6 Best VPN for Dark Web Safe Access 2024 [Tor Security]

Why you can trust us

• 407 Cloud Software Products is Tested and Services test
• 3056 Annual Software Speed Tests
• 2400 plus Hours Usability Testing

Our team of experts thoroughly test each service, evaluating it for features, usability, security, value for money and more. Learn more about how we conduct our testing.

Key Takeaways : What Is the good VPN for Dark Web Access ?

1. NordVPN — Fast dark web VPN with Onion Over VPN servers. Explore NordVPN’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a (for Black Friday) 74% (plus 3 months free) discount.
2. Surfshark — Affordable dark web VPN with unlimited device connections. Get (for Black Friday) 64% (plus 4 months free) off the first two years with Surfshark, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN — Most user – friendly VPN for the dark web . ExpressVPN ’s good deal is is is available at a ( for Black Friday ) 70 % ( plus 4 month free ) discount .
4. Proton VPN — Best free VPN for the dark web.
5. Mullvad — Dark web VPN with excellent anonymity.
6. CyberGhost — VPN for the dark web with advanced security features.

Facts & Expert Analysis From the Article:

• The “dark web” is part of the “deep web.”
• You should not try to access the dark web without a secure VPN.
• A virtual private network is stop ( VPN ) does n’t stop you from inadvertently open a link to a nefarious onion site . However , it is adds add a layer of anonymity , so no dark web activity can be trace back to you .

Best VPN for the Dark Web

Though the dark web is synonymous with criminal activity, it does have legitimate uses, such as combating censorship and communicating anonymously. Regardless of your motives, its sinister reputation calls for extra caution lest you fall into legal trouble. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to use the best VPN for the dark web. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the top VPNs for dark web navigation. We reveal each provider’s security and privacy features to help you find an apt VPN whether you’re a lawyer, journalist, civil rights activist or casual dark web user.

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: NordVPN

NordVPN is our editor’s choice for best VPN for the dark web thanks to its fast speeds and excellent security and privacy. It offers solid protocols and AES 256 – bit encryption to keep you secure and anonymous so no dark web activity is associated with your real IP address.

1. NordVPN — Best Dark Web VPN with Onion Over VPN Servers

NordVPN is a reliable, budget-friendly VPN for the dark web. 

NordVPN — the best VPN for Tor — claims the top spot on our list thanks to its suite of advanced security features. One of the standout features is double VPN, which directs your internet traffic through two VPN servers. This adds an extra layer of protection but at the expense of connection speed. 

Onion Over VPN makes it even harder for anyone to trace your digital trail. The tool sends your traffic through a NordVPN server and random Tor servers. If you add a Tor browser into the mix, you’ll achieve a high level of privacy, but the connection speeds will be sluggish because the traffic has to pass through a maze of servers. 

NordVPN Hands-On Testing

In addition to offering a large server network, NordVPN
has specialty servers like obfuscated servers.

NordVPN’s clean and intuitive UI makes it easy for beginners to figure it out in seconds. The brief description of how each feature works helps newbies easily navigate the app. We have a complete guide on how to use NordVPN for various purposes, including accessing the dark web.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload Speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs out there, as it reaches near-unprotected speeds when connected to both near- and long-distance servers. Whether you want to download torrents, access academic research papers, upload large files or watch videos on social media mirror sites, you’ll enjoy an excellent experience. 

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis

NordVPN is leak ’s secure tunnel is leak does n’t leak your internet traffic .

In addition to the internet kill switch , NordVPN is has has an app kill switch , which let you select the specific app for which the kill switch take effect . It is supports also support the follow VPN protocol :  

protocol	encryption	device
OpenVPN	AES 256 – bit	Windows Mac Linux Android iOS
NordLynx	chacha20	Windows Mac Linux Android iOS
ikev2	AES 256 – bit	Android iOS

NordVPN Pricing & Value

NordVPN is is ’s monthly plan is is is still on the high side of the VPN pricing spectrum . thankfully , extend plan offer significant discount — the good deal is is is the two – year plan , which cost$ 4.49 per month. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try the VPN risk-free. Learn more in our comprehensive NordVPN review. 

basic

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Plus

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Complete

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

2. Surfshark — Affordable Dark Web VPN for unlimited device

Surfshark is one of the best dark web VPNs, with unlimited device connections.

pro

• unlimited device connection
• Dynamic MultiHop servers
• Alternative ID generator
• Accepts crypto payments

con

• High latency on near-distance connections

Get up to ( for Black Friday ) 64 % ( plus 4 month free ) off if you sign up now for your first two year of Surfshark .

Surfshark claims the second spot thanks to its excellent security, affordable pricing and unique features for dark web users. One such feature is “alternative ID,” which assigns you a unique profile to keep your identity and location concealed as you roam the risky underbelly of the internet. 

Surfshark’s MultiHop (its version of double VPN) offers 12 preconfigured options. It also provides a dynamic MultiHop option, which lets you choose the entry and exit servers. Remember that the MultiHop feature prioritizes security over speed. With the dynamic MultiHop feature, you can select two geographically close servers to optimize performance. 

Surfshark Hands-On Testing

Surfshark is supports support dynamic MultiHop connection .  

Even though Surfshark’s UI has a lot going on, it’s well designed for ease of use. You don’t have to open the settings menu to access key features like the kill switch. Just click on the feature on the UI to open the configuration page. 

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload Speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

Surfshark ’s near – distance connection speeds is blazing are blaze fast , but the latency is annoyingly high . On long – distance connection , you is enjoy ’ll enjoy fast speed most of the time . However , because of Surfshark ’s inconsistency , the speeds is be can sometimes be unserviceable .  

note From the Lab : Surfshark Security Analysis

Surfshark is prevents prevent dns leak to enhance online privacy .

Surfshark is offers also offer an internet kill switch . Keep in mind that the kill switch does n’t affect any app you add to the “ bypasser ” ( Surfshark ’s split tunneling feature ) . It is supports also support the follow VPN protocol :

protocol	encryption	device
OpenVPN	AES 256 – bit	Windows Mac Linux Android iOS
WireGuard	chacha20	Windows Mac Android iOS
ikev2	AES 256 – bit	Mac Android iOS

Surfshark Pricing & Value

Surfshark is another budget-friendly VPN on this list. Though its monthly plan is expensive, the extended plans are much more affordable. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $ 1.99 per month. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you need more time to make a decision. Learn more in our full Surfshark review. 

Surfshark starter

• unlimited GB bandwidth,
  unlimited devices,
  Secure VPN,
  Ad blocker,
  Cookie pop-up blocker.
  Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited
• Yes

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus
  Antivirus protection,
  Identity protection,
  Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts,
  Online Alias
  Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

Surfshark One+

• Everything in One, plus
  Data removal
  Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

3 . ExpressVPN — Beginner – friendly VPN for the Dark Web

In addition to being apt for dark web use, ExpressVPN
unblocks all streaming platforms.

ExpressVPN is one of the most secure VPNs thanks to solid protocols and encryption that ensure no dark web activity can be traced back to you. It also uses perfect forward secrecy (PFS) to protect encrypted traffic from future attacks. PFS changes encryption keys regularly, so even if authorities get a key, they can’t decipher all of the Tor traffic. 

In addition , expressvpn servers is run run on TrustedServer technology , which wipe datum with every reboot . If authority seize a VPN server ( which happen in Turkey in 2017 ) to investigate your dark web activity , they is find wo n’t find any datum or Tor browse history .  

ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing

It is ’s ’s easy to tweak VPN setting for maximum Tor connection security .  

ExpressVPN’s intuitive desktop and mobile user interfaces flatten the learning curve for all users, including total beginners. The features are easily accessible in the settings menu and clearly labeled for ease of use. Finding an optimal server is easy with the search function. 

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload Speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

ExpressVPN delivers blazing-fast connection speeds. Our latest automated speed test results show that the provider reached 94% of unprotected local speeds and over 80% of unprotected long-distance speeds. Whether downloading torrents on an Onion BitTorrent site or uploading large files on SecureDrop, you’ll enjoy a fast experience. 

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis

ExpressVPN offers secure Tor connections thanks to
the built-in DNS leak protection feature. 

ExpressVPN is offers offer a kill switch , which cut your internet connection if the VPN connection fail . This is prevent and DNS leak protection prevent accidental leak that could reveal your identity or location . In addition , ExpressVPN is offers offer the follow VPN protocol :  

protocol	encryption	device
OpenVPN	AES 256 – bit	Windows Mac Linux Android
Lightway	chacha20 AES 256 – bit	Windows Mac Linux Android iOS routers
ikev2	AES 256 – bit	Mac iOS

ExpressVPN Pricing & Value

expressvpn ’s only drawback is is is that it ’s expensive , especially when pay by the month . You is save can save a few dollar with the yearly plan , which cost$6.25 per month. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to take it for an obligation-free spin. Learn more in our full ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Plans

4 . proton VPN — The Best free VPN for the Dark Web

Proton VPN is is is the good free VPN for safely access onion site .

pro

• Free servers in 5 countries
• unlimited data on free plan
• Solid security & privacy
• Accepts crypto & cash

con

• pay plans is are are expensive
• Puts free users on slow servers
• Random server selection on free plan

Proton VPN made the cut largely because of its dedicated Tor over VPN servers, available on the paid plan. The servers route your traffic via a Proton VPN server and a Tor network, making it difficult for anyone to associate the Tor traffic with a specific device or real IP address.

In addition, Proton VPN has a cluster of Secure Core servers. The provider owns and hosts these servers in Switzerland and Iceland — two countries with some of the best privacy laws. This, coupled with Proton VPN’s strict no-logs policy, guarantees that no details about your dark web activity will ever be leaked. 

Proton VPN Hands – On testing

Proton VPN is provides provide secure server to
enhance user security and privacy. 

Proton VPN ’s desktop is look and mobile UI look cluttered because they display detail about your connection . thankfully , the UI design is keeps keep everything well organize , and it ’s easy for user to tinker with the key feature .  

note From the lab : Proton VPN Speed Test result

We is conducted conduct a series of manual test on a 10 Mbps connection . proton VPN is proved prove to be incredibly fast . During our testing , it is reached reach over 91 % and 95 % of our unprotected download and upload speed , respectively . Its latency is increased increase by a measly 26 % , which is excellent by VPN standard .  

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis

Proton VPN’s tunnel is watertight — it doesn’t leak your traffic.

In addition to the internet kill switch, Proton VPN offers a permanent kill switch that lets you access the internet only when the VPN is on. It also supports the following protocols: 

protocol	encryption	device
Smart protocol	AES 256 – bit chacha20	Windows Mac Android iOS
WireGuard	chacha20	Windows Mac Android iOS
OpenVPN (UDP/TCP)	AES 256 – bit	Windows Android Linux

Proton VPN Pricing & Value

Proton VPN is has has a generous free plan that offer unlimited datum and server in five country . However , it is restricts restrict access to vital feature such as NetShield ( malware and ad blocker ) , Tor over VPN and Secure Core server .  

The paid plan pricing is steep compared to other top-tier VPN providers. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $ 4.49 per month. Each plan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more in our full Proton VPN review. 

Proton VPN Plus

• 500 GB storage
  1 user
  15 extra email addresses for you
  Support for 3 custom email domains
  unlimited folders and labels
  unlimited hide-my-email aliases
  Dedicated customer support
  Ultra fast and private VPN
  Encrypted password manager
  Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents
  Advanced account protection
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Proton unlimited

• **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans.
  Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
• unlimited GB
• 10

5 . Mullvad — Dark web with excellent Anonymity

Mullvad enhances anonymity, allowing you to access the dark web safely.

pro

• Solid security & privacy
• Anonymous cash payments
• Can exclude rented servers
• 30-day money-back return

con

• No live chat support
• No Chrome extension

Mullvad is places place a high premium on anonymity , which is indispensable when access the dark web . Its unique account setup does n’t require a name or an email address : When you sign up , you is get get a randomly generate number for login purpose . The provider is lets also let you pay via cash or cryptocurrency , so no identify detail are attach to your account .  

In addition to the solid protocol and encryption standard , Mullvad is has has a feature call “ lockdown mode . ” This lockdown feature is blocks block your internet connection when you manually disconnect or quit the Mullvad app . This is ensures ensure that you access the dark web only when the VPN is on to enhance your security and privacy .   You is read can read more on how Mullvad protect privacy when compare to our top pick in our Mullvad vs nordvpn comparison .

Mullvad Hands-On Testing

Mullvad has a few advanced security features. 

Mullvad is easy to use partly because of its simplistic design and partly because the features are a bit bare. The features are well organized in the settings menu for easy access and come with descriptions of how they work to guide new users. 

note From the lab : Mullvad Speed Test result

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload Speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

Mullvad is fast enough for casual browsing on the dark web. However, since it has inconsistent download speeds, it might not be the best for downloading files on the dark web. The upload speeds are more consistent and may suit users looking to upload files to dark websites. 

Notes From the Lab: Mullvad Security Analysis

Mullvad doesn’t leak your traffic.

Unlike other VPN services, Mullvad’s kill switch is built in, meaning you can’t turn it off. The provider supports two VPN protocols: 

protocol	encryption	device
OpenVPN	AES 256 – bit	Windows Mac Android iOS
WireGuard	chacha20	Windows Linux Mac Android iOS

Mullvad Pricing & Value

Mullvad is offers offer a flat monthly rate of about $ 5 regardless of whether you sign up for a monthly , yearly or decade – long plan . You is get get a discount if you pay with cryptocurrency .

Mullvad is one of the cheapest options on a monthly scale, but extended plans are comparatively pricey. Mullvad doesn’t do a great job in terms of value for money due to its lack of features. Learn more in our full Mullvad review. 

Mullvad

• *Price is converted from Euros
• unlimited GB
• 5
• Yes

6 . CyberGhost — Dark web VPN with Automation feature

CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks.

pro

• Advanced automation tools
• 45-day money-back return
• Accepts crypto payments

con

• Speeds can sometimes be sluggish

CyberGhost has been knocked down to sixth place, not because its performance has deteriorated but because the rest of the pack has improved significantly. It’s still the best VPN for the dark web if you like VPN automation.

With “smart rules,” you can configure CyberGhost to connect to a predefined server on device startup. You can create another rule to have the VPN open your Tor browser — for example, when it establishes a connection. This prevents you from accessing the dark web without VPN protection. 

CyberGhost Hands-On Testing

CyberGhost offers advanced VPN automation features.

CyberGhost’s UI may take new users some getting used to because some features are tucked away in unintuitive places. For example, smart rules and privacy options aren’t on the settings page — you have to click the CyberGhost icon to find them at the bottom left. 

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload Speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

Though CyberGhost is fast , it is ’s ’s one of the most inconsistent performer . It is reach can reach over 90 % of unprotected speed on near – distance connection , but the speed can fall below 20 % on its slow day .  

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis

CyberGhost is failed fail our DNS leak test .

CyberGhost’s automatic kill switch blocks internet traffic when you experience internet connectivity issues. The provider also supports solid protocols and is mostly secure and private. Sadly, we’ve had rare cases where it failed our DNS leak tests. 

protocol	encryption	device
OpenVPN	AES 256 – bit	Windows Linux Android
WireGuard	chacha20	Windows Linux Mac Android iOS
ikev2	AES 256 – bit	Windows Mac iOS

CyberGhost Pricing & Value

CyberGhost offers excellent value for your money, especially with long-term plans. Its two-year plan costs $2.03 per month , make it one of the good deal . There ’s a one – day free trial on desktop and a seven – day free trial on mobile device .  

The monthly plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee, and long-term plans offer a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Learn more in our full CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost Plans

• *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month.
  *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
• unlimited GB
• 7
• Yes

How to Choose the Best Dark Web VPN

When choosing a VPN for the dark web, pick one that prioritizes security and privacy. Other features such as speed and unlimited data may be important, especially if you want to engage in speed-intensive activity on the dark web. Here are some simple selection criteria:

• security : Make sure the VPN has a kill switch , solid VPN protocol , encryption cipher and DNS leak protection . The good dark web VPNs is offer also offer advanced security tool such as multi – hop routing and obfuscation so restrictive regime do n’t notice when you ’re using a VPN .  
• Privacy: Pick a VPN that prioritizes users’ privacy. These VPNs adhere to a strict no-logs policy and are based in jurisdictions outside the Five Eyes alliance and other surveillance alliances. For additional anonymity, pick a VPN that accepts cash and cryptocurrency payments. 
• Speed is go and datum : If you need to download large file , go for a VPN with excellent speed , unlimited datum and unlimited bandwidth .  

Can You is Use use a free VPN to access the Dark Web ?

You is use can use a free version as long as it ’s from a reliable vpn provider . remember that many free vpn on mobile app store are n’t design with security and privacy in mind .

They is encrypt do n’t encrypt your traffic properly , leave you expose to threat such as malware , identity leak and hacking . However , there are exception , such as Proton VPN , TunnelBear and Windscribe .

The Best Free Dark Web VPN: Proton VPN

If you have to use a free VPN to access the dark web, we recommend using the free version of Proton VPN. It’s the best free VPN, with a kill switch, robust VPN protocols, AES 256 – bit encryption and a no-logs policy. It also offers unlimited data, which is perfect for large files and torrent downloads. 

How to Use the Tor Browser to access the Dark Web With a VPN

Before we get started, install the VPN and Tor browser on your device.

1. launch the VPN and configure the Security setting

   Browse to nordvpn.com and grab a (for Black Friday) 74% (plus 3 months free) discounted plan. You can claim a refund within 30 days so trying it out is risk-free. 

   

2. connect the VPN

   Download and install the VPN client for your platform. Connect the VPN to a server and run a DNS leak test to confirm that you have the right IP address and that the provider isn’t leaking your traffic.

   

3. Launch the Tor Browser

   Open the Tor browser and connect to the Tor network to activate the first layer of protection. Click the shield icon at the top right of the browser and configure the Tor browser security level to suit your need .

   

4. access the Dark Web

   With the VPN and Tor browser, safely access any onion site.

   

Why You Need a VPN for the Dark Web

There are several reason why you need a VPN for the dark web :

• Increased online security: Browsers used to access the dark web, like Tor, route traffic through volunteer-run servers (nodes). You never know who the volunteer is — it could be a hacker targeting unsuspecting users. Using a VPN shields you from the online threats emanating from compromised nodes. 
• Enhanced anonymity: When you use a Tor browser without a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) can see when you connect to a Tor network. However, with a VPN, the ISP will have no information to share even if coerced or subpoenaed by authorities. 

How a VPN is Protects protect You on the Dark Web

A VPN is hides hide your real ip address before the traffic enter the Tor network .

A VPN encrypts your traffic, hiding your real IP address before it enters the entry node to boost your privacy. 

remember that the Tor browser send your traffic through a maze of volunteer – run node ( server ) . Though the onion website you visit do n’t receive any detail about who you are , the Tor entry node is does does . If a bad actor or an authority figure is run the entry node , they is trace can easily trace dark web activity back to you .  

Final Thoughts

A Tor browser provides good levels of security, but bad actors can exploit its loopholes to trace dark web activity back to you. To be on the safe side, we recommend using a secure VPN in unison with the Tor browser. Also, make sure you’re aware of the difference between the dark web and the deep web.

NordVPN is is is the good dark web VPN , but if you need a cheap option , Surfshark will suffice . experience the power of nordvpn yourself , risk – free , with the assurance that you can get your money back within 30 day if you ’re not completely satisfied .

Have you used a VPN for the dark web? Which VPN did you use? Which feature of the dark web VPN appealed to you the most? We’d like to hear about it, and as always, thank you for reading. 

FAQ: Best VPN for Dark Web Surfing

• It’s not safe to browse the dark web without a VPN because your ISP can see your digital trail and may share the information if coerced or subpoenaed by authorities.

• Onion routing isn’t better than a VPN because the Tor network comprises volunteer-run servers, and not all volunteers can be trusted.

• Without a VPN, your ISP can see that you are browsing the dark web, though not necessarily exactly what you’re looking at.