23 Best Dark Web Websites You Should Explore in 2025

If you spend most of your time online (who doesn’t, really?), you might have come across the term dark web before. The mystery surrounding it creates a lot of curiosity among people and the chances are that you’re one of them as well.

However, do you know what the dark web actually is? And, are there any cool websites on the dark web? Here, we’ll take a look at how the dark web differs from the traditional Internet and the best dark web sites & links you can visit in 2025:

 

23 Best Dark Web Websites: The Best Onion and Tor Sites in 2025

Note: You’ll need to install the Tor browser to open these links to .onion websites and gain access to the dark web:

1.    The Hidden Wiki

Link: http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

If you’re looking to find active .onion websites and their URLs, you have a few ways to go about it. One of the most convenient is to use a dark web link directory, such as The Hidden Wiki. Some sites are completely legit (like domain services), and some (like whistleblowing tools) might be censored in your country.

Then, you also have others that might not be as legal. That’s why you should be cautious about which .onion links you click on!

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2.   Facebook

Link: https://www.facebookcorewwwi.onion/

Though Facebook knows a lot about you than you can imagine, it isn’t keen on sharing this data with others. The social media giant has also been the target of censorship from repressive governments time and time again. After all, it enables users from around the world to connect, communicate, and collaborate with each other freely.

So, it’s no surprise that Facebook has a .onion URL. It doesn’t do much in terms of maintaining an anonymous account, but lets you access the social media network from restricted countries.

3.    DuckDuckGo

Link: http://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion/

Do you want to search for something privately? Then, DuckDuckGo is one of the best alternatives to Google. Your search activity isn’t stored, and you get decent answers for most queries without all the tracking. The search engine is also available on the dark web and offers an additional layer of anonymity and privacy with fast search results.

4.    Mail2Tor

Link: http://mail2tor2zyjdctd.onion/

Let’s face it – email isn’t a secure means of communication! The contents of your inbox are accessible to email providers. Take, for instance, Gmail scans your emails to show you more relevant search results and advertisements.

Mail2Tor makes a good alternative as it allows users to send/receive messages anonymously through webmail or an email client. What’s more, all mail is secured using encryption, and the provider doesn’t store your IP address either.

5.    ProPublica

Link: https://www.propub3r6espa33w.onion/

The aim of the five-time Pulitzer Prize winner ProPublica is “To expose abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust by government, business, and other institutions, using the moral force of investigative journalism to spur reform through the sustained spotlighting of wrongdoing.”

It’s the first major online publication to have a .onion address. The non-profit newsroom is funded by organizations such as the Sandler Foundation and has made countless contributions in the fight for free speech and privacy.

6.    TorLinks

Link: http://torlinksd6pdnihy.onion/

TorLinks is a great alternative to The Hidden Wiki and provides a list of .onion websites across various categories. Sure, there’s some overlap between the two, but the list of sites on TorLinks is widely different. Considering how regularly dark web sites vanish and go offline, it’s better to have more than one source to help you find .onion URLs.

7.    SoylentNews

Link: http://7rmath4ro2of2a42.onion/

Unfortunately, most of the mainstream media today can’t be trusted because it’s rarely unbiased and accurate. The best way to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings is to use an open-source and community-oriented news aggregator like SoylentNews. Users can submit their stories from anywhere in the globe and even engage in insightful conversations on public discussion forums.

8.    The CIA

Link: http://ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion/

Tor’s history is an unlikely tale. It was created by the U.S Navy with the purpose of helping informants in foreign nations to communicate safely over the Internet. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), in that spirit, released a .onion site so that people from across the globe can browse their resources securely and anonymously.

It offers all the same services, contacts, and information that you’ll come across on the CIA’s normal site. The .onion site is aimed at individuals that want to share information anonymously with the spy agency but are at the risk of being tracked.

9.    SecureDrop

Link: https://secrdrop5wyphb5x.onion/

SecureDrop is software platform that NGOs and media organizations can install to accept leaked information from whistleblowers safely. It also comes with a functionality that allows journalists to communicate with their source(s) in a private manner. Many news sites use SecureDrop, such as The Washington Post, ProPublica, and The Guardian.

10. Hidden Answers

Link: http://answerszuvs3gg2l64e6hmnryudl5zgrmwm3vh65hzszdghblddvfiqd.onion/

Hidden Answers is like the Reddit or Quora of the dark web and one of the most popular dark web sites to visit. It’s a place where users ask for advice, share stories, and talk about a wide variety of topics. Unlike Quora or Reddit, Hidden Answers offers you total anonymity.

11. The Dark Lair

Link: http://vrimutd6so6a565x.onion/index.php/Board

The Dark Lair was initially an image hosting platform and evolved into a social network over time. You can share images, post comments, and engage with other users as both a registered as well as anonymous user.

12. Galaxy3

Link: http://galaxy3m2mn5iqtn.onion/

Don’t trust Facebook’s dark web site? In this case, you should give Galaxy3 a try. Of course, you won’t find most of your real-life friends on there. However, you’ll find computer code experts, people searching for adult dates, and other interesting individuals.

13. Torch Search Engine

Link: http://xmh57jrzrnw6insl.onion/
Torch is the oldest and most well-known search engine for the dark web. Its index has more than 1 million .onion links, which also makes it the largest. Therefore, it makes for a useful multi-purpose search engine – no matter what you’re looking for.

As with DuckDuckGo, Torch doesn’t log any of your searches. It also provides extra details about search results, such as page sizes.

14. Sci-Hub

Link: http://scihub22266oqcxt.onion/

Founded by Alexandra Elbakyan, Sci-Hub eliminates all barriers that get in the way of acquiring scientific knowledge. It does this by hosting more than 50 million research papers and making them available to individuals and scientific institutions for no cost whatsoever.

15. Smartmixer.io

Link: http://smrtmxdxognxhv64.onion/

Smartmixer is a bitcoin mixer. When you purchase things online using cryptocurrency, third-parties can still link your transactions to your identity. The service scrambles your Bitcoin with that of other crypto users, affording you complete anonymity.

16. Impreza Hosting

Impreza Hosting is a service that offers secure and anonymous hosting solutions on the dark web. Impreza makes it possible to affordably rent servers, register domains, and host email services, functioning similarly to well-known providers such as GoDaddy.

17. BBC Tor Mirror

If the BBC is unavailable in your region, you can still reach it through the BBC Tor Mirror. This dark web website offers a global version of the BBC, emphasizing international news, which is particularly valuable for those residing in areas with severe censorship.

18. Wasabi Wallet

If you are a cryptocurrency enthusiast, you will love Wasabi Wallet. It offers a secure and anonymous way to handle transactions on the dark web. While it is not free, the small fee is a fair trade for the privacy and reliability it provides.

19. Dread

Dread is a community-driven forum on the dark web, similar to Reddit. It allows users to discuss a wide range of topics, including privacy, security, cryptocurrency, and technology freely and anonymously, making it attractive for those in highly restrictive environments.

20. The New York Times

The New York Times hosts its content on the dark web too, making it possible to access their articles anonymously, especially in places where the site is censored. In this way, readers across the world can still get their news without any roadblocks.

21. Imperial Library

The Imperial Library of Trantor provides thousands of PDF and EPUB books that can be downloaded free of cost, serving as an essential resource for many students who might otherwise lack access to these materials.

22. Archive.today

Archive.today stores snapshots of web pages for later access, much like The Wayback Machine. The key difference is that while The Wayback Machine allows website owners to prevent their sites from being archived, Archive.today does not offer this option.

23. Riseup

Riseup is an exclusive email and communications service accessible only through an invitation and requires an onion link to use. It does not retain any user data and positions itself as a platform for social change, aiming to develop democratic alternatives.

How to Access Dark Web Websites

If you are ready to dive into the dark web, you will need an internet connection and the Tor Browser. Here is a straightforward guide to getting started:

1. First, visit torproject.org and download the software for your device. If you are using an iPhone or iPad, download the Onion Browser instead since there is no iOS version of Tor.

2. Once you have downloaded the file, install it by following the on-screen prompts.

3. After the installation is completed, launch the Tor Browser. We recommend going to Settings > Privacy & Security and setting the Security Level to Safest.

4. Finally, hit Connect to access the dark web. Consider using PureVPN in conjunction with Tor to add an extra layer of security while you browse onion sites!

Tips to Protect Yourself on the Dark Web

Before you access the dark web websites mentioned above, do not forget to take the following measures to stay protected:

1. Use a VPN: Encrypt your internet connection to keep your browsing private.

1. Update your system: Patch security holes by keeping software up-to-date.
   
   
2. Avoid public Wi-Fi: Use private networks to better protect your data.
   
   
3. Hide your identity: Use a secondary email to stay anonymous.
   
   
4. Use strong passwords: Opt for complex passwords and a manager like PureKeep to secure your accounts.
   
   
5. Limit over sharing: Be cautious of revealing personal info on forums or messages.
   
   
6. Recognize phishing: Always verify links before clicking to avoid scams.
   
   
7. Secure your devices: Cover webcams and mics to block unwanted spying.
   
   
8. Avoid suspicious links: Steer clear of unknown links and downloads to prevent malware.
   
   
9. Get protection software: Consider services like LifeLock for monitoring and alerts on identity threats.

Dark Web vs. Deep Web – What’s the Difference?

The deep web is referred to as anything online that can’t be accessed by using a search engine. This means the mail in your Outlook inbox, direct messages (DMs) on social media, and even your private Facebook photos.

The dark web, on the other hand, is defined as the subdivision of the deep web. The bad reputation of the latter stems from its association to the dark web, where much of the illegal activities on the Internet takes place.

Some examples include human trafficking, drug trade, weapons dealing, and pornography, to name a few. There are various reasons to stay off the dark web. However, at the same time, it’s a place worth visiting too.

Besides, you’ll come across some great sites there!

The Importance of a Dark Web Browser

You can’t access the dark web without the use of an anonymous browser known as Tor. It routes all your communications via a series of relays operated by individuals across the world. This makes your IP address untraceable and unidentifiable in the process. While the Tor browser works like magic, the overall experience can be a slow and unreliable one.

What about Dark Web Search Engines?

There are search engines on the dark web, but most of them have a hard time keeping up with the rapidly changing landscape. The search experience is similar to that of the late 1990s. In fact, even the best dark web search engines like Grams often show results that are repetitive and usually unrelated to the query.

Typical search engines and standard secure browsers can’t access the dark web. To explore it, you need to install Tor and use a dark web search engine or directory to find and visit onion search engine links.

Here are some of the most commonly used dark web search engines and directories:

• The Hidden Wiki
• OnionLinks
• dark.fail
• Torch
• DuckDuckGo

Note: The dark web’s anonymous nature makes websites inherently difficult to find and sometimes deceptive in their purpose. While searching for and browsing dark web search engine links is generally safe, the sites you encounter may contain malware, disturbing content, or act as fronts for scams.

Is the Dark Web Illegal?

Using Tor to access the dark web isn’t illegal. But while browsing the dark web won’t get you into any legal trouble, engaging in illicit activities would. For example, purchase drugs or firearms through the dark web is illegal, and you’ll be held liable for your actions.

What is the Tor browser?

The Tor Browser is a web browser that offers enhanced anonymity and privacy. It uses the Tor network to encrypt and route online traffic through multiple relays, making it difficult to trace your location and identity. 

Using the Tor Browser, users can browse the internet privately, avoid censorship, and access blocked websites. However, browsing speeds may be slower due to the multi-layered encryption process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some commonly asked questions about the dark web:

What Can You Find on the Dark Web? 

The dark web hosts a mix of legal and illegal content, including black markets for drugs, stolen data, counterfeit goods, hacking services, and forums for privacy-focused communication​. 

What is Dark Web Activity?

Dark web activity refers to any kind of activity that takes place on the dark web. It is often associated with criminal activity but can also be used for privacy and freedom of speech in oppressive regimes​. 

Who Made the Dark Web? 

The dark web was originally developed by the US Navy to protect government communications and to enable anonymous browsing. It is now maintained by the Tor Project and other privacy-focused organizations​. 

How Much of the Internet is the Dark Web? 

The dark web makes up a small portion of the deep web, which itself is much larger than the surface web. Estimates suggest the dark web constitutes less than 5% of the entire internet​.

Who Created the Dark Web?

The U.S. government created the dark web as a way to help their spies communicate and exchange information while remaining untraceable in the process. The technology known as The Onion Router (Tor) – developed by computer scientists Nick Mathewson and Roger Dingledine – was made available to the general public in 2002.

Can You Be Tracked on the Dark Web?

The short answer is: no! If certain precautions are taken, what you do on the dark web can’t be traced back to you. However, if you’re guilty of engaging in serious crimes, then it’s very likely the CIA will leave no stone unturned to track you down!

Is it Safe to Visit the Dark Web?

Browsing the dark web is safe as long as you’re accessing legitimate content. Many websites are run by cybercriminals that offer all kinds of illegal goods and services. You might also end up downloading a file or clicking a link which could infect your device with malware. Due to this, it’s important to be selective of the sites you visit on the dark web, and use tools like an antivirus and a VPN before venturing out there.

What are .onion sites?

.onion sites are those that don’t appear on traditional search engines like Google and Bing as they exist on the “dark web” part of the Internet. If you want to access an .onion site, it’s only possible through the use of a specialized browser known as Tor.

How Big is the Dark Web?

It’s difficult to say as nobody really knows how much of the internet accounts for the dark web. However, if we take most estimates into consideration, the dark web makes up around 5% of the whole internet.

Are onion sites dangerous?

.onion sites can be potentially dangerous as they operate on the Tor network, providing anonymity for both users and site operators. While many .onion sites host legitimate content, others can be involved in illegal activities, scams, or malware distribution. Therefore, caution and discretion are advised when accessing .onion sites. Always use a VPN to add an extra layer or protection.

Wrapping Things Up

Do you have any favorite dark web sites that you visit from time to time? Let us know in the comments section below!