Best dark web search engines in 2025

While the dark web might seem like a substandard area of the internet, users often use it to protect their privacy. Apart from questionable marketplaces, you can also find community forums and social media platforms on the dark web that guarantee encrypted and private communication. However, using regular search engines like Google cannot grant you access to the dark web. The only way to access the dark web and its content is through specialized dark web search engines.

To successfully access the dark web, it is important to choose a robust and secure search engine that provides fast speeds and guarantees privacy. To find the most reliable options, I examined multiple search engines and found Torch, Ahmia, Haystack, DuckDuckGo, and Not Evil to be the best dark web search engines. Continue reading and learn more about the best dark web search engines in 2025.

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What are the dark web security threats you should be aware of?

The dark web brings a bunch of security risks, like data breaches, spreading malware, phishing scams, and selling stolen login details. These threats can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and damage to your reputation - whether you are an individual or part of a company.

While it is exciting to rummage through heaps of pages, the dark web is definitely not the safest place on earth. Users should exercise extreme caution when downloading files, as they are often malicious. Plus, if you don’t encrypt your data and hide your IP address, malicious actors might take advantage of you and your data. In 2024, it was reported that data exposure cases on the dark web increased by 15.4%. Additionally, a database with over 2.9 billion US citizens’ private information, like home addresses and Social Security numbers, was leaked on the dark web by a well-known cybercriminal group. Therefore, getting a dark web VPN is a must, as it will add an extra layer of safety and privacy.

Unlike regular websites accessible through Google or Bing, the dark web requires a specialized browser and search engine. The most popular and trusted browser is Tor, which uses onion routing to encrypt your data and hide your IP address, offering a layer of privacy. But is Tor safe? While Tor is generally considered secure for anonymous browsing, it is not completely foolproof. Users can still encounter threats like malware, phishing scams, and potential vulnerabilities in the Tor network, making it crucial to use additional precautions like a VPN.

Best Dark Web search engines in 2025

1. Torch
2. Ahmia
3. Haystack
4. DuckDuckGo
5. NotEvil

Below, you will find reliable dark web search engines to help you access spooky yet intriguing content. However, while they have a proven track record of serving Tor users, there is always a slight chance they may harbor malware or other surprises. Therefore, before venturing into the dark, take the best VPN to give you peace of mind.

The following are the best dark web search engines. Note that some links might not work as they are often shut down. You can find mirror links on The Hidden Wiki and OnionLinks.

1. Torch – the best dark web search engine

The Torch search engine is one of the best dark web search engines, offering a vast archive of onion sites and a reliable platform for finding hidden content. Its popularity stems from extensive indexing capabilities and devotion to user privacy. Torch does not monitor or store user data and search history, guaranteeing total privacy. However, users should remain cautious while browsing, as Torch does not actively filter malicious sites. To protect your digital footprint while browsing, I recommend using a robust VPN, like NordVPN, and keeping your device’s security software up to date.

Torch search engine is simple to use and offers uncensored and unrestricted web search results. Furthermore, it is pretty fast, so you will not have to wait long for pages to load. The only annoying thing is the obnoxious ads on the front page. However, the profit from these advertisements goes into the support and maintenance of the servers.

Torch .onion link here

2. DuckDuckGo – best Tor search engine with an accessible interface dark web search engine

DuckDuckGo dark web search engine is like Google used for the dark web. DDG is one of the most privacy-friendly search engines in 2025. It is a default option for Tor, so you know it is a reliable choice. One can also use it for the most popular browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, but it will not show them .onion sites. DuckDuckGo is not part of the dark web but can be used on the Tor browser for private searches.

While it does not index .onion sites directly, it can still be used within the dark web for general browsing. DuckDuckGo is considered safe due to its strict no-tracking policy, but like any search engine, it cannot fully protect against all online threats. While DDG does not track online activity, it will not prevent ISP monitoring, and third-party observers can still access private information, such as your IP address. To ensure extra privacy from these and similar online threats, adding an extra layer of protection is necessary. One way to do this is by combining DuckDuckGo with a reliable VPN provider, like NordVPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic and makes tracking your real IP address almost impossible. This way, you can avoid nu ISP surveillance and potential data leaks.

Basically, DuckDuckGo is not a true dark web search engine, as it does not index .onion sites. However, it can be used on the Tor browser for private and anonymous surface web searches, making it useful within the dark web for general browsing.

DDG offers a familiar and straightforward interface, so users should not have any problems utilizing it. It also has a no-logs policy, so the team behind the platform will not gather any information about you.

Nevertheless, it might show fewer dark web results than other specialized search engines. But it is truly a worthy contender. You can test it out by following the link below.

DuckDuckGo search engine link here

3. Ahmia – the dark web search engine that works on the regular web

Another handy portal to the recesses of the dark web, Ahmia, was developed with the support of the Tor project back in 2014. Ahmia has the best filters around. It explicitly sets out to sanitize search results from Tor. So, do not expect to have your searches contaminated with illegal NSFW content.

Ahmia is a dark web search engine designed to provide a cleaner, safer browsing experience by filtering out harmful and illegal content. It is considered a safe search engine for the Tor browser because it actively blocks abusive sites and malware-ridden pages from its search results. Ahmia also has a strict policy against "abuse material," allegedly preventing such content from appearing in its searches, making it a more secure option for users looking to navigate the dark web responsibly. Even though Ahmia is designed to filter malicious and illegal content, just like other dark web search engines, it cannot ensure total security. To add an extra layer of protection when browsing the dark web, I suggest using a robust VPN to encrypt your traffic and protect your online privacy.

Additionally, I highly recommend using it with the Tor browser, but it also works on popular options such as Chrome, Brave, Firefox, or Edge. Plus, Ahmia aims to make dark web adventures more accessible and safe, so it is a fantastic beginner-friendly option. Ahmia’s biggest advantage is its servers, which, unlike other competitors, are always up. Thus, if you want to test it out, take it for a spin, and use the link below.

Find Ahmia here

4. Not Evil – versatile dark web search engine

The Not Evil search engine is relatively safe for dark web use as it does not track users and focuses solely on indexing .onion sites. However, like other dark web search engines, it does not actively filter malicious content, so caution is still necessary when browsing. To enhance your online security while browsing, I recommend using a reliable VPN and Tor at all times.

Not Evil is a very stripped-down form of Google (hence the humorous name that riffs on the search giant’s questionable ethics). It is usually the place to start when searching. It allows users to search .onion sites hosted on Tor servers. It provides a simple search field and returns results directly from Tor’s hidden services, making it useful for searching the Dark Web.

Not Evil is a search engine specifically designed for the Tor network, allowing users to search .onion sites hosted on Tor servers. It provides a simple search field and returns results directly from Tor’s hidden services, making it a useful tool for navigating the dark web. It simply features a search field and a list of results that have been harvested from Tor servers. But there is a bit more going on here than you might think.

Search results are monitored by users, who can report incorrect and misleading results or log sites as “abusive.” The search engine actively tries to combat content like child pornography, which is definitely a positive trait (and suggests that it lives up to its name). Sadly, getting it to work is a bit iffy, as Not Evil servers are often down. Nevertheless, you can try to access it using the link below.

Not Evil search engine link

5. Haystack – dark web search engine with over 1 billion indexed pages

Few search engines have penetrated as far into the Dark Web as Haystak, which claims to use an archive of over 1.5 billion pages. That probably features a broad overlap with the more conventional Deep Web, but there is no doubt that Haystak reaches the part of the Tor network that other searches cannot. Haystak is widely regarded as one of the best dark web search engines due to its massive index of over 1.5 billion pages from more than 260,000 onion sites.

It is designed with robust security in mind, offering advanced search options like regular expressions to help users refine their searches more effectively. Haystak’s premium version extends its capabilities even further, allowing users to access defunct onion sites and unlock additional features, making it a comprehensive tool for navigating the dark web securely and efficiently. While it is a secure search engine, using a reliable VPN alongside it, like NordVPN, would be beneficial to protect your personal information when browsing.

However, Haystak’s search infrastructure is a little less reliable than alternatives like Not Evil or Torch, so you may find yourself fiddling around with keywords to find relevant content.
Even so, the archive size means that it is a Tor search engine that needs to be considered. Not to mention, the creators of this search engine take your privacy and security seriously, as they do not track user data. You can try it out by copying the link below.

Find Haystack here

Should you use services like Web2Tor?

When you surf the web looking for ways to get the most out of Tor, you may well run into services with names like “Web2Tor” or “Tor2Web.” These sites seem really useful on the surface, promising to create an interface between the ordinary web and Tor nodes.

In theory, this would let one use search engines like DuckDuckGo to search Tor, eliminating the need for the standalone Tor browser.

However, do not be fooled. These tools (when they work) are inherently insecure. Users risk betraying their DNS and IP information when they create a bridge between the surface web and Tor, giving away plenty of data about the sites they visit.

So when you navigate the Dark Web, search engine tools are your friend. Just stick to specialist Tor-based services instead of apps and sites that promise more than they can deliver. And finally, do not forget to turn on a secure VPN for your own safety.

Try NordVPN’s 7-day free trial today

Best Tor search engines, according to Reddit

Reddit has answers to all of your questions, including the ones about dark web search engines. To save you time, I dug through heaps of threads to find the most reliable options. In most cases, Redditors had similar opinions to ours. So, here are the best dark web search engines in 2025, according to Reddit:

I recommend trying a few of these search engines before picking your one and only. And remember, no matter how private these search engines claim to be, you need extra protection before any digital disasters happen. Therefore, I recommend checking out the best VPNs according to Reddit, which will also work perfectly while exploring the dark web.

Best VPNs for the dark web in 2025

1. NordVPN

   Overall best dark web VPN
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Reliable and affordable VPN for the dark web
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium VPN for anonymous dark web browsing
   8.6

To secure yourself when browsing the dark web, it is necessary to use a robust VPN provider, and NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are the best dark web VPNs in 2025. These top VPN providers guarantee security using robust encryption and strict no-log policies. NordVPN is a perfect choice if you are looking for a fast VPN with robust security features. Surfshark provides many additional features and does not limit the number of simultaneous connections, allowing you to use it on all personal devices. Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN with a secure free app version. All three best dark web VPN providers guarantee a flawless and secure browsing experience.

1. NordVPN is the best VPN to use while browsing the dark web. It combines top-notch security features, including military-grade AES-256 encryption and a third-party audited no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. With its vast network of servers, NordVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs available, allowing for seamless browsing without any noticeable slowdown while searching for information on the dark web.
2. Surfshark is an excellent choice for users using dark web search engines on multiple devices, as it allows unlimited connections. This service offers robust security features, including strong encryption and a comprehensive privacy policy, guaranteeing confidentiality while browsing. Additionally, Surfshark provides fast and reliable connectivity worldwide, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain privacy across all their gadgets while exploring the dark web.

Get the best VPN on the market

How to protect your identity from the dark web?

You should exercise extreme caution when navigating the dark web, as one wrong click can lead to significant risks. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe:

• Avoid downloading files, as they often contain malware that can compromise your device.
• Always have your VPN activated while browsing to encrypt your data and mask your IP address and location.
• Never share personal information, such as your email, name, address, or social security number, as it can be exploited.
• Refrain from making purchases, but if necessary, ensure the source is reputable and use cryptocurrencies for added anonymity.
• Utilize antivirus software to guard against malware and other security threats that may arise during your dark web experience.

Best practices for safeguarding against identity theft

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Regularly monitor accounts for unusual activity.
• Keep antivirus software up to date to protect against threats.

Keeping your data off the dark web

• Use a VPN to encrypt your online activity and hide your IP address.
• Connect to external servers to mask your location and enhance privacy.

Secure your privacy while browsing the dark web with NordVPN

Best dark web websites

Now that you know about the best search engines for the dark web, it is time to do a bit of digging! Of course, do not forget to turn on your VPN to keep your devices safe and sound.

The dark web is home to a variety of websites, from news and media outlets to secure file-sharing platforms. Whether you are looking for resources, investigative journalism, or cryptocurrency wallets, there are numerous sites worth exploring. Below is a categorized list of some popular dark web sites you can visit. Simply copy the link and paste it into your dark web browser to start exploring.

Wrap up

While the dark web allows you to browse anonymously and access private communication channels, you must use specialized search engines to access it. I tested multiple search engines and found Torch, Ahmia, and Haystack to be the best dark web search engines in 2025 as they are privacy-oriented and offer a wide selection of onion sites. Even though these dark web search engines are privacy-friendly, a VPN service is necessary when browsing the dark web.

A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your real IP address, enhancing your privacy and preventing potential data leaks. For the best dark web browsing experience, I recommend trying NordVPN. NordVPN is a premium VPN that uses necessary security measures and advanced features. It also provides stable connections and fast speeds, so you should not experience any slowdowns when browsing the dark web.

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You may also like to read:
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Best VPN for Tor browser
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Is torrenting illegal in your country?
How to unblock websites from anywhere

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FAQ

What is the best browser for the dark web?

The best browser for the dark web is Tor, as it is specifically designed to access .onion sites. Additionally, it is a secure browser that routes your connection through encrypted servers. By doing so, Tor encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address, adding an extra layer of protection. However, for total privacy, it is always beneficial to use a VPN provider alongside Tor.

What is the best search engine for the dark web?

Torch is the best search engine for the dark web. Torch offers a wide selection of onion sites and does not restrict or censor search results. Additionally, Torch provides fast speeds, meaning you will not experience any slowdowns when browsing the dark web.

Is DuckDuckGo part of the dark web?

No, DuckDuckGo is not part of the dark web. DuckDuckGo is Tor browser’s default search engine, which you can use to search the surface web. DuckDuckGo is a privacy-oriented search engine that does not track users’ online activity or personal data. However, using a reliable VPN such as NordVPN would be beneficial for maximum security when browsing the dark web.

Is Tor Browser illegal?

No, Tor Browser itself is not illegal in most countries. While many associate it with the dark web, simply browsing the internet is completely legal. Tor is often used by journalists and law enforcement agents who need to access and share information privately. However, engaging in illegal activities while using Tor is against the law, and using it for such purposes can result in legal consequences.

Is Tor browsing traceable?

Yes, Tor browsing is traceable. Tor hides your location and encrypts your browsing activity, but it cannot prevent ISP monitoring. While your ISP cannot track the exact sites you visit, it can still see that you are using Tor. To enhance your privacy and minimize the risk of being tracked by your ISP, I recommend using a VPN provider, like NordVPN or Surfshark, alongside Tor, as it masks your IP address and further protects your online activity.

What search engine can't be tracked?

DuckDuckGo, Surfshark Search, and Startpage search engines cannot be tracked. These search engines are privacy-oriented and do not monitor user activity. This means that they do not collect or store any personal information, guaranteeing anonymity. Unlike traditional ones, these search engines are a secure option if you want to browse the internet anonymously.

Should I use a VPN when on the dark web?

Yes, you should use a VPN when on the dark web as it will add an extra layer of protection for your online privacy. Browsing the dark web has certain security risks, such as leaks of personal information. A reliable VPN like NordVPN will encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, which guarantees total privacy when browsing the dark web.

How to access onion sites?

To access onion sites, you must use a dedicated browser like Tor to access the dark web. Download and install the Tor Browser and enter the .onion URL into the address bar. Tor will encrypt your traffic and route it through several servers, enabling access to hidden sites. To ensure privacy, use a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, which will hide your real IP address and protect your personal information online.