How to Stay Private and Secure on the Dark Web in 2024

While the dark web has a bad reputation due to the criminal activities that happen there, it can also be used for good. But since it's not the safest place online, you also have to be careful and protect your privacy while you browse.

Whether you need the dark web for research purposes or something else, the only way to stay safe while using it is with a VPN which keeps your information secure from prying eyes.

Stay Safe on The Dark Web!

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN because it has top-of-the-line security and privacy features.  You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free before making a long-term commitment. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can ask for a full refund if you don’t like it.

Best VPNs to Access the Dark Web in April 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Strong Security Features to Keep You Anonymous on the Dark Web

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ExpressVPN features military-grade AES-256 encryption, which will keep you protected no matter what. It’s the strongest available at the moment, and it would take someone hundreds of years to hack through it. Changing the authentication keys every time you connect gives no way of knowing who you are and what you did online. This means that you’ll always be safe while you navigate the dark web.

Its network lock kill switch will keep you protected even if the VPN fails. If you suddenly disconnect from the server, your real IP address may be leaked to the websites you access and your ISP. To avoid this, ExpressVPN provides you with a kill switch that will shut down your internet connection if that happens, thus protecting your private information.

Thanks to its zero-logs policy, you can be sure that no one knows who you are or what you’re browsing. Not even ExpressVPN knows who connects to its servers. Plus, its system is restarted every day, deleting every bit of data left. This means that you don’t have to worry about being identified when you navigate the dark web.

Its only downside is the price, which is a little high. However, you can take advantage of its latest deal and get it for only $6.67/month a month.

Plus, you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free before you make a long-term commitment. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can ask for a refund if you don’t like it. I tested this claim myself and messaged support on day 30 to ask for a cancellation. After a quick chat where I confirmed that I wanted a refund, the live agent approved it. I had my money back in 3 days.

Navigate the Dark Web Safely With ExpressVPN!

2. CyberGhost — No-Spy Servers to Keep Your Browsing Activity Hidden

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CyberGhost uses No-Spy servers for added assurance that no one can access your personal data. The encrypted servers are located inside CyberGhost headquarters in Romania and only certified staff members are allowed to access them. Romania is also outside of 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction, so you’ll never have to worry about your information being exposed.

Even on all of Cyberghost’s regular servers, it offers 256-bit encryption and DNS/IP leak protection. Plus, its no-logs policy means that none of your data is ever stored. During my tests, I used a leak detecting tool — it didn’t find any. This means that any time you browse the dark web, you’ll be completely anonymous.

It offers a kill switch that pauses your internet connection if the server cuts out. I tested this feature by connecting to a server in the US and then changing it to the UK. While my connection was established, Cyberghost notified me that my internet traffic was blocked until I was connected again. Even in case of a connection failure, your real IP and browsing data can’t be exposed.

Its only downside is that its short-term plans are a little expensive and only come with a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, you can get its longest plan for only $2.03/month a month, which is a lot more affordable.

You can also use its extended 45-day money-back guarantee and try it free. I tested this promise and contacted the support team through its website. After I explained that I didn’t need the VPN anymore and I just wanted a cancellation, the customer support rep approved my refund request. I had my money back in 4 days.

Navigate the Dark Web Safely With CyberGhost!

3. Private Internet Access — Built-In AdBlocker for a Smooth Dark Web Experience

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Since Private Internet Access uses Private DNS on every server, your personal information is always kept private. Private DNS routes your dark web activity through its own encrypted DNS servers instead of using third-party DNS addresses. To be sure, I ran tests on 4 locations: the US, UK, Germany, and France — I didn’t find any leaks. No one will be able to hack you while you browse the dark web.

To keep your browsing activity secure, it uses 256-bit encryption along with a kill switch. I tested this out by disconnecting my WiFi and attempting to load a webpage — it paused my request and sent an alert, telling me I was protected until I established a connection again. This way, not even a connection failure will leave you unprotected as you browse the dark web.

PIA’s only downside is that it’s based in the US, where data sharing laws are strict. However, its no-logs policy means that none of your data is saved, so there’s no information it could share with authorities.

You can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month per month, especially if you choose one of its long-term subscriptions.

When you’re ready to subscribe, remember that you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee and try it completely free. When I tested this claim, I messaged the support team through its website and asked for a refund. I only had to explain why I was leaving, but the agent didn’t pressure me to stay. I had my money back within a week.

Navigate the Dark Web Safely With Private Internet Access!

Why You Need a VPN to Safely Access and Navigate the Dark Web

Due to the lack of oversight on the dark web, you are vulnerable to cyber threats any time you visit. By simply opening a page, you could be sharing sensitive data about yourself with the wrong people and websites. However, you can avoid these risks by using a VPN.

When you connect to a VPN, all your traffic is routed through its servers. This means that everyone who tries to hack your connection will have to deal with military-grade encryption before getting to your private data.

The best way to access and navigate the dark web safely is to use a VPN. This way, you’ll have full access to the entire network without worrying that your personal information will be stolen.

Browse the Dark Web Safely With ExpressVPN!

Browse the Dark Web Safely Now!

The dark web is undoubtedly a dangerous place, but it can also create a lot of good for the world. It’s useful for research, helping journalists shed light on injustice, communicating anonymously, and investigating criminal activity.

Despite its many benefits, it’s important to protect yourself when you visit the dark web. You should always research sites before entering them to be sure they’re not illegal or dangerous. In addition, using a VPN helps by keeping you anonymous and protecting your personal information.

For accessing the dark web safely, I recommend ExpressVPN — it’s highly secure and keeps your browsing activity private. You can test it out risk-free before making a long-term commitment. If you decide that it’s not for you, you’re entitled to a full refund when you claim it within 30 days.

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To summarize, the best VPNs to access and navigate the dark web safely are…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 84%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 83%!

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