Tor websites: Safe and popular .onion sites to explore in 2024

What are Tor websites?

Tor websites are the main gates to the dark web. Most internet users consider the dark web the underbelly of the internet, but in reality, it’s the same internet — just not indexed by search engines and much more difficult to access. It requires Tor, a secure network and browser that routes your encrypted traffic through multiple nodes, decrypting it piece by piece on each node as if you were peeling an onion.

Tor, or .onion, websites have numerous layers of protection (such as end-to-end encryption or IP masking) that you wouldn’t find in your default internet browser. These features make the Tor browser among the most secure browsers currently available.

Top 12 safe Tor websites to explore

❗️❗️❗️WARNING:❗️❗️❗️ Due to its anonymous nature, websites on the dark web are hard to find and can sometimes mislead users in their intent. While dark web search engines may be safe to use, some other links or pages could harbor malware or disturbing content or serve as gateways to scams.

Visiting the dark web isn’t illegal, but you should keep an eye out for potential cyber threats lurking in its depths. Along with taking extra security measures, such as using a VPN or an antivirus while browsing, it also helps to know which Tor websites are safe for you to explore. Here’s a list of the safest Tor websites to browse in 2024.

IMPORTANT: .onion link owners can sometimes change the links for security, privacy, and operational efficiency reasons. Therefore, some of the URLs below may no longer be operational.

1. ProPublica

.onion URL: p53lf57qovyuvwsc6xnrppyply3vtqm7l6pcobkmyqsiofyeznfu5uqd.onion

ProPublica is a Pulitzer prize-winning newsroom dedicated to investigative journalism in the public interest. The platform operates a Tor service, providing a secure channel for whistleblowers and individuals seeking to share sensitive information.

Throughout its 17 years, the website has inspired changes in laws and policy reforms while advocating for higher public accountability. It’s one of the most reputable sources for investigative journalism that strives for a more open and transparent government.

2. DuckDuckGo

.onion URL: duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion

Known for its privacy-centric search engine, DuckDuckGo allows users to explore the web without tracking or surveillance. Unlike other popular surface web search engines, DuckDuckGo doesn’t create user profiles, meaning you can browse without the bother of personalized ads.

Available on your usual browser, DuckDuckGo also has an .onion link, and is the default search engine of the dark web. With features, such as tracker blocking and no search history storage, DuckDuckGo continues to gain popularity on major browsers and on the dark web.

3. The New York Times

.onion URL: nytimesn7cgmftshazwhfgzm37qxb44r64ytbb2dj3x62d2lljsciiyd.onion

One of the most famous news outlets worldwide also has a Tor website. This initiative is part of the newspaper’s effort to provide a free press to readers in countries with heavy censorship and surveillance, ensuring that important news and information remain accessible to all.

The New York Times Tor website serves as a useful source of information for journalists, activists, individuals, and legal entities seeking access to information under authoritarian regimes. However, while some may expect the Tor version of the website to be completely free to dark web users, some other features (such as audio articles) are accessible only with a subscription.

4. SecureDrop

.onion URL: sdolvtfhatvsysc6l34d65ymdwxcujausv7k5jk4cy5ttzhjoi6fzvyd.onion

Developed by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, SecureDrop is a website that allows anonymous users and whistleblowers to submit documents and messages without revealing their identity or location. According to the service, communications through SecureDrop are encrypted in transit, so the messages cannot be easily intercepted and read while traversing the internet. The fact that SecureDrop operates on the Tor network only adds to the commitment to provide maximum possible security and anonymity.

SecureDrop’s reputation speaks for itself — many world-famous news organizations (such as The Washington Post and The New York Times) use the service to gather information, supporting secure investigative journalism.

5. Ahmia

.onion URL: juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion

Ahmia is another search engine specifically designed to index and provide access to .onion sites on the Tor network. Unlike DuckDuckGo, Ahmia offers additional features such as viewing statistics, insights, and news about the Tor network. The website promotes transparency and accessibility within the dark web by filtering out explicit content and providing users with a safer way to explore Tor’s hidden services.

6. Keybase

.onion URL: keybase5wmilwokqirssclfnsqrjdsi7jdir5wy7y7iu3tanwmtp6oid.onion

Keybase is yet another way to securely communicate and share files via the dark web. It combines the features of typical messaging apps while simultaneously focusing on encryption and privacy. Keybase is available on any platform, whether mobile (Android, iOS) or stationary (Windows, MacOS, Linux).

One of Keybase’s green flags is that it’s open-source software, meaning anyone can gain access to, analyze, and review its code. With the open-source nature and enhanced security features, Keybase serves as a reliable communication choice when sharing sensitive information via the dark web.

7. Tor Metrics

.onion URL: hctxrvjzfpvmzh2jllqhgvvkoepxb4kfzdjm6h7egcwlumggtktiftid.onion

Tor Metrics is an analytical tool that collects and visualizes data about the Tor network. It offers comprehensive statistics on various aspects such as user numbers, traffic volumes, relay performance, and the usage of onion services.

The platform aims to enhance transparency and provide insights into the operation and health of the Tor network, supporting researchers and developers in understanding and improving the network’s privacy and security features. Accessible via the clear web and an .onion link, Tor Metrics ensures data is gathered and presented in a privacy-preserving manner.

8. Wasabi wallet

.onion URL: wasabiukrxmkdgve5kynjztuovbg43uxcbcxn6y2okcrsg7gb6jdmbad.onion

If you’re a Bitcoin enthusiast, perhaps you might’ve already heard about this website. Describing itself as the leading Bitcoin wallet for desktops, Wasabi wallet features CoinJoin to provide more privacy for dark web users. In addition, like Keybase, Wasabi wallet is open-source software that provides non-custodial services, meaning users have full control over their private keys and funds.

Wasabi wallet is also available on the surface web and supports every mobile and stationary system, whether Android or MacOS.

9. Impreza Host

.onion URL: portal.imprezareshna326gqgmbdzwmnad2wnjmeowh45bs2buxarh5qummjad.onion

If you’re looking to create your own website on the dark web, you will need a hosting service. Impreza Host is one of the most popular hosting websites, that allows users to create and design Tor websites while claiming a maximum security guarantee. The service also operates on the surface web and accepts cryptocurrency payments. In addition to web hosting, Impreza can offer servers, website backups, and even a VPN connection.

10. Archive Today

.onion URL: archiveiya74codqgiixo33q62qlrqtkgmcitqx5u2oeqnmn5bpcbiyd.onion

For nostalgic internet nomads and those looking to preserve their favorite website, Archive Today might be the website to visit. This dark web link allows users to archive the content of various internet websites and access it whenever they want. All it takes is to copy the website URL that the user wants to preserve, and Archive Today will do the rest.

The website’s mission is to observe the changes across government and corporate websites, preserve internet heritage, and keep knowledge outside autocrats’ reach. You can archive any site you want or retrieve historical records wherever available, making Archive Today a fun and important tool for internet users.

11. Facebook

.onion URL: facebookwkhpilnemxj7asaniu7vnjjbiltxjqhye3mhbshg7kx5tfyd.onion

Like world news outlets, Facebook is available on the dark web. According to Facebook, the main reason for its presence on the dark net is to provide users safe access to its social media content, especially in countries that limit or even ban access to such services.

The dark net version of Facebook doesn’t differ much from its surface web counterpart. However, the .onion link helps users avoid prying eyes and bypass certain regulations or restrictions common in authoritarian regimes.

12. CIA

.onion URL: ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion

As one of the top intelligence agencies in the world, the CIA has to have a presence on the dark web and beyond, right? Correct. The CIA uses the dark web to seek out threats to national security and to provide safe access for users who want to report potential illegal activities or terrorist threats. In addition, the CIA’s dark web presence serves as a secure, private channel for individuals in oppressive regimes to share information and reach out for help without fear of retribution.

What are the risks of entering the dark web?

While the dark web is an optimal choice for anonymous browsing, it’s still full of potential cyber risks. Many malicious actors lurk in its shadows, using its anonymity to hide from authorities and to scam unsuspecting users. The most common dark web cyber risks include malware-ridden pages, scams, and identity exposure.

Malware and viruses

The dark web is full of ransomware, trojans, and other similar malware that can threaten unaware users. While the Tor browser offers safety measures, you should always browse the dark web with your antivirus on. You can also implement additional measures for extra safety, such as switching to NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN.

Scams and fraud

Since the dark web is a popular place for scammers and fraudsters, don’t be surprised if you encounter suspicious-looking links and questionable web pages. Phishing links and fraudulent websites are common on the dark web, posing a cyber threat to anyone not vigilant enough to notice them.

Identity exposure

It’s no secret that stolen data is often first published on the dark web. With this haven of anonymity, hackers sell or share stolen data with anyone willing to pay the right amount. According to a dark web study, stolen passports and other credentials can be found for thousands of dollars. In addition, hackers can expose other users’ data, causing problems such as identity theft or financial loss.

Illegal activities

Many dark web sites are involved in illegal activities ranging from selling illegal substances and dangerous items to human trafficking. Browsing and interacting on these Tor sites is against the law and can result in severe legal consequences.

Financial loss

Data theft generally means a high risk of identity theft and potential financial loss. With your personal information, hackers can access your bank accounts, stripping you down to the last penny and crashing your credit score. Since the dark web has a higher concentration of malicious actors, the chances of suffering a cyberattack there are likely higher than on the surface web. Therefore, you’d be smart to use extra security measures while navigating the dark web.

How to stay safe on the dark web

Staying safe on the dark web is all about vigilance. If you’re careful, you should be fine, but if you’re reckless, you’ll get in trouble. While it may sound like a lot of work, you’ll be happy to know that strengthening your online safety is just a matter of a few simple steps.

• Avoid sharing personal information. The dark web is the realm of enhanced anonymity. Abide by that principle and avoid using and sharing any sensitive information (such as real names, addresses, email accounts, and payment details).
• Enable Tor network security features. Tor browser allows users to choose between three browsing security levels (standard, safer, and safest). Depending on which you choose, you can safeguard yourself from potential risks, such as malicious JavaScript or drive-by downloads.
• Be cautious with downloads. Downloading files from any website can be risky, especially on the dark web. Use a trusted antivirus whenever you download something from the dark web.
• Use the “New identity” feature. “New identity” is another nifty feature of Tor browser that allows users to reset their Tor circuit and IP address regularly. Use it to stay safer while browsing.
• Use a VPN. A VPN or dark web monitoring tool can protect your online connection from unwanted snoopers by encrypting your online traffic and changing your real IP address. Better yet, by using NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN feature, you can help yourself save the trouble of using the Tor browser while still having access to dark net websites.
• Use trusted .onion sites. Finally, the best way to avoid falling victim to malicious actors is to refrain from visiting suspicious Tor sites. Use trusted sources (such as established and reputable online communities) to find and access .onion sites.

Using a Tor browser without a VPN is risky. Using a Tor browser with a VPN is a bit impractical. Luckily, a third way, NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN feature, allows users to surf the dark web with VPN encryption without using a separate Tor browser. And that’s not all — with NordVPN, you can safeguard yourself on the surface web by encrypting your internet traffic or preventing annoying ads and potential malware with the Threat Protection Pro™ feature (for surface web and Onion Over VPN users only).

IMPORTANT: The dark web poses significant cyber risks and contains explicit and illegal content. If there’s no serious reason, it’s recommended that users avoid using the dark web altogether or use strong cybersecurity measures to properly safeguard themselves while browsing .onion and other dark web sites.

FAQ

What is the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that operates on overlay networks requiring specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Unlike surface web (the usual internet browser type) browsers, dark web browsers usually offer more anonymity, encryption, and privacy features.

Can I be tracked on Tor?

Yes, even with enhanced encryption and anonymity, you can be tracked while using the Tor network. However, this is only possible in certain situations, such as when malicious actors gain access to the Tor browser’s exit nodes or when a user suffers a data leak through malware or phishing.

Is the Onion browser the same or similar to a VPN?

Even though the Onion browser and VPN have similarities (both focus on enhancing users’ privacy online), they differ in their methods and use cases. The Onion browser is a volunteer-run project oriented towards providing safer, more private connections for dark web users. Meanwhile, a VPN is a provider-run service that aims to safeguard the overall internet connection for all online activity (including surfing the dark web) while offering more privacy for online users. Their difference in speed is also a factor, with the Tor network slowing the internet more than a VPN.