The Dark Web can be a weird and wonderful place — it’s a haven for people fighting against censorship and oppression as well as an access point to uncensored news, anonymous messaging services, and decentralized financial services. However, it’s also a hotspot for hackers and shady third parties.
To get you started, I’ve shortlisted 25 of the most popular and interesting Dark Web links and put together a guide on safely accessing them with the Tor browser (your regular browser won’t work). I strongly suggest connecting to a VPN before visiting the Dark web to keep your activity fully private.
ExpressVPN is my top pick for the Dark Web — it has top-tier security features to keep you anonymous and fast speeds to counteract Tor’s sluggishness. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN with Tor completely risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can claim a refund if you’re not satisfied.
Note! My team and I don’t condone any illegal behavior. While surfing the Dark Web is legal, it does contain sites that are not legal to visit. Please exercise a basic level of caution when visiting sites through the Dark Web and make sure to do your research.
Quick Guide: 25 Best Dark Web Links in 2023
The Hidden Wiki — The Wikipedia of the Dark Web, allowing you to locate any website you want using its exhaustive directory.
TorLinks — A second directory for you to find .onion sites if The Hidden Wiki fails.
DuckDuckGo — Visit the Dark Web and regular HTTPS websites with added privacy.
Dark Web Search Engines — Find useful information on .onion sites easily.
ProtonMail — Send and receive encrypted emails anonymously without prying eyes.
Explore 20 more of the best .onion sites on the Dark Web
The 25 Best Dark Web Sites (Updated in February 2023)
1. The Hidden Wiki — The Index of the Dark Web
The Hidden Wiki is the Dark Web version of Wikipedia: a directory that indexes links of .onion sites to help you navigate the Tor network. It gives you access to Dark Web social networks, anonymous chat rooms, blogs, and more.
Directories like these are essential because .onion URLs aren’t as informative as those used on the standard web. This makes it difficult to find specific websites on the Dark Web, but The Hidden Wiki makes it easy for you by providing an in-depth directory of sites in different categories.
Keep in mind that since it’s such a popular resource, there are many counterfeit versions of The Hidden Wiki on the Dark Web. It’s best to stay away from these spin-offs, as they could host links to malicious sites you wouldn’t want to visit.
The Hidden Wiki URL: http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Note: The Hidden Wiki is uncensored, which means it indexes both legal and illegal websites — you’ll find legitimate websites alongside those that cater to pedophiles, scammers, and money launderers. Not all the links listed may be functional or safe either because anyone from anywhere can edit the URLs showcased on The Hidden Wiki. Avoid these illegal categories and protect your private data using a trustworthy VPN.
2. TorLinks — A Backup Directory of .onion Sites
TorLinks is similar to The Hidden Wiki, allowing you to find .onion sites quickly and easily. If The Hidden Wiki goes offline or is unavailable, your first choice should be TorLinks. It also allows you to find alternatives for many sites that are no longer available on the Dark Web.
However, when compared to The Hidden Wiki, TorLinks isn’t as detailed and is harder to navigate due to The Hidden Wiki’s close resemblance to Wikipedia — which many of us are familiar with.
TorLinks URL: http://torlinksge6enmcyyuxjpjkoouw4oorgdgeo7ftnq3zodj7g2zxi3kyd.onion/
3. DuckDuckGo — A Surface Web Search Engine That Doesn’t Track You
If you want to access the Surface Web through Tor, you’ll be able to use DuckDuckGo for added privacy and anonymity.
DuckDuckGo is a private search engine that allows you to access regular websites and the Dark Web without collecting or sharing your personal data. In doing so, you’ll acquire added protection from the Tor Network and DuckDuckGo simultaneously.
DuckDuckGo URL: https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion/
4. Dark Web Search Engines (Torch, Ahmia, Daniel, and Haystak)
As an alternative to directories like The Hidden Wiki and TorLinks, you can use search engines for Dark Web websites. Some of the most popular Dark Web search engines include:
Torch
As the oldest search engine on the Tor network, Torch has access to the largest database of .onion links — over 1 billion indexed .onion pages. It also gives you additional information about search results, like the size of the pages you might want to access, and it doesn’t log any of your activities.
Torch doesn’t censor search results.
Torch URL: http://xmh57jrknzkhv6y3ls3ubitzfqnkrwxhopf5aygthi7d6rplyvk3noyd.onion/
Ahmia
Even though it’s a Dark Web search engine, Ahmia is also available on the surface web and accessible from regular browsers. Of course, you still won’t be able to follow any links without the Tor browser, but it’s a good way to see what’s available before downloading Tor.
Ahmia URL: http://juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion/
Daniel
If you’re new to the Dark Web, Daniel is a great place to start. While it functions as a search engine, Daniel also lets you explore over 7000 categorized .onion links. This is particularly helpful if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
The best part about Daniel is that it shows whether a particular onion site is online or not. This is very helpful, especially since onion links are notorious for going offline.
Daniel URL: http://danschat356lctri3zavzh6fbxg2a7lo6z3etgkctzzpspewu7zdsaqd.onion/
Haystak
Haystak has a friendly interface and an index of 1.5 billion pages over 260,000 onion sites. Like Ahmia, Haystak filters out dangerous content.
Haystak URL: http://haystak5njsmn2hqkewecpaxetahtwhsbsa64jom2k22z5afxhnpxfid.onion/
Important! Like many tools on the Dark Web, most Dark Web search engines don’t censor search results. Stick to safe categories to avoid illegal content, scams, and malware.
5. ProtonMail — Anonymous & Ultra-Secure Email Services
One of the most recommended and trusted private email providers with over 70 million active users in over 150 countries, ProtonMail allows you to send and receive encrypted emails for free without an interception.
It’s one of the most popular email services available on the Dark Web and even has a surface web version if you prefer. It uses end-to-end encryption to help keep users anonymous while giving them access to quality email. Unlike other services, it even includes an automated login recovery system if you lose your credentials. It’s also much more secure than popular platforms like Gmail and Hotmail.
ProtonMail URL: https://protonmailrmez3lotccipshtkleegetolb73fuirgj7r4o4vfu7ozyd.onion/
6. RiseUp — An Invite-Only Secure Communication Platform
Developed in 1999 for people working towards social change, RiseUp provides a secure communication platform protected from government interference and cyber attacks by holding no record of communication. You’ll be unable to create an account without an invitation code, but you can visit its security section to find tips on how to improve your privacy and security.
RiseUp URL: http://vww6ybal4bd7szmgncyruucpgfkqahzddi37ktceo3ah7ngmcopnpyyd.onion/
7. The Intercept — Publishes Fearless and Unfiltered Political News
The Intercept is a news website that publishes fearless and adversarial journalism. It prides itself on giving journalists the editorial freedom and legal support they need to investigate corruption and other injustices. Many of its articles rely on leaks and secret sources. Its .onion address offers SecureDrop for whistleblowers. This platform lets users submit documents without revealing their identities.
To stay anonymous when reading or contacting a news source like The Intercept, use a VPN with a strict no-logging policy like ExpressVPN before connecting to your Tor browser.
The Intercept URL: https://27m3p2uv7igmj6kvd4ql3cct5h3sdwrsajovkkndeufumzyfhlfev4qd.onion/
8. Darknetlive — Discover How to Use the Dark Web From Anywhere
Darknetlive is a news site covering information related to the Dark Web, including darknet market sites, cryptocurrency resources, onion link indexes, and arrests related to Dark Web activities.
Darknetlive URL: http://darkzzx4avcsuofgfez5zq75cqc4mprjvfqywo45dfcaxrwqg6qrlfid.onion/
9. Kilos — The Most Extensive Search Engine on the Dark Web
Kilos is one of the newest and most extensive search engines on the Dark Web, with an expanding index of 7 darknet marketplaces and 6 forums. It also offers its own members-only live chat and, most recently, a Bitcoin mixer called Krumble.
Its most popular feature is its advanced darknet market search, which lets you find vendors and listings for the products you want to buy, and filter results by price, shipping destination, and currency.
Kilos URL: http://mlyusr6htlxsyc7t2f4z53wdxh3win7q3qpxcrbam6jf3dmua7tnzuyd.onion/
10. ProPublica — Pulitzer Prize-Winning News Publication
ProPublica is a five-time Pulitzer-winning news organization that uses investigative journalism to expose corruption and the betrayal of public trust at the highest levels of government. You can find its articles in Spanish and English, ensuring its content is easily accessible wherever you are.
While it is accessible on the clarinet, ProPublica also maintains a Tor website. Accessing it via Tor gives you a layer of anonymity and lets you bypass blocks in countries with strict online censorship.
ProPublica URL: http://p53lf57qovyuvwsc6xnrppyply3vtqm7l6pcobkmyqsiofyeznfu5uqd.onion/
Other news publications with mirror .onion sites include:
BBC News URL: https://www.bbcnewsd73hkzno2ini43t4gblxvycyac5aw4gnv7t2rccijh7745uqd.onion/
The New York Times URL: https://www.nytimesn7cgmftshazwhfgzm37qxb44r64ytbb2dj3x62d2lljsciiyd.onion/
Deutsche Welle URL: http://dwnewsgngmhlplxy6o2twtfgjnrnjxbegbwqx6wnotdhkzt562tszfid.onion/en/top-stories/s-9097
11. SecureDrop — A Secure Way to Share Sensitive Information With the Media
SecureDrop is an open-source whistleblower submission system that media organizations use to securely accept documents from anonymous sources.
Over 50 news organizations use SecureDrop worldwide, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Intercept, The Globe and Mail, and ProPublica. Advantages of SecureDrop include:
No third-party involvement.
Encryption.
The use of best practices to ensure your protection from hackers.
SecureDrop URL: http://sdolvtfhatvsysc6l34d65ymdwxcujausv7k5jk4cy5ttzhjoi6fzvyd.onion/
12. Dread — The Reddit of the Dark Web
As Tor’s equivalent to Reddit, you’ll be able to make an account and leave your thoughts on a variety of topics without compromising your privacy or anonymity. Dread was created in 2018 when Reddit banned 200k+ users on an Infinity War sub — the largest mass ban in its history — to overcome censorship and strict moderation.
However, the anonymity of its users and lack of moderation makes it difficult to regulate. For example, trolling, the spread of misinformation, and offensive comments are common on Dread, while they’re usually quickly removed from similar forums on the clarinet.
You can find useful information and help on many topics, but I suggest you proceed with caution due to its lack of moderation.
Dread URL: http://dreadytofatroptsdj6io7l3xptbet6onoyno2yv7jicoxknyazubrad.onion/
13. Invidious — An Ad-Free & Tracker-Free YouTube Alternative
Invidious is an open-source front-end alternative to YouTube. This means you can access your favorite YouTube channels and videos without Google tracking you. Plus, you’ll never be asked to sign in or create an account to start watching, and it’s totally ad-free!
Invidious URL: http://c7hqkpkpemu6e7emz5b4vyz7idjgdvgaaa3dyimmeojqbgpea3xqjoid.onion/
14. Facebook — An .onion Site for Privacy-Focused Facebook Users
Facebook’s onion site works exactly like its clearnet page, allowing you to communicate with your friends and family without anonymity. This means that Facebook, your friends, family, ISP, and governmental organizations can see what you like, comment on, and post.
The rising popularity of Tor and internet privacy is what urged Facebook to develop its .onion site, as many Tor users would regularly experience blocks and be unable to access Facebook’s services.
Using a VPN and Tor to access Facebook improves your privacy and security compared to using the Surface Web, as you’re no longer susceptible to cyber attacks. If you’re looking for information on political upheaval, war, oppressive government crackdowns, and secure communication with your family and friends, Facebook’s onion site is a good option.
Facebook URL: https://www.facebookwkhpilnemxj7asaniu7vnjjbiltxjqhye3mhbshg7kx5tfyd.onion/
15. Imperial Library of Trantor — Access Over One Million Books for Free
The Imperial Library has over 1 million books separated into 40+ categories, ensuring you can find your favorite genres like fantasy novels, self-help books, or a biography. However, since this is a Dark Web site, there is the possibility that the content you access and download is copyrighted and, therefore, against the law to access without permission. Because of this, we neither encourage nor condone the use of the Imperial Library.
If you’re worried about reading books without permission, you can use its online forum to participate in discussions about books you’ve read with people with similar interests. Plus, if the book has been published for over 70 years (after the author’s death), it is no longer protected by copyright in the UK and can be downloaded without breaking any laws. In some countries, you can overcome copyright in less than 50 years, making it safe to download older manuscripts and participate in research.
Imperial Library URL: http://kx5thpx2olielkihfyo4jgjqfb7zx7wxr3sd4xzt26ochei4m6f7tayd.onion/
16. Comic Book Library — The Best Dark Web Site for Comic Book Lovers
The Comic Book Library is one of the best onion sites for comic book lovers, giving you direct access to thousands of downloadable comics ranging from niche titles to more popular ones. Similar to the Imperial Library, in the sense that it provides copyrighted content, you should always be vigilant to make sure you don’t break any laws.
Comic Book Library URL: http://nv3x2jozywh63fkohn5mwp2d73vasusjixn3im3ueof52fmbjsigw6ad.onion/
17. Deep Web Radio — Listen to 20+ Radio Channels While Using Tor
Deep Web Radio is the perfect place to find good music while browsing the Dark Web, ensuring access to over 20 different channels depending on your favorite genre. The benefit of using Deep Web Radio is that you don’t have to use the clarinet while exploring the Dark Web.
Deep Web Radio URL: http://anonyradixhkgh5myfrkarggfnmdzzhhcgoy2v66uf7sml27to5n2tid.onion/
18. Wasabi Wallet — Buy & Sell Bitcoin Anonymously
Wasabi Wallet is one of the most popular platforms on the Dark Web, allowing you to buy, sell, and manage your cryptocurrency anonymously. It combines unique features and protocols to maximize your protection and ensure the anonymity of your Bitcoin transactions, including:
CoinJoin: A process that allows strangers to anonymize their Bitcoin transactions by mixing coins with strangers online. This lets you hide which transaction was yours, making it almost impossible to trace it back to you.
Neutrino protocol: Used to verify payments and maximize your security by compressing a block of transactions before sending it to a client. In doing so, it doesn’t have to rely on servers to protect its user’s data, and it becomes the task of the client.
Wasabi Wallet URL: http://wasabiukrxmkdgve5kynjztuovbg43uxcbcxn6y2okcrsg7gb6jdmbad.onion/
19. Beneath VT — Explore Virginia Tech’s Steam Tunnels
Beneath VT is an onion site dedicated to exploring the steam tunnels below Virginia Tech University in the US. The tunnels carry steam, electricity, and telecommunications lines throughout the campus. The site features log entries, maps, videos, and an extensive list of the dangers the various tunnels can pose to people who enter them.
Beneath VT URL: http://bvten5svsltfpxrxl72ukqxixwo2m5ek5svmcxgrmkta4tbmiemuibid.onion/
20. Tor Metrics — An Archive of Historical Data With Interesting Stats
Tor Metrics collects data from the public Tor network and archives historical data, making it an excellent place for you to gain more information about the Tor project. You will be able to use Tor and the Dark Web to find statistics for use at college or university. However, some of the information found on Tor Metrics can be considered sensitive information and may not be appropriate for public consumption.
The data collected within Tor Metrics is required for understanding, monitoring, and improving the Tor network. Without it, it’d be difficult to enhance the security and anonymity provided and may make it more difficult to detect cyber attacks against the network itself.
TorMetrics URL: http://hctxrvjzfpvmzh2jllqhgvvkoepxb4kfzdjm6h7egcwlumggtktiftid.onion/
21. Webpage Archive — Compare Dark Web Sites Over Time
Like the clarinet’s Wayback Machine, Webpage Archive takes and stores snapshots of onion sites so you can see what any site looked like at an earlier date. Snapshots of webpages are submitted by users, so you can share your findings with others and preserve interesting and valuable information in the archive.
Webpage Archive URL: http://archiveiya74codqgiixo33q62qlrqtkgmcitqx5u2oeqnmn5bpcbiyd.onion/
22. Impreza Hosting — Dark Web Site Hosting Services
Even sites on the Dark Web need to be hosted somehow, and Impreza Hosting is one of the best services to get your Dark Web site up and running. Even though you need technical expertise to set up a website with them — you can rent its servers to run your site, register your domain name, host email services, and everything else that services like GoDaddy have on the regular internet.
Impreza Hosting URL: https://imprezareshna326gqgmbdzwmnad2wnjmeowh45bs2buxarh5qummjad.onion/
23. The CIA — Secure Communication for Whistleblowers
The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) created its own .onion site to expand its online communication with the public. The site is aimed at people who want to anonymously share information with the CIA but are wary of being tracked. It also provides the same information as its clearnet site.
Interestingly, the CIA is responsible for the Tor network, aiming to protect American intelligence communications online.
The CIA URL: http://ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion/
24. The Hub — The Most Popular Social Forum on the Dark Web
One of the Dark Web’s most popular social forums, The Hub allows you to access multiple boards and discussions relating to various topics, including general news, marketplaces within the Dark Web, cryptocurrency, and more. However, you’ll need to create an account to access the forums and chat with like-minded individuals.
The Hub URL: http://thehubmcwyzwijjoqvdtpmu36npcueypjbgnvbqz4jliwjmmnpfkzkqd.onion/
25. Keybase — Combine All Your Online Identities to Avoid Scammers
Keybase makes it impossible for hackers to impersonate your profile by combining your online identities cryptographically. To do this, you can get a PGP key from the platform itself or upload your own, allowing you to link your GitHub, Twitter, Bitcoin address, and Facebook accounts together.
Keybase URL: http://lkqtqdg3huidb2w4nzobusvpq5iuveqc6ok6ma3od5jzxcnbwkriimqd.onion/
What is the Dark Web and How to Stay Safe From The Dangers
Considered a dangerous place where the general public can access sensitive information and illegal products and services, the Dark Web is often misconstrued and has a bad reputation compared to the Surface and Deep Web. However, there are many safe and legal products and services accessible through the Dark Web, including journal articles, bitcoin wallets, secure communication channels, and search engines.
The Surface Web is the most accessible part of the World Wide Web, readily available for the general public to use and consume from standard search engines (like Google).
The Deep Web is an inaccessible part of the World Wide Web, requiring passwords and specific IP addresses to access sites that aren’t indexed using search engines and are, therefore, difficult to locate.
The Dark Web is a subset of the Deep Web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser (Tor) to access unindexed sites anonymously without attracting prying eyes and unwanted attention from Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Using The Onion Router (Tor) is the best way to access the Dark Web, providing multiple layers of encryption and rerouting your internet traffic through random servers called nodes to maximize your protection and ensure your anonymity. Connecting to Tor ensures that the only recognizable data shared between its servers are where the node has come from and where it is going.
Despite your anonymity being assured while connected to the Tor browser, you are still susceptible to the cyber-attacks and scams that are prominent on the Dark Web. Additionally, your ISP can see that you downloaded Tor onto your devices and used the internet to access Tor servers.
With one of the best VPNs in 2023, you can hide your IP address and location from your ISP, ensure it can’t see you using Tor to access the Dark Web and protect yourself from potential harm.
Here are some tips to ensure your safety while using Tor to access the Dark Web:
Don’t download anything, as scammers may use files to install malware, spyware, ransomware, trojans, and viruses onto your device without your knowledge.
Don’t click links you aren’t familiar with unless found on reputable web pages.
Never use your personal email address for anything on the Dark Web, as this can be traced back to you.
Create your own Dark Web email address (such as ProtonMail) to maximize your protection online.
Install a VPN to acquire greater protection using IP and DNS leak protection, military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
Create strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication to reduce the chances of hackers accessing your accounts.
Cover your webcam and turn off your microphone to stop prying eyes from seeing you or listening to your conversations.
Keep contacts to a minimum to ensure you don’t engage with people who may not have the best intentions (like online chat rooms).
Reduce the number of items you purchase through the Dark Web to avoid the thousands of scams you could click on accidentally.