After extensively testing many dark web sites, I’ve made this guide to cover the most reliable dark web links across different categories. You’ll also find essential safety tips for exploring this hidden part of the internet. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

The Best Dark Web Links (Tested & Working in 2025)

While its name may indicate danger, the dark web can actually be a safe place. It provides safety and anonymity for journalists, privacy-conscious users, or those in high-censorship countries. You need to ensure you’re only accessing reliable dark web sites, and the ones listed below are among the safest ones that currently work.

Directories and Search Engines

The Hidden Wiki

The Hidden Wiki is a comprehensive starting point for exploring verified dark web links. Unlike many imitators, this is the official Hidden Wiki that maintains a curated directory of legitimate .onion services. During my testing, I found its categorized index particularly helpful for discovering trustworthy sites across various topics. Link: http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo’s dark web version offers the same privacy-focused search experience as its clear web counterpart. What sets it apart is that it doesn’t track your searches or create user profiles, making it ideal for anonymous browsing. Its clean interface and lack of ads make it much easier to use than other dark web search engines. Link: https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion/

TorLinks maintains one of the most reliable directories of verified .onion sites. Its strength lies in regular updates and community-driven verification of links. I especially like how TorLinks categorizes links based on their type, letting you easily find what you need. Link: http://torlinksge6enmcyyuxjpjkoouw4oorgdgeo7ftnq3zodj7g2zxi3kyd.onion/

News and Journalism

ProPublica

ProPublica provides Pulitzer Prize-winning uncensored investigative journalism through its .onion service. My testing showed it loads quickly and offers the same high-quality content as its regular website, making it an excellent resource for readers in censored regions. Link: http://p53lf57qovyuvwsc6xnrppyply3vtqm7l6pcobkmyqsiofyeznfu5uqd.onion/

The Tor Times

The Tor Times specializes in dark web news and privacy-focused journalism. Unlike mainstream news sites, it covers topics specifically relevant to Tor users and digital privacy advocates. I found its reporting on security issues and dark web developments particularly valuable for staying informed about online privacy matters. Link: http://tortimeswqlzti2aqbjoieisne4ubyuoeiiugel2layyudcfrwln76qd.onion/

DigDeeper

DigDeeper offers in-depth analysis of technology and privacy topics rarely covered by mainstream media. The website’s articles focus on digital rights, surveillance, and security research. I found their technical explanations clear and well-researched, though the site updates less frequently than other news platforms. Link: http://5essxguxi5enurgtuquvrjuvikss4gc5lbhmtz57cq4cedqx5tqvaxqd.onion/

Communication and Email

Proton Mail

Proton Mail’s dark web version provides end-to-end encrypted email with enhanced privacy protection. The service doesn’t require personal information to create an account and works seamlessly through Tor. I found in my tests that all features work identically to the regular version. Link: https://protonmailrmez3lotccipshtkleegetolb73fuirgj7r4o4vfu7ozyd.onion/

Adamant

Adamant offers blockchain-based secure messaging without needing phone numbers or email addresses. The platform stood out during my testing for its commitment to anonymity — all messages are fully encrypted and stored on a decentralized network. It’s particularly useful for sensitive communications that need to remain private. Link: http://adamant6457join2rxdkr2y7iqatar7n4n72lordxeknj435i4cjhpyd.onion/

Alt Address

Alt Address provides disposable email addresses specifically designed for dark web use. This service helps protect your primary email when signing up for .onion services. I found it especially useful for testing new services without risking my main email address, though messages expire after 24 hours. Link: http://tp7mtouwvggdlm73vimqkuq7727a4ebrv4vf4cnk6lfg4fatxa6p2ryd.onion/

Social Media

Facebook

Facebook’s official dark web version helps users access the platform in countries where it’s blocked. During testing, I confirmed it provides the same functionality as the regular site while adding Tor’s privacy benefits. The interface works smoothly, but it usually loads slower due to Tor routing. Link: facebookwkhpilnemxj7asaniu7vnjjbiltxjqhye3mhbshg7kx5tfyd.onion

TorBook

TorBook aims to be a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream social networks. It emphasizes anonymity while providing familiar social media features. Some content can be unmoderated, though, so it’s worthwhile to be careful while using this platform. Link: http://torbookunuvxmwk57tfsqoljttg4lus3lkj6xcdf7uyyhdp5rjf7xcqd.onion/

Pitch

Pitch is a dark web-based Twitter/X alternative, providing a secure platform for anonymous discussions and information sharing. Unlike many dark web platforms, it maintains strict content guidelines while protecting user privacy. Link: http://pitchprash4aqilfr7sbmuwve3pnkpylqwxjbj2q5o4szcfeea6d27yd.onion/

Messaging and File Sharing

SecureDrop

SecureDrop stands out as the leading platform for secure document sharing used by major news organizations. This open-source whistleblowing system enables anonymous file transfers with strong encryption. Link: http://sdolvtfhatvsysc6l34d65ymdwxcujausv7k5jk4cy5ttzhjoi6fzvyd.onion/

BlackCloud

BlackCloud offers encrypted file storage specifically optimized for the Tor network. The service emphasizes privacy with zero-knowledge encryption and no registration requirements. My tests showed reliable performance for smaller files, but larger transfers can be slow due to Tor’s limitations. Link: http://bcloudwenjxgcxjh6uheyt72a5isimzgg4kv5u74jb2s22y3hzpwh6id.onion/

KeyBase

KeyBase combines encrypted messaging with secure file sharing and identity verification. Its dark web version provides the same functionality as the clear web option, while adding Tor’s anonymity layer. Link: http://keybase5wmilwokqirssclfnsqrjdsi7jdir5wy7y7iu3tanwmtp6oid.onion/

How to Stay Safe on the Dark Web

The dark web contains numerous security risks, from malware to scams and illegal content. Thankfully, there are effective measures that keep you secure on the dark web and ensure you remain protected and anonymous while accessing .onion sites.

Use a VPN for Enhanced Privacy

A reliable VPN encrypts your traffic before it enters the Tor network, preventing surveillance from your ISP or malicious actors. During my tests, ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption and verified no-logs policy provided consistent protection against tracking and monitoring. The kill switch feature also ensures your real IP stays hidden if your connection drops.

Keep Tor Browser Updated

Always run the latest version of the Tor Browser to protect against security vulnerabilities. Outdated versions may contain weaknesses that attackers can exploit to compromise your anonymity. I recommend enabling automatic updates and checking for new versions before each session.

Only visit dark web links from trusted sources and directories. Many scam sites use URLs nearly identical to legitimate services. I always cross-reference links from multiple verified sources before visiting any dark web address.

Enable Maximum Security Settings

Set Tor Browser’s security level to “Safest” for critical dark web activity. This disables potentially dangerous features like JavaScript that could reveal your identity. NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere extensions provide additional protection against malicious scripts and unsecured connections.

Never Share Personal Information

Avoid entering any real personal details or using existing accounts on dark web sites. Create new anonymous accounts when necessary, using temporary email services. I also recommend covering your webcam and disabling location services before accessing .onion sites.

Use a Dedicated Device

Keep a separate computer exclusively for dark web access. This isolates any potential malware and prevents cross-contamination with your personal data. Using Tails OS can further security, as all your data is reset every time you close the device.

Monitor System Resources

Watch for unexpected changes in system performance that could indicate malware. Cryptocurrency miners and other malicious software often target dark web users. Using a reliable antivirus to scan your device is worthwhile if you spot suspicious spikes in system resource usage. Always remember that while the above measures significantly reduce risks, no method guarantees complete security on the dark web. Always exercise extreme caution and verify the legality of any services you access.

Best VPNs for Staying Safe and Anonymous on the Dark Web in 2025

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Dark web links can change frequently, so always verify addresses from multiple trusted sources before visiting any .onion site. The links shared in this guide were working during testing, but legitimate services occasionally move to new URLs to enhance security. I recommend bookmarking verified links rather than relying on search results. Your safety on the dark web depends more on cautious browsing habits than any single security tool. While a VPN adds valuable protection, being selective about which sites you visit and never sharing personal information are equally important. Stick to verified dark web directories and legitimate services to minimize your exposure to risks.