17 Best Onion Sites — Safely Visit the Dark Web in 2024

While Onion sites offer encrypted access to the Dark Web, your data might still be at risk. Many malicious Onion links are harmful. Some Onion sites are scams, and others host illegal or immoral content, making it hard to tell which one to trust.

To help you avoid these issues, my team and I tested dozens of .onion sites and found the best ones that provide uncensored access to information while keeping you anonymous online. The list includes news, media, literature, libraries, email, social networking, crypto, and more.

Be advised. Despite its many positive uses, the Dark Web is associated with unchecked illegal activities. While the sites recommended in this article are legal to visit, always exercise extreme caution. We at vpnMentor do not condone any illegal activities, so please use the Dark Web responsibly.

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Best Onion Sites On The Dark Web in 2024

We have compiled our list based on different categories, such as directories, search engines, forums, emails, etc., to help you find what you need. If you're new to the Dark Web or .onion sites, follow this easy guide to get started.

1. The Hidden Wiki — The Wikipedia of the Dark Web That Features a Community Hub

The Hidden Wiki is a directory website with links to different Dark Web websites and resources similar to Wikipedia. For security reasons, the URLs of .onion websites consist of random numbers and letters, so The Hidden Wiki allows you to navigate through the Dark Web without having to worry about remembering these URLs.

Listings include sections like financial, commercial, and security services

Beyond its directory functions, the platform also serves as a community hub where you can discuss various topics and share your experiences. Its longevity and reputation have solidified its position as a cornerstone of the Dark Web community.

In addition to useful information, The Hidden Wiki contains links to dangerous sites and marketplaces. Be sure to visit the original website and avoid malicious alternatives to safeguard your online data.

2. Torlinks — A Backup Directory of Onion Sites

TorLinks is a robust Dark Web directory that offers a compilation of links organized into commercial and non-commercial categories. Each category is further divided into multiple sub-categories for easy navigation. Initially launched as a backup of The Hidden Wiki, it's now the primary go-to resource for accessing .onion sites and resources when other directories face unexpected downtimes.

It offers links for finance, shopping services, online forums, etc

You can even search for alternatives to sites on the Dark Web that are no longer functional. However, it’s not as detailed as The Hidden Wiki, and you may need some time to get used to its interface and how to find your required link.

3. DuckDuckGo — A Private Search Engine To Browse Without Tracking

DuckDuckGo is the default search engine for the Tor browser, which shows its commitment to user privacy. Unlike other popular mainstream browsers, DuckDuckGo doesn’t store your online data. In addition, it doesn’t create user profiles based on browsing history meaning that you won’t be seeing personalized ads or search results while using it.

It can securely access regular websites on the Tor browser

It's also available on the clear net (outside the Dark Web) and is becoming increasingly popular among those concerned about their privacy. In fact, it 's one the best private search engines we've tested.

4. Ahmia — Tor Search Engine With Robust Abuse Protection

Ahmia has a very strict policy against abusive content, and any link with such content, if reported, is added to a blocklist and isn’t shown in future search results. However, Ahmia, like other darknet search engines, isn’t completely safe. So always take proper security precautions on the Dark Web before using it.

I've never had any issues using the site

It features a vast collection of hidden .onion sites. Like any other browser, you can search for a relevant keyword using its search bar, and it will show you results if its database has any relevant websites stored.

5. Haystack — User-Friendly Dark Web Search Engine for Quick Navigation

Haystack is an easy-to-use search engine for .onion sites that weeds out malicious and harmful links. However, with thousands of search results, the danger of clicking the wrong link remains. It’s purely used to search dark sites, and can only be accessed via the Tor browser, and isn’t available on the clear net.

Your donation, no matter the size, helps maintain this site

If you upgrade to the premium plan, you gain access to advanced search features. Using this feature, you can find historical content or sites that aren't even active anymore.

6. Torch — A Long-Standing Dark Web Search Engine With a Wide Index of Onion Sites

Torch is one of the oldest and most reliable search engines on the Dark Web, with a database containing one of the largest indexes of .onion sites. It’s primarily funded through ads and doesn’t filter search results. As a result, you may see adult content, gambling, or other offensive websites during your searches, so be careful about the links you click.

Avoid ads, even those Torch labels as verified, to prevent any potential issues

However, it doesn’t track your online activity, so the ads you see will not be personalized based on your browsing habits.

7. Dread — A Forum Focused on Anonymity and In-Depth Discussions

Dread is the Dark Web's platform for unrestricted discussions, queries, and responses. However, it lacks moderation, so offensive comments, misinformation, and trolling are common.

You can find different dread channels on the right side of the homepage

You can use this forum to get information or guidance on all aspects of life, ranging from technical queries to personal dilemmas. However, like any other .onion website, this forum is not 100% safe, so try avoiding any external links shared in your chat threads.

8. ProtonMail — Anonymous and Encrypted Email Service

ProtonMail, powered by Proton AG, provides end-to-end encryption to keep your email messages from being monitored. In addition to keeping your data safe from prying eyes on the Dark Web, you can also use ProtonMail on the clear net.

These include a VPN, cloud storage, password manager, and more

That said, if ProtonMail doesn’t suit your needs, there are other Dark Web email platforms available, such as RiseUp and Mail2Tor. However, they do have their own issues. For example, RiseUp is an invite-only platform, meaning that you will need an invitation to use it.

9. The Intercept — Secure Channel for Whistleblowers and Investigative Journalism

The Intercept is renowned for its fearless and unfiltered journalism. Its writers have been at the forefront of investigative journalism, often delving into topics that mainstream media rarely covers.

It offers all the latest news and political analysis

It also offers a SecureDrop link that allows whistleblowers to submit information anonymously. While The Intercept is a great news platform, you can also access the BBC Tor Mirror, The New York Times, and ProPublica for more coverage of what’s happening in the world.

10. Imperial Library of Trantor — A Vast Collection of Rare and Banned Books

The Imperial Library of Trantor (also known as Galactic Library) is a bibliophile's paradise on the Dark Web. It features an extensive collection of books and other literature, including banned books on the clear net. You can easily access it using Tor.However, beware of any malicious alternate websites.

There are many genres you can choose from, like fantasy, science, and history

From timeless classics to modern works, the library provides a varied selection of reads for everyone. That said, if you’re mostly interested in open-access scientific research papers and academic articles, try Sci-Hub or Library Genesis (LibGen). For graphic novel fans, I recommend Comic Book Library.

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11. SecureDrop — Anonymously Share Information With Media Outlets

SecureDrop allows whistleblowers to establish encrypted communication with a news outlet. It’s used by 50+ news organizations, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Intercept, The Globe and Mail, ProPublica, and more. These news outlets offer dedicated .onion links where you can drop whistleblowing news.

Follow the prompts to complete the signup process

Whistleblower Aid is a complimentary service to SecureDrop, which protects those brave enough to expose wrongdoings. This non-profit organization provides legal and advisory support, ensuring whistleblowers can come forward without fear.

12. Facebook Mirror — Stay Connected Even on Restricted Networks

Facebook (FB) provides a dedicated .onion link on the Tor network to safely access the platform from anywhere, including regions with online restrictions. However, .onion websites are comparatively slower than clear net sites, so you may experience longer loading times.

You can log in using your credentials just as you would on the regular site

Similar to Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) also offers a Dark site if you want to access the platform using Tor. Still, you might want to use additional security tools to protect your data when accessing these sites.

13. Impreza Hosting — Premier Hosting Solutions for Dark Web Websites

Impreza Hosting is one of the best hosting services for websites on the Dark Web. You can use it to set up a site using server rentals, domain registration, email hosting, and all the other features you'd find with providers like GoDaddy on the standard web.

You can register without revealing any personal information

In addition, it allows you to make payments for its services anonymously through cryptocurrency, making it a popular choice among Dark Web users.

14. Wasabi Wallet — A Secure Bitcoin Wallet With Transaction-Masking Technology

Wasabi Wallet allows you to manage Bitcoin transactions anonymously using the Tor network. It uses the CoinJoin process, allowing you to mix your coins with other strangers making the transactions very difficult to track.

Desktop wallets like these are considered more secure than web wallets

It also safeguards your data by using the Neutrino protocol to eliminate the use of third-party servers for conducting transactions.

15. Keybase — Privacy-Focused Messaging With Disappearing Chats and Social Media Search

Keybase is an end-to-end encrypted messaging and file-sharing tool that offers a dedicated .onion site. It works like any other popular messaging app and even offers Exploding messages that automatically delete after a fixed period of time.

It also supports team chats as well as sending public messages

You can search for anyone on Keybase using their social media aliases, like Reddit names, without needing personal details like a phone number.

16. OnionShare — Safely Share Files, Host Sites, and Chat With Friends

OnionShare is a secure and anonymous file-sharing platform for the Dark Web with open-source code. It works by starting servers locally on your computer that are then shared with others as Tor services. However, it works best in real-time since the file transfers are interrupted if you turn off your system.

It works by assigning a random name to anyone who joins your chat room

You can also use it for hosting websites which will use your computer as the host server.

17. Dark.fail — Provides Real-Time Downtime Status for Popular Onion Sites

Dark.fail regularly updates and displays the status of 50+ .onion sites. This website offers a convenient way to check if your required website is live at a given time since .onion sites often experience downtimes.

Whereas it lists offline if a website is down at a given time

How To Stay Safe While Using Onion Websites

Despite Tor’s encryption and other security measures, browsing .onion sites can still be dangerous. Follow the below tips to increase your online safety while browsing websites on the Dark Web.

• Insert the correct URL. The URLs of .onion sites are not descriptive and consist of random alphabets and numbers, so always copy and paste the exact URL to avoid visiting a malicious mirror site. Plus, Dark Websites are often shifted to different domains, so always use the updated links to your required sites.
• Use a VPN. Connecting to a high-quality VPN for the Dark Web increases your online privacy by masking your real IP address and encrypting your connection. This makes it extremely difficult for anyone to trace your location — even if your data is tracked to Tor’s entry node.
• Avoid suspicious links. Since the Dark Web isn’t regulated, clicking on ads or any other suspicious-looking links can land you on malware-loaded websites.
• Don’t use a personal email account. You should always create new accounts that aren’t linked to your personal ones for using .onion sites. This way, your personal account and information won’t be compromised.
• Use complicated passwords. Always create strong passwords and avoid using the same ones for banking sites, social media, or your other accounts. This will reduce the risk of your passwords getting hacked. The best password managers simplify creating and managing passwords.
• Avoid proxy services such as Tor2Web. Proxies use your regular browser, meaning that you lose the protection of the layers of encryption provided by Tor. This puts you in more danger of getting exposed to online threats.
• Cover your webcam and block your microphone. Some hackers use technology to infiltrate your camera and microphone and spy on you. This isn’t just creepy; it’s very dangerous.
• Adopt secure online habits. You should be careful while using the Tor Browser — always keep it and any other Dark Web software updated. Avoid downloads if possible since the downloaded files can contain malware, and always use an Antivirus. Plus, keep in mind that if anything seems too good to be true on the Dark Web, it's most probably a scam.
• Use cryptocurrencies. Always try to use cryptocurrencies to remain safe and private on the Dark Web.

Military-Grade Security Features

DEAL: Save 82% + 30-day money-back guarantee

Editor's Choice for Security

Our Score: 10.0

High-level encryption keeps you safe online

Verified to not collect or share data

Visit ExpressVPN

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on the Best Onion Sites

Is it illegal to enter the Dark Web?

No, simply entering or browsing the Dark Web itself isn’t illegal in most countries. However, many of the activities and transactions that occur on the Dark Web are unlawful. The legality depends on your actions and local laws. However, even in areas where the Dark Web is allowed, using a high-quality VPN is advised to keep your browsing activity private.

Why are Onion sites so slow?

Onion sites are slower than regular websites due to Tor's privacy-focused design. Tor uses multi-layered encryption and routes data through multiple relays (entry, middle, and exit nodes), which increases latency to enhance anonymity.

Will a VPN protect me on the Dark Web?

Yes, a VPN enhances your online privacy on the Dark Web by sending your traffic through its private server network and encrypting your connection. However, not all VPNs come with robust security and privacy features, so make sure to use a premium VPN that won't leak your data on the Dark Web.

Can I access Onion sites on Chrome or Firefox?

Technically, yes, but you’ll still need to use the Tor network to access .onion sites, even on Chrome or Firefox. Chrome offers proxies that can give you access to dark sites, while you need to change the configuration of Firefox to do so. However, these methods can compromise your online security and would be very slow, so it's better to just use Tor.

Can I access Onion sites from my iPhone or Android device?

Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that the Tor browser is not officially available for both of these platforms. Tor’s official website recommends using the Orbot app for Android and the Onion Browser app for iPhone to access these websites.

Can I access the Dark Web without Tor?

Yes, by using other Dark Web browsers like Freenet or I2P. However, Tor remains one of the best options for accessing popular Dark Websites or services, as it encrypts your data to protect your privacy. In addition, Tor has one of the largest Dark Web databases that you can’t access with any other software, including other Dark Web browsers.

Conclusion

Onion sites have multiple malware-loaded mirror sites and show dangerous ads or external links that can redirect you to phishing scam sites. However, we've created a list of the best Dark Websites with updated and working .onion links.

These websites range from Dark Web browsers to marketplaces for different online services. However, these .onion sites are still part of the Dark Web, so you should be careful about what you click while browsing them.