2024 Dark Web Guide: How to Safely Browse It in Only 3 Steps

Kate Hawkins
Last Updated by Kate Hawkins on November 18, 2021

Browsing the Dark Web can be dangerous if you don’t use Tor (The Onion Router) browser and a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), like ExpressVPN. The Tor browser is a secure browser, keeping you anonymous online by encrypting your data and routing the connection through the Onion network of volunteer-run servers. However, this browser doesn’t prevent your ISP (Internet Service Provider) from recognizing you’re using Tor itself.

Though using the Tor browser is legal, its association to the Dark Web and illegal activities is enough for your provider to view your online activities as suspicious. This can lead to a termination with your ISP or even a visit from your relevant government authority to investigate you.

Using a premium VPN secures your connection and ensures your Tor connection remains completely anonymous. I’ve listed the top three VPNs for the Dark Web for maximum security, privacy, and speed.

Browse the Dark Web safely with ExpressVPN!

3 Easy Steps to Get on the Dark Web (Updated 2024)

  1. Get a high-quality VPN. I recommend using ExpressVPN for its proven zero-logs policy and RAM-based servers that don’t ever store your data.
  2. Download the Tor Browser. This is the best and most secure way to connect to the Dark Web.
  3. Connect to any VPN server and start the Tor Browser. You’ll be connected to a Tor relay and can start browsing the Dark Web anonymously and securely.

Connect to the Dark Web with ExpressVPN!

The Best VPNs to Safely Use the Dark Web in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — #1 for RAM-Based Servers That Delete All Data With Every Reboot

Key Features:

  • RAM-based servers never store any data — audited zero-logs policy
  • Best-in-class encryption and data leak protection for security and anonymity
  • Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries for fast global connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

I found that ExpressVPN provides top-tier privacy — perfect for browsing the Dark Web. Its RAM-based servers mean data is never stored, and everything resets when the servers reboot. With its proven no-logs policy and an automatic kill switch, it ensures your data remains secure (non-existent!) and prevents any IP address leaks.

ExpressVPN uses AES-256, an advanced encryption standard used by governments and experts across the world to secure and protect classified data. ExpressVPN implements this to protect your data between the VPN servers and your computer, keeping your online activities hidden.

While this provider isn’t the cheapest on the list, its secure and privacy-focused service makes ExpressVPN the best choice when browsing the Dark Web with Tor. It’s unique RAM-based servers are able to offer a level of safety unmatched by the competition.

ExpressVPN works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux,  Chrome, Chromebook, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and routers.

Browse the Dark Web safely with ExpressVPN!

2. CyberGhost — Secure NoSpy Servers for Ultimate Privacy On the Dark Web

Key Features:

  • NoSpy servers owned and operated by CyberGhost for maximum security
  • All connections encrypted with AES-256 and implements a no-logs policy
  • 6,600+ servers in 90+ countries
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost offers a highly-secure server network in Romania called NoSpy servers, making it a top VPN for browsing the Dark Web. These NoSpy servers are entirely owned and operated by CyberGhost, which prevents any malicious third-parties from compromising your data security.

The NoSpy servers are also optimized for safe browsing. The server network is equipped with premium hardware and dedicated connections to increase bandwidth. This means you can anonymously surf the Dark Web at the best possible speeds, even if your online activity is data-intensive.

Your identity and online activities are protected by CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy. As its NoSpy servers are based in Romania, there’s no legal requirement to retain any user data — guaranteeing your Dark Web activity is completely anonymous. CyberGhost’s AES-256 military-grade encryption protocol further ensures your connections remain shielded from anyone who might try to intercept it.

Plus — thanks to its money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days. Just reach out to support via the 24/7 live chat and request your money back before the 45-day period ends. I had to give a reason first (I just said I regretted the purchase), and my request was processed right away. The money was back in my bank within 2 weeks.

CyberGhost works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux,  Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and routers.

Browse the Dark Web safely with CyberGhost!

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Advanced Security Bonuses for Safely Browsing the Dark Web

Key Features:

  • Most affordable VPN for visiting .onion sites securely and anonymously
  • Includes military-grade encryption, so no one will know you used the Dark Web
  • 24/7 live chat support for any questions
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Private Internet Access (PIA) has some nice security extras to keep you safe on the Dark Web. It has the necessities like military-grade encryption and IP leak protection to keep your data hidden when you visit .onion sites. However, PIA also has security bonuses usually reserved only for higher-priced VPNs, like an integrated malware blocker. This automatically blocks ads, trackers, and URLs known to contain harmful software. Since malicious links are one of the biggest threats on the Dark Web, I feel much more assured using VPNs with this feature.

To ensure my private data was hidden with PIA, I connected to a server in France and ran a DNS leak test. This would show me if information like my real IP address leaked while I used PIA. I was glad to see that my DNS test only detected the IP address for PIA’s encrypted VPN server, confirming I was anonymous on the Dark Web.

With its strict zero-logs policy, none of your data is ever recorded to PIA’s servers. That means it can’t be seen by anyone even if the government requests it. PIA also has an automatic kill switch feature, which instantly shuts off your internet if you lose contact with the VPN server. This ensures that you won’t be exposed as a Dark Web user even if the connection drops.

PIA works on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook.

Get on the Dark Web with PIA!

Why You Need a VPN to Safely Connect to the Dark Web

Though the Tor browser provides a certain amount of anonymity, using a premium VPN can guarantee total security and privacy. The Dark Web lacks the safety, and standards that we use on the regular internet. This means websites on the Dark Web are potentially more dangerous and ready to infect your device or attempt to trace your connection. Using a VPN with Tor eliminates the possibility of your real IP being tracked and protects you from the threat.

Stay safe on the Dark Web with ExpressVPN

The Dark Web: What Is It Used For?

The Dark Web is associated most often with illegal activities, like purchasing controlled substances, firearms, and stolen personal data to commit fraud. But the Dark Web isn’t just used by criminals — it’s a way to communicate information securely, make purchases, and use the internet anonymously.

  • Journalists, whistleblowers, and activists communicate using the Dark Web to share information without being identified or persecuted by government bodies.
  • Legal goods can be purchased using cryptocurrency for anonymous online shopping (just make sure to use a P.O. Box and not your real address!).
  • Restricted goods, like medications that are legal in some countries but not in others, are available for purchase worldwide.
  • It’s possible to surf the web and visit sites, forums, and chat rooms without anyone knowing where you’re located.

The Dark Web is often confused with the Deep Web, a far larger part of the internet consisting of information that isn’t available to the public or indexed by search engines.

Browse the Dark Web without any risk!

Top Tips to Stay Safe on the Dark Web

Even with a VPN and the Tor Browser providing encryption and anonymity, there are still more ways you can protect yourself on the Dark Web.

  • Use Tor over VPN. Boot up your VPN of choice before using the Tor browser to ensure your IP address is hidden from your ISP. If you accidently open Tor first and then your VPN (VPN over Tor), you’ve already connected to the Onion network and revealed your activity to your ISP and your IP address to Tor.
  • Switch the security settings on the Tor Browser to the highest level. This protects you from malicious sites and online attacks.
  • Don’t use your normal device to browse the Dark Web. If possible, use a separate computer that has no personal data stored on it.
  • Don’t enter any personal details or use non-encrypted email addresses. Don’t post your real name or photo. Use Bitcoin or another anonymous cryptocurrency to make purchases. Use a P.O. Box for any mail, not your real address.
  • Consider using the Tails operating system. This is an OS you use with your computer that leaves no trace of your activity (or itself!) on your device. It’s an easy way to browse the Tor network anonymously — and you can use Tails with a router-compatible VPN like ExpressVPN to protect your personal data, too!
  • Be cautious and careful. This might seem obvious, but using common sense and not clicking on suspicious links or engaging in illegal behavior will keep you safe on the Dark Web.

Try ExpressVPN with the Dark Web!

Don’t Compromise Your Safety — Use a VPN to Browse the Dark Web

Keep secure with ExpressVPN when browsing the Dark Web and don’t risk your safety. All the top-tier VPNs offer risk-free money-back guarantees that can easily be refunded. I’ve tested all three money-back guarantees and on average received my money back within five days! So, with fully featured VPN providers that offer you total protection, don’t risk the dangers of the Dark Web without one.

Get ExpressVPN for free for 30 days!

Summary: These Are The Top VPNs That Let You Securely Browse the Dark Web

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$6.67 / month Save 49%
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%

The listings featured on this site are from companies from which this site receives compensation. This influences: Appearance, order, and manner in which these listings are presented.