With over 32 million indexed websites and 14 million .onion links, its database is substantial, rivaling Torch’s scale. I always cross-check its listings with Torlinks or r/onions to avoid traps, and I’ve learned to spot clones by checking link patterns. For beginners, it’s a gentle introduction to the dark web, but for pros, it’s a launchpad to pair with proper dark web search engines. Its .onion link is bookmarked, but I treat it as a starting point, not a destination. The most well-known method of accessing the dark web is through the Tor browser. You can quickly recognize dark websites on Tor as they all have .onion attached at the end of the URL and can only be reached via the Tor browser.
The 12 Best Deep Search Engines
NordVPN offers a 30-day, no-risk trial subscription when you sign up on this page. This provides a full month’s access to all of the features of the #1 VPN for the Dark Web. This is an excellent way for Dark Web users to provide additional privacy protection when accessing the Dark Web. Darknet markets facilitate transactions for illegal goods and services. Silk Road was one of the first dark web marketplaces and it allowed users to trade multiple types of nefarious goods and services, including weapons and identity fraud resources.

How To Stay Anonymous While Browsing The Dark Web?
- The last time I checked, it’s estimated that the entire web is roughly 500 times larger than what Google returns in Google Search.
- However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.
- Yes, access is possible via Tor’s official Android app or Onion Browser for iOS, allowing searches on engines like OnionLand, which offers mobile-friendly designs.
- Just like in the old days of the internet, the dark web maintains numerous indexes of sites, like The Hidden Wiki.
- For example, most public records are stored in databases and not on individual static web pages.
We’ll also explore the Torch search engine and other popular tools that rank among the most trusted for anonymous browsing. 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.
Navigating Results Safely

The dark web is content that exists on dark nets, which require specialized software (like the Tor Browser), configurations and authorization to access. These can include the previously mentioned illegal offerings, but can also include ultra-private information designed to be shared only with certain parties. That means that only 0.024% of all the known pages are findable in Google’s search engine. The users only have access to a fraction of the available data and web pages. PageOn.ai supports real-time collaboration, allowing you to work with others seamlessly.
What Are The Best Dark Web Search Engines?
There are often copious amounts of how-to articles, software exploits, and hacked credentials for sale. Not every visitor is a criminal, but this is where most cybercrimes begin. This service is a good source of statistics if you have a school project requiring research on Tor and the dark web. However, note that the site only uses non-sensitive and public data for the metrics. The Tor Metrics is a good place to get more information about the Tor project.
Implement Robust System Security
- The premium archive feature delivered, but I spent 30 minutes vetting links to avoid malware.
- Unlike most dark web tools, Ahmia is available on both the clearnet (ahmia.fi) and Tor, serving as a bridge between the surface and hidden webs.
- By 2027, engines could optimize for 5G-enabled Tor browsing, offering image-heavy results or real-time updates.
- Whether you’re looking for stronger privacy, a simple interface, or a tool designed specifically for hidden services, there’s likely an option that fits your needs.
- Whether someone is looking for forums, marketplaces, or simple community pages, Torch often delivers a broad set of results.
With our API, you can access millions of dark web websites, including marketplaces and forums. It helps you track and investigate threats in near real time — from infected devices and ransomware indications to compromised domains and leaked credit card information. This article provides a current list of the top dark web search engines in 2024.
Many people see hacked information and stolen card data being sold on the dark web. For example, you can find information unavailable to the public and share data privately while protecting your online identity. Note that most dark web transactions are carried out using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. One option is to try DuckDuckGo’s .onion version, which is great for privacy.
However, there are a few countries that have banned access to BBC’s official homepage on the Web. If you want to move on to something a little more invisible, you can search for email addresses, criminal records, social media profiles, current and previous addresses, and more. Spokeo does most of the people work for you – all with a ten-digit phone number. Join millions of users who trust ForestVPN for privacy and unrestricted internet access. I can access restricted content without breaking the bank, all while reducing my carbon footprint.
Understanding how to use Tor is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the Deep Web and what you can really do. For the most part, it exists within the realm of the Deep Web, which general-purpose web crawlers do not reach. To learn about the Invisible Web and how Deep Web search engines can help, we first need to discuss the three different layers of the web in brief. Tor Browser prevents someone watching your connection from knowing what websites you visit.
But what exactly is the dark web, and why does it need special search engines? Let’s dive deeper and explore the nuances of the dark web, the tools for navigating it, and the essential role of a VPN like Forest VPN in this journey. Among the many dark web search engines, Kilos stands out for its unique focus. Unlike general tools such as Ahmia or Torch, Kilos was built with marketplaces in mind.

Mid-2010s: NotEvil And The Push For Moral Alternatives
Dark Web search engines are used to access hidden websites that are not available on the surface web. They facilitate privacy and allow users to find uncensored information, engage in secure communication, and research sensitive topics. The Dark Web is a small part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It operates on anonymous networks like Tor, providing a space for both legal and illicit activities, often used by whistleblowers, journalists, and activists seeking privacy. Qwant is a privacy-conscious search engine that distinguishes itself by refusing to track users or censor results.

Top VPN Deals
It constitutes a concealed realm of websites accessible solely through specialized browsers, predominantly the Tor Browser. No, Google and other traditional search engines don’t index .onion websites. To access the dark web, you need to use a combination of tools (like Tor + VPN + a dark web search engine) explicitly designed to find content on the dark web.

About These Search Engines In The Deep Web
This means that the search engines rely heavily on user contributions and community efforts to maintain a directory of reliable sites. In Conclusion, the dark web search engine is a gateway to a vast and complex universe beyond the reach of traditional search engines. Whether you’re a journalist, activist, or simply curious, understanding and accessing the dark web safely can open doors to a wealth of information and opportunities.
This allows you to use the computer without the risk of corrupting your computer’s normal operating system with viruses or malware. Now that you’ve completed the download, it’s time to install the Tor browser on your device. (The installation instructions that follow are for the macOS platform, I’ll mention where it’s different for Windows.) Simply double-click the downloaded file in your download folder.