27+ Best Dark Web Sites in 2026 (Hidden Services Tor Links)

The dark web continues to evolve in 2026, offering both legitimate and risky websites to users seeking privacy and anonymity. While it is often linked to illegal activity, many dark websites are widely used by journalists, activists, and privacy-focused individuals for secure communication and uncensored access to information.

However, finding safe, active, and trustworthy hidden sites has become increasingly difficult as onion links frequently change or disappear.

In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the best dark web sites, helping you access reliable (working) platforms while minimizing security and privacy risks.

Quick List of the Most-used Dark Net Sites

Your Protection Comes First: Security Tips On Dark Web

Perhaps, it might not be illegal or banned to use the dark web in your current location. However, that doesn’t translate to throwing caution to the wind. Since the volatile environment with little to no regulations is a concern, a user could stumble upon illegal or malicious content that could either have legal implications or compromise their data.

The tips that have been outlined will help you to navigate the “murky waters“ of the dark web. Relax, grab your Diet Coke and popcorn. Here we go:

• You should know what you are looking for: To avoid coming upon data with content that has the potential to put you in trouble, it is wise to know what you want before getting into the dark web. This will help to keep you focused on your goal, as it’s easy to lose track of the dark web, a place popularly known to have so many interesting things, both legal and otherwise.
• Verify onion URL: They are long and random combinations of characters that can be accessed when people make mistakes while typing web addresses. To avoid your being tracked like that, it is recommended that you copy and paste URLs from reputable directories. Don’t forget to check the URL bar carefully, too.
• Avoid illegal activities: The use of Tor to exploit the dark web is not 100 percent effective. The government of your region can still track your activities on the dark web once its spotlight is on you. It is advised to stay away from illegal transactions or activities like buying or selling items that have been red-flagged by the law. Stay away from child pornography or content with child exploitation. So long as you don’t engage in illicit content, you are good to go.

The Vital Access Toolkit: Accessing the Dark Web Safely

It’s pretty obvious that safety cannot be overemphasised when venturing into the dark web. To lower the dangers in the dark web, one needs to find a way to stick to their IP address while remaining anonymous. Two essential tools are needed for this.

Tor Browser: The Connection to Your Path

Thanks to the unique onion router connection, the Tor browser uses different relays, selected randomly to hide the user’s data. Because these relay points are randomly selected, it’s difficult for anyone to track the user’s data.

The user’s IP address and location are masked. This is important to ensure no entity with malicious intent, nor the government, will be able to know how the user got into the dark web in the first place. No loose ends.

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VPN: Your Security Bedrock

Despite the advantages of the Tor browser(which is “cloaking“ what you do on the internet), there is still a vulnerability. Unfortunately, the user’s Internet service provider will be able to detect that Tor was used in the dark web.

This poses lots of potential threats. The ISP can use the information from the users’ data and monetize it by selling it to ad companies. Or worse, alert government agencies to your activities.

But with a reliable VPN, those vulnerabilities are eradicated. When VPN is used together with the Tor browser, you can never go wrong. With double encryption from both tools, coupled with proxy servers used by VPN, your IP identity is not only masked but will give a false location of the user to anyone tracking them.

This double protection method is usually referred to as Tor-over-VPN. Oops. Forgot to mention one thing. Tor browser on its own can be very slow(the price to pay for strong encryption), but when used together with a vpn, it helps to improve the speed. For a better understanding of how these tools work together to give the best protection, let’s look at the steps taken.

• As the user’s encrypted data flows towards the VPN, your Internet service provider monitors it.
• The VPN directs the user’s data to a server they choose. Then another IP address is generated.
• As it heads towards the entry mode of the Tor browser, the VPN does the surveillance.
• Once it gets to the entry mode, Tor picks the IP address. Remember, this isn’t the user’s original IP address but one generated from any of the servers used by the VPN.

With the numerous overlays provided by combining Tor browser with a good VPN, chances of your data being traced or compromised are next to zero.

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The Detailed List of Top Tor Sites Today

You already know that dark websites are hidden, unlisted pages on special networks like Tor (The Onion Router). They use “.onion” addresses and can only be reached with a dedicated browser like the Tor Browser—the official tool from the Tor Project.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the most visited sites like these. Keep in mind, we’re listing them strictly for research and educational purposes only.

1. OnionFind

• Direct link: http://ofinde3b67voi7xiq3qflof2mwriwngicd7glwvf3bclgdgcjfozlzqd.onion/

As the name implies, this is another powerful search engine on the dark web used to seek out onion links. Most of these onion links can only be found if lots of users access them. These are the ones likely to be found by this search engine. But for onion links less used or accessed, they gradually fade away in time. Unfortunately, they won’t pop up in the search results.

All is not lost. In a way, the search engine helps users to know which onion links are still active. Can save subscribers lots of avoidable stress. The site is designed to seek out onionlinks only, which feels restricted compared to popular mainstream privacy search engines such as DuckDuckGo, with less restricted search results.

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2. Awazon Market

• Direct link 1: awazone7gyw54yau4vb6gvcac4yhnhcf3dkl3cpfxkywqstrgyroliid.onion/auth/register_now
• Direct kink 2: awazonevlc63543fjvtli35bk2iopdyyaaytkmmiop5avny6b24uljqd.onion/auth/register_now

One of the most popular markets on the dark web, it’s usually accessed through cryptocurrency and Tor networks. A platform where transactions of illegal items are done on the dark web. Stuff like tools for hacking, fake IDs, drugs, and credit card data (stolen, of course, in the majority of the cases).

Considered to be the underworld version of Amazon, this platform comes with an interface design similar to most e-commerce platforms, dispute resolution, escrow services, vendor ratings, and even an AI assistant. Despite its reputation for illegal activities, it could almost pass for a legal platform with these premium features.

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3. DuckDuckGo

• Direct link: https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion/

DuckDuckGo has a strong encryption protocol and comes with an in-built search engine. About the search engine, it hides your search and results from anyone tracking your data.

Including your Internet provider. The service providers will know the subscriber used Duckduckgo but won’t be able to see what they do with it. As a matter of fact, DuckDuckGo won’t even know your search results either. Privacy on another level.

The website is not the final destination where you will commence your dark web activities. There are deeper places in the dark web to go to before getting into action. However, DuckDuckGo is the first place to test how hidden your data truly is before venturing into “deeper waters” of the dark web. It’s a place to test-run before taking a deep dive.

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4. Tenebris

• Direct link: http://tenebrispoyfrcup4k24lciwrh4gc5735hmld4dweq7his7zh423opqd.onion/

If you want to stay updated on trending and hot topics across the dark web, Tenebris is a reliable place to start. It operates as a community forum where users share updates on law enforcement activity, scam alerts, and overall market trends.

The platform is considered a relatively safe dark web site, helping users stay informed and cautious by providing timely warnings about potential law enforcement crackdowns and emerging scams.

It has a lot in common with most conventional online communities like Reddit. Subscribers discuss any subject or topic of interest with moderators or admins overseeing the platform. The good part? It’s not censored.

Despite providing a “safe haven” for the users to go unnoticed on the Internet, one still needs to exercise caution, as they could stumble upon illegal materials with legal implications. That’s because the platform attracts criminals and entities with the intent to carry out illegal activities. So tread carefully.

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5. OnionWiki

• Direct link: https://onionwiki.com/

This link is not an onion link. It’s a directory that can link users to various onion links on the dark web. The website is particularly useful to users who are new to the dark web. They get to see the basic and safe way to navigate the dangerous world of the dark web.

Unlike most search engines where the user gets to enter keywords while conducting searches, there is no option for that. Instead, there is a pre-existing list of indexes. The user is expected to go through them and find the search index that suits their needs. Caution should be exercised. It is recommended that the user investigate the index before selection.

The admins of the platform make additions to the pre-existing lists every now and then. In some cases, some indexes are removed, and these are usually done without the knowledge or consent of users. It often results in mixed indexes where subscribers can bump into illegal content if they don’t verify an index link. Thread with care.

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6. Proton Mail On Tor

• Direct link: http://protonmailrmez3lotccipshtkleegetolb73fuirgj7r4o4vfu7ozyd.onion/

The platform is an end-to-end encrypted email service that works under Swiss privacy law. The integrated onion link is a dedicated network to allow users to assess emails while ensuring the security of the content.

It’s not a surprise then to see journalists, freedom fighters, and activists patronising this network, as anonymity is key to their activities and goals.

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7. BBC Tor Mirror

• Direct link: http://bbcnewsv2vjtpsuy.onion/

Having an onion link integrated into platforms seems to be a thing for legal institutions these days. BBC News, like Facebook and other legal platforms, needs the link to help people who can’t get access to the platform, due to a strict regime, to access the BBC News.

BBC News believes everyone is entitled to enjoy the quality of News they provide, irrespective of location. The onion site on the BBC platform is very reliable and safe to use, as this dark web link ensures everybody’s privacy won’t be compromised.

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8. OnionLinks

• Direct link: http://jaz45aabn5vkemy4jkg4mi4syheisqn2wn2n4fsuitpccdackjwxplad.onion/

When we talk about safety on the dark web, onionLinks is definitely a safe bet. Quite unlike most onion links on the dark web with many chaotic indexes, Torlinks offers many verified indexes, which are then categorised into different topics. 

Folks venturing into the dark web for the first time will find the link appealing, as it offers safe routes into the dark web. You get to know what each index is all about. This stops the user from randomly clicking on an index and getting exposed to troublesome content.

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9. Ahmia

• Direct link: http://juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion/

Another contender to rival other search engines in the dark web, Ahmia has made a mark for itself on the Tor network. Initially designed to handle anonymous services on the internet, the platform has evolved to become a unique search engine.

Unlike other dark web search engines, this one places restrictions on illegal search results, especially on child exploitation pornography, which, of course, has serious legal implications. Users won’t see such on the search result index.

This feature makes it more convenient for users to explore the dark web without bumping into illegal content, making it much safer. If you are new to dark web exploration, Ahmia will be your first safe place to start from. It’s quite similar to conventional search engines and gives a familiar feeling to the user with no concerns of illicit content.

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10. Tails

• Direct link: https://tails.net/

Tails is an operating system with privacy at its focal point and created by the Tor project. A sweet feature that draws people to it is the ability to wipe off all digital footprints once the user exits or stops using a kill switch. It came with some useful features considered to be top-level that have already been configured.

The Tails website by default offers an onion address and regular sites, which in turn allows the user to download the operating system and view its documentation while remaining hidden throughout the whole process. It offers the safest environment to search for the best dark websites.

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11. Deep web radio

• Direct link: http://76qugh5bey5gum7l.onion/AnonyJazz

Is a streaming platform on the dark web that plays numerous categories of music for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Of course, this is achieved while keeping your data hidden.

In this platform, subscribers can create a playlist that they intend to enjoy while surfing the dark web. The user’s playlists can be shared with others, giving a feeling of being in a community on the dark web.

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12. ExoneraTor

• Direct link: http://hctxrvjzfpvmzh2jllqhgvvkoepxb4kfzdjm6h7egcwlumggtktiftid.onion/exonerator.html

Another platform created by the Tor project. This tool is mostly used by academic researchers, server operators, and law enforcement to see if an IP address was used as a Tor relay on a particular date.

Let’s say an incident occurred on a specific time and date, and an IP address has been recorded as a Tor exit node, it helps in the defence of the subscriber. This protocol gives a good impression of the Tor project by showing the commitment of the project through its transparency.

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13. Archive.today

• Direct link: http://archivecaslytosk.onion/

On the dark web, onion links often disappear over time. Popular and frequently visited sites are easier to find, while lesser-known links tend to fade away due to low activity or sudden shutdowns. In some cases, sites may also be seized or taken offline without warning.

Archive.today helps preserve these disappearing onion links by saving snapshots of websites that might otherwise be lost. This allows users to access older pages and view their original designs, making it a valuable tool for recovering content and exploring the dark web’s past.

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14. Tor Metrics

• Direct link: http://hctxrvjzfpvmzh2jllqhgvvkoepxb4kfzdjm6h7egcwlumggtktiftid.onion/

Regarded as the official link of the Tor project where one can have access to the information and statistics relating to the Tor networks. It gives the public a source to monitor the usage of the Tor network, trends, and number of users in the ecosystem, which in turn is grouped according to the number of active relays and geographical location.

The Tor metrics is relied heavily upon by the Tor project to gauge its security and performance in the network. To know the parameters and global impact of the network, Tor Metrics is a portal where such information can be accessed. Researchers around the world are privileged to have a technical look at the persistent nature of the network and its real-world data usage.

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15. Sci-Hub

• Direct link: http://scihub22266oqcxt.onion/

Sci-Hub can be described as a massive online library of the dark web, offering access to scientific research papers, academic books, and journals that are normally locked behind paywalls.

The platform has gained widespread popularity for making academic knowledge available to users who may face financial or geographical barriers to higher education.

However, Sci-Hub remains controversial, as it challenges traditional academic publishing and copyright laws. While its use is debated, many view it as a symbol of free access to information on the dark web.

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16. Torch

• Direct link: http://xmh57jrknzkhv6y3ls3ubitzfqnkrwxhopf5aygthi7d6rplyvk3noyd.onion/

The link has been around much longer than most onion websites and due to this, has racked up lots of search indexes along the way. There is the benefit of coming across once-published websites that are much older than what Archive.today would ever produce. The platform’s interface is designed with focus on functionality rather than aesthetics. It helps the user to put into perspective how the dark web has evolved over time.

There is a little shortcoming, though. Torch doesn’t come with filters. Your search results will be somewhat “uncensored”, creating the potential for the user to bump into illegal content, including content with child trafficking or pornography. We won’t recommend this link to dark web beginners. Subscribers are required to be very careful about what they search for. They should desist from topics associated with illegal content.

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17. Facebook onion site

• Direct link: https://www.facebookcorewwwi.onion/

Many users are unaware that Facebook has an official Tor mirror on the dark web. This onion site was originally created to help people in countries with strict censorship or authoritarian governments access the platform safely. It also allows users in restricted regions to connect to Facebook without relying on standard internet access.

While Facebook is known for collecting user data, accessing it through Tor offers an added layer of privacy by masking the user’s IP address from internet service providers and external trackers. Using Facebook via its Tor link demonstrates how dark web tools can be applied to everyday online activities with improved privacy.

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18. The CIA

• Direct link: http://ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion/

While onion links are commonly associated with activists and journalists, some government agencies also use them. The CIA operates an official Tor onion site that allows individuals to share information securely and anonymously.

This platform is designed for exchanging sensitive material without exposing the identities of sources, highlighting how the Tor network can support secure and private communication—even for established institutions.

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19. Haystack

• Direct link: https://haystacksearch.org/

Haystack is another reputable search engine on the dark web. When we say the indexes are specialised, we mean it. The user has options to specialise their search results. The indexes to be retrieved can be tuned by the user to meet certain preferences.

However, it lacks in-built filtering tools. This requires the user to do the filtering themselves by carefully choosing what they search for within the parameters of the law. The indexes of Haystack are more detailed than most seen in other dark web search engines, making it very appealing to most dark web users.

Thanks to being able to retain onion links published on the dark web, Haystack can be used to monitor trends in the ever-changing terrain of the dark web, becoming useful to researchers who wish to follow trends.

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20. Riseup

• Direct link: http://vww6ybal4bd7szmgncyruucpgfkqahzddi37ktceo3ah7ngmcopnpyyd.onion/en

Riseup may sound like an activist slogan, and its purpose reflects that identity. It is a dark web platform used by activists, journalists, and human rights advocates operating under strict censorship or authoritarian governments.

The forum provides a secure space to share sensitive information without fear of surveillance, censorship, or retaliation. Combined with privacy tools like Tor and VPNs, Riseup enables users to bypass internet restrictions and communicate with the outside world safely.

Because of its role in supporting free expression and human rights, Riseup is widely trusted by advocacy groups, proving that the dark web can also serve positive and legitimate purposes.

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21. ProPublica

• Direct link: https://www.propub3r6espa33w.onion

This platform is a strong example of the ethical and legitimate use of dark web technology. It is an independent, non-profit investigative journalism organization that openly operates through an official Tor link.

Its Tor presence allows readers in countries with strict censorship to access investigative reports and publications safely, without exposing their identities. By using the Tor network for secure information sharing, the platform demonstrates how dark web tools can support transparency, journalism, and freedom of information.

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22. The New York Times

• Direct link: https://www.nytimesn7cgmftshazwhfgzm37qxb44r64ytbb2dj3x62d2lljsciiyd.onion/

Just like BBC News, Facebook and ProPublica, The New York Times also has an onion mirror link of its own to facilitate News accessibility around the world. It’s a safe way to bypass authoritarian governments wherever they may be and get the news to the people.

This is achieved while protecting the identity of not just the news recipients but also the journalists. On this platform, you find the usual suspects like activists and freedom fighters. And yes, it’s another “safe haven “to use the dark web legally.

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23. Dread

• Direct link: http://dreadytofatroptsdj6io7l3xptbet6onoyno2yv7jicoxknyazubrad.onion/

Now, imagine Reddit Platform on the dark web. The Dread onion link feels like that. The platform isn’t just the most popular dark web link, but it happens to be the largest too. It offers a community where users in the dark web can link up and discuss important subject topics and is easily accessible to everyone.

As much as users discuss valid topics like science, technology, and trending news, it also offers illegal content. The popularity and easy accessibility create a potential problem for users, as they could be traced. For researchers, it’s an important place to come and get an overview of the nature of the dark web, both the good and the bad.

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24. SearX

• Direct link: http://ulrn6sryqaifefld.onion/

This is a metasearch engine that prioritises privacy above anything else. Subscribers on this platform get to enjoy the dark web with the chances of being traced next to zero. It blocks ads, malicious contents and cookies, ensuring no digital footprints are left behind.

Thanks to the help of HTTPS POST, which is used while conducting search queries, servers won’t be able to trace the user’s data. This doubles the strength of encryption.

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25. Keybase

• Direct link: http://fncuwbiisyh6ak3i.onion/

Keybase is an open network service that made a grand entry in the encrypted world of the dark web due to its link to identity verification in cryptography. It aids in linking people with public keys and certain identities or platforms online. By doing this, it identifies users with cryptographic proof that’s verifiable. In other words, can ascertain who the users are while keeping them anonymous at the same time.

Folks in the ecosystem can verify other users to ascertain how trustworthy they can be. Subscribers can freely talk about themselves to others with confidence and assurance. Files are shared amongst users, encrypted of course.

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26. SecureDrop

• Direct link: http://sdolvtfhatvsysc6l34d65ymdwxcujausv7k5jk4cy5ttzhjoi6fzvyd.onion/

Another reputable onion link for activists and journalists. SecureDrop is an encrypted cyberspace where transfers of sensitive documents are shared, usually from a source to a journalist. This onion link is well known not just in the dark web but also on the normal web. Popular news outlets like the Washington Post, The Guardian, and many others use it.

The primary aim is to protect the source identity and ensure the data shared will have no connection either with the source (the informant) or the recipient (the journalist), so that, if at all, the shared documents can be traced in the first place.

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27. Elude

• Direct link: http://eludemaillhqfkh5.onion/

Elude is one of the best onion links for anonymous communications, basically an encryption-based email service. Unlike the aforementioned, this one doesn’t need personal information during registration.

Neither is it required to use an IP address to log into the platform. The user can deny any link between them and the public email service.

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28. Onion.name

• Direct link: http://onionamev33r7w4zckyttobq3vrt725iuyr6xessihxifhxrhupixqad.onion/

When you want to view onion links through a Tor portal on a normal browser without necessarily installing Tor, Onion.name is how you do it.

Admittedly, it’s very easy to use but comes with a price; it routes users’ traffic through a third-party server. If you have to use it, it’s recommended that you visit sites that are low risk to ensure your safety.

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29. Dark.fail

• Direct link: http://darkfailenbsdla5mal2mxn2uz66od5vtzd5qozslagrfzachha3f3id.onion/

Google is usually not a place to go for conspiracy theorists, activists, and journalists when seeking reliable information. That’s where Dark.fail comes in. Unlike Google, your search results or indexes are not restricted.

It’s a directory that helps users have access to dark web websites that are trustworthy and frequently visited. You will access verified dark websites that won’t show up on Google search results.

As an onion link to the Tor networks, when Tor upgraded its protocol from V2 to V3 in 2020, Dark.fail didn’t waste time to adopt this improved protocol, eliminating previous vulnerabilities in the previous version.

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Surface web vs Deep web vs Dark Web: Discovering Various Layers of the Internet

Amongst Internet users, there are confusions between the dark web and the Deep web, with most assuming they are the same thing. We will clear that misconception shortly:

• Surface web: That aspect of the internet we get to see every day. For instance, the website indexes that show up on Google and other conventional search engines. Basically, cyber platforms you can visit without needing a password. This constitutes only about 5% of the total internet.
• Deep web: By Deep web, we are referring to the vast majority of the internet, between 90 to 95%. In most cases, the user generates this aspect of the internet. We are talking about stuff like your emails, social media accounts, and other portals that require logging in and passwords. They don’t pose a threat to the user. Onion links are not needed.
• Dark web: It’s a very small portion found in the deep web. Did we mention it’s properly hidden? Unlike the other two, you can’t stumble upon the dark web because it’s well hidden. The only way to access the dark web is through onion links like Tor or other browsers with onion links.

Types of Dark Websites

The dark web has numerous websites that can be visited, but unlike those found on either the surface web or deep web, the websites are highly encrypted and hidden:

Genre	Description	Classic examples
Wikis/directories	List of indexes from dark web links, organised by an administrator to help users navigate the ever-changing terrain of the dark web.	Tenebris, Dread, and The hub Forum
Search engines	The onion links on the dark web can only be found with special search engines on the dark web. They can’t be found on Google or any other traditional search engines outside the dark web.	Deep web links, onion links, and Onionwiki
Media mirrors and news	A cyberspace with secured emails, chat forums, sharing of documents is done through the Tor network.	BBC News, ProPublica, and The New York Times.
Market places	Reputable news agencies send quality news to people in restricted areas for them to access the news through onion links or mirrors.	Found on the Tor network.
Social media and forums	Keybase, SecureDrop, Riseup, and Proton Mail	Keybase, SecureDrop, Riseup, and Proton Mail
Secured communications	A cyberspace with secured emails, chat forums, sharing of documents is done through the Tor network.	Keybase, SecureDrop, Riseup and Proton Mail

How to Find New, Active Dark Web Links

In the dark web, links are erratic in the sense that they are either moved around or shut down. It becomes necessary to find a tool that can help you keep track of active dark web links.

Forums and Social Monitoring

Platforms like Dread and other similar links are closely monitored by dark web analysts and researchers. The reason is that it’s the first place users discuss links or post them in services or marketplaces. This process is very risky, and caution should be exercised.

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Dedicated Search Engine Crawling

The use of dark web search engines to find active onion links is known as crawling. Sites and links are constantly taken down, and new ones show up regularly, too. To keep up with the ever-changing dynamics on the dark web, we need special tools designed for this task. Examples are:

• OnionFind: The best for safe, filtered, and reliable results or indexes for onion links.
• Haystak, Torch, Ahmia: The best options for uncensored, deep, and comprehensive results.

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Using Onion-Location Header

Onion location is when a normal website link that ends with .org or .com has headers that pop up to notify the user that the official platform has a mirror, or what we call an onion link in the Tor network. In some cases, Tor browsers will put a purple pill indicator on the address bar, letting the user know an onion link is available.

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Monitoring Trusted Link Aggregators (Directories)

Keeping tabs on updated lists or directories for onion links in the dark web is key to knowing which links are active and which aren’t. OnionLinks and OnionWiki come in handy in this regard.

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How to Access Dark Web Links: Straightforward Guide

Let’s say you have the right tools on your desktop to begin visiting the dark web. We urge you to take the following steps. Let’s get on with desktop settings:

• Input the address on Tor: Do not make any downloads, nor should you do anything that will expose your personal information. The moment you sense something is wrong, exit immediately.
• Activate your VPN: Get a reliable VPN like NordVPN. The VPN shows options for various proxy servers around the globe. The moment you choose one, it will reshuffle your traffic before it hits Tor. This method is known as Tor-over-VPN.
• Get a .onion address: With the help of various search engines on the dark web, like OnionLinks or OnionFind, get a verified onion link. It is better to copy this link instead of clicking to download.
• Close down what is not needed: It is recommended to shut down apps you aren’t currently using, especially if they are not encrypted or are close to your personal files. Leaving apps running in the background when not in use gives hackers an opportunity to compromise your data through those apps.
• Access ipleak.net through Tor browser: The moment you connect to Tor browser, go to your IP address. ipeak.net will help to check if your IP address is from a Tor exit node. If it’s affirmative, you are good to go.
• Avoid fingerprinting: Desist from maximising the window size. It is recommended to keep the size to the default. Any size different from the default gives away information of your screen resolution. You don’t need that.
• Security settings: Navigate to your settings and push the slider to “safest”. The JavaScript will be shut down, along with other protocols that can be used by malicious onion links to compromise your data.

Legal/Ethical Areas

Despite the various advantages of the Tor network in terms of anonymity and security, there are areas of concern, especially from the perspective of the law. While using the Tor network or browser, caution should be used to avoid legal problems. Let’s start off with some of these legal or ethical concerns.

Law of Jurisdiction

The use of the Tor network is legal in most countries. However, some countries don’t allow its use in their region. Countries like China and Russia, or most countries that don’t practice democracy, could have ethical issues with the use of such tools. 

We recommend avoiding using Tor or any other onion link if your region does not approve as failure to abide by the laws of the government could get you in serious legal problems, including possible jail time.

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Ethical Search

Anyone interested in data research on the dark web can have an overview of the dark web through certain tools to know where threats exist and how to avoid or eliminate them.

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Using Tor with a VPN (Tor over VPN)

The beauty of combining Tor with a reliable VPN is the added encryption layer it provides to the security of the users’ data and IP address.

With a VPN, the user’s original IP address is masked, while the proxy server used will assign another “fake IP address” to the subscriber, pretending the location of the server is the user’s current location. Let’s see how it is set up:

Tor-over-VPN Connection: Simple Guide

Step	Action	Why its important
Use the VPN first	Cross-check your security.	The IP address from the Tor exit node is the one that should be seen. Neither the one from the VPN nor the one given to you by your ISP should be seen. Once you confirm this, the connection is OK.
Open your Tor browser	Once you are done selecting a server, you can now launch the Tor browser.	Anyone tracking your data will think your location is the same with the server whereas you are elsewhere.
Confirm the circuit	The moment the browser connects, go to the green onion icon found inside the URL bar and click on it to see the Tor circuit.	The only IP address that can be seen is the one generated by the VPN, not your original IP address.
Cross check your security.	The fact that you are using Tor will not be known to anyone tracking your data. The secured VPN is the only thing they will see.	There are available IP checking websites in your Tor browser

Legalities on the Use of the Tor Network

There have been debates on the legality of Tor networks. Some say it’s not legal but the consensus is that the Tor network is very much legal:

Tor is not Illegal

• Tor browser is totally legal: A lot of countries find the use of Tor completely legal and have no ethical concerns. However, a few regions like China and Russia are concerned with the use.
• Government monitor: Countries that don’t practice democracy might have concerns over users who conceal their identities and activities. These governments usually see it as a red flag.
• The true purpose of Tor: The original intent of the network was used by military personnel to communicate and share sensitive military documents without being traced or intercepted. Activists and journalists also use the link to communicate and share files anonymously to hide their identities and that of their source.

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Final Words

Without doubt, the Tor network has proven to be the best legal option when venturing into the dark web. This is why a lot of legal platforms make use of onion links connected to Tor. But because it isn’t perfect, other options could be tried.

The best alternative to Tor in terms of securing your data from being traced is the Tails OS because of the kill switch when the user exits the system. It is regarded as the safest portal to the dark web.

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