The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. To access the dark web, you need to use a special browser, such as Tor, which hides your IP address and allows you to browse anonymously.
Searching the dark web can be challenging, as the traditional search engines, such as Google and Bing, do not index it. However, there are several dark web search engines that can help you find what you’re looking for. In this article, we will explore some of the best dark web search engines.
Ahmia
Ahmia is a search engine that indexes both clear web and dark web sites. It is one of the most popular dark web search engines and has a user-friendly interface. Ahmia is committed to promoting only legal and ethical content and has a strict policy against indexing illegal material. It also has a built-in reputation system that allows users to rate and review sites, making it easier to find trustworthy sources.
Torch, short for Tor search, is a versatile and well-known service that prioritizes your online safety and anonymity. 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.
Torch
Torch is one of the oldest and most well-known dark web search engines. It has a vast database of onion sites and is often referred to as the “Google of the dark web.” Torch is a metasearch engine, which means it combines the results of several other search engines to provide a more comprehensive set of results. However, it is worth noting that Torch does not filter out illegal content, so users should exercise caution when using it.
Not Evil
- But I like how secure PIA is — it has advanced security features like RAM-only servers, full leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy.
- You can use any of them to safely access the hidden and authenticated files.
- I used ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling feature to only send dark web traffic through the VPN, which increased my speeds by 5–10%.
- DuckDuckGo’s Dark Web Search Engine functions as the Google equivalent for the Dark Web.
Bonus: The Hidden Wiki
Not Evil is a privacy-focused dark web search engine that does not track its users or collect any personal information. It has a simple interface and a large database of onion sites. Not Evil is committed to promoting free speech and does not censor its results. However, it is worth noting that this search engine does not filter out illegal content either, so users should be cautious.
Unlike traditional threat intelligence platforms, CTI4SOC is powered by big data scrutinized by SOCRadar’s analyst team through the dark web. It presents all the data that analysts can obtain using several tools in an organized and contextual manner. We tried to help you have a clearer idea of what a good deep/dark web browser is like.
Grams
Grams is a dark web search engine that specializes in indexing online marketplaces. It is often referred to as the “Google of the darknet markets.” Grams allows users to search for products and services, such as drugs, weapons, and hacking tools. However, it is important to note that many of these marketplaces are illegal, and using them can result in severe consequences. Therefore, we do not recommend using Grams for any illegal activities.
But like many other allegedly illegal search engines, the Hidden Wiki does index certain shady sites that Google blocks. DuckDuckGo also has a no-log policy, meaning they don’t keep a record of your search history or collect other user data. Used in with a dedicated private browser, DuckDuckGo is a powerful search engine and a potent privacy tool. And, unlike other search engines on this list, Brave serves results from an independent index of the Web. While other alternative options do offer some privacy, most still get their results from Big Tech—if Google or Bing stopped working, these other options would, too.
Quick Summary Of The Best VPNs For Browsing The Dark Web:
FAQs
Q: Is it legal to access the dark web?
A: Yes, accessing the dark web is legal. However, many activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and engaging in them can result in severe consequences.
Given that you’ve come here for these, here’s some helpful advice. And not just the tagline, it also has proved itself by indexing over 1.5billion pages! Even though it includes historical onion links, which may be dead at the moment, it still counts as an achievement. This is one of the hidden search engines I visit when I’m feeling bored; yeah, it can turn your mood around with its “I’m feeling lucky” kind of feature.
Q: Do I need a special browser to access the dark web?
Tor Browser:
A: Yes, you need to use a special browser, such as Tor, to access the dark web. These browsers hide your IP address and allow you to browse anonymously.
Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out. I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it mostly worked with Netflix, it sometimes had issues and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. You can try ExpressVPN with Tor completely risk-free, and if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund.
Q: Are dark web search engines safe to use?
A: Dark web search engines can be safe to use, but users should exercise caution. Some search engines may index illegal content, and using them can result in legal consequences. Additionally, malware and phishing scams are common on the dark web, so users should be careful when clicking on links or downloading files.
Q: Can I use traditional search engines, such as Google, to search the dark web?
A: No, traditional search engines do not index the dark web. To search the dark web, you need to use a special dark web search engine.
Conclusion
The dark web can be a challenging place to navigate, but using a reputable dark web search engine can make it easier to find what you’re looking for. In this article, we have explored some of the best dark web search engines, including Ahmia, Torch, Not Evil, and Grams. While these search engines can be useful, it is important to remember that the dark web can be a dangerous place, and users should exercise caution when using it.
