some countries, like China and North Korea, may ban or restrict the use of a VPN, which can result in hefty fees or imprisonment.
Always check the laws within your jurisdiction, even while traveling, to avoid accidentally breaking any laws. And as a final reminder, keep in mind that using a VPN doesn't give you a free pass to commit illegal activities on the dark web.
Getting tracked on the dark web can lead to some unwanted outcomes, like identity theft or even legal trouble if you've dabbled in things you shouldn't have. This is where the best VPN services show their worth, helping you to maintain your anonymity on the dark web.
Yes, it is! The magic of a VPN lies in how a VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address. With strong encryption, it is like putting on an invisible cloak that makes it challenging for prying eyes to track your online activities.
Keep in mind that even the most anonymous VPN isn't an absolute shield. So, ensure you maintain wise browsing habits, especially when delving into the dark web, and stay safe out there.
As with all other aspects of life, there will always be risks. Venturing into the dark web is no stranger to that, and it can even feel like entering a digital Wild West. However, while it is a haven for privacy, it can also be a breeding ground for criminals and illegal activity. This can put you at risk of identity theft, scams, and threats. If you're not careful and engage in illegal activities on the dark web, you could end up in a sticky legal situation as well. A secure VPN can act as your digital bodyguard, but you still need to tread carefully.
If you’re going to dive into the dark web, you want to do so with the best dark web VPN service to keep you secure and anonymous. Our top picks for the best dark web security are NordVPN, Proton VPN, and PureVPN. Each of them offers affordable pricing, Tor over VPN support, multi-platform compatibility, and robust features for security and privacy, like military-grade encryption and secure VPN protocols that aid and assist you in remaining safe on the dark web.
NordVPN, starting at $3.09/mo (billed every two years), is our favorite pick for those needing maximum security on the dark web without breaking the bank. It offers fast speeds, secure specialty servers, and top-of-the-line encryption protocols.
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
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Starts at $3.09/mo (billed every two years) | Best overall | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
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Starts at $4.49/mo (billed every two years) | Best for anonymity | Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
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$2.14/mo (billed every two years) | Best for dark web monitoring | Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review |
#1 rated VPN with over 7,000 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 118 countries
Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
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