This content is encrypted on the dark web, allowing users to maintain anonymity while hiding their identities and current positions. Using a VPN, setting up a TOR browser, and securing a PC are some ways an individual can access the dark web. A VPN helps protect against several privacy and security issues relating to the dark web.
The ideal way of staying anonymous on the dark web is to use an effective VPN service. This service lets you hide your IP address from your internet service provider and encrypt all online activities. Nevertheless, using free VPNs to access the deep web makes no sense unless it’s an informed decision.
How Does a Free VPN Work?
When you connect to a Virtual Public Network (VPN), all data traffic concerning online activity is concealed from external intervention. A VPN helps protect information about hackers and internet scammers from being accessed by them.
When you connect to a Virtual Public Network (VPN), all data traffic concerning online activity is concealed from external intervention. A VPN helps protect information about hackers and internet scammers from being accessed by them.
Does an Entirely Free VPN Exist?
Though some VPN providers offer free trials, genuinely free VPNs are rare. Usually, these free versions come with limitations such as:
- Limited features: Free VPNs often have fewer features than paid VPNs. These restrictions include bandwidth limits, fewer server locations, or slower connection rates.
- Data capslimit the amount of data you can use monthly. If you exceed this limit, you will either pay extra costs or lose access to the service until the following paying period.
- Advertisement: Some VPN providers depend on ad income to help cover the free service costs. Users might encounter adverts when using the VPN client or browsing online.
- Privacy concerns: Be careful when utilizing free VPNs, as some may monitor your online activities and sell your information to outside organizations, risking your privacy.
- Customer support: Free VPNs may offer fewer support options. Users could experience delays or difficulties when contacting support for technical problems or troubleshooting issues with the VPN client.
- Bandwidth Restrictions:Some free VPNs include bandwidth restrictions, which might reduce overall performance and connection speeds. This can be quite annoying when doing bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming.
Would Using a Free VPN be Secure for Accessing the Dark Web?
Many free VPNs do not prioritize your privacy or provide enough security measures, and every VPN has limitations. Thus, getting a premium VPN is the most reliable way to ensure security. It is not suggested to use free VPNs on the dark web as they do not offer the required security and safety.
Because they have limited bandwidth, free VPNs frequently have poor speeds. Furthermore, the Tor browser can be slow since it distributes traffic across numerous nodes, which makes browsing difficult. Sometimes, free VPN has some privacy issues that make the VPN unreliable, which include:
- Free VPNs often do not have strong security features on the dark web.
- They might contain third-party trackers or spyware.
- Free VPNs may contain malware or viruses.
- Some free VPNs leak user information without consent.
- Some free VPNs create slow connections due to bandwidth and speed constraints.
Best Free VPNs to Access Dark Web – Detailed List
1. Proton VPN
ProtonVPN is a free VPN to access the dark web without restricting bandwidth or data limitations. The VPN has amazing alternate-routing technology and anti-censorship capabilities that allow you to browse the internet without restrictions. This feature helps get around censorship by allowing access to websites and services normally blocked by ISP and governmental limitations.
A kill switch feature is also included in the VPN, which stops IP leaks if the connection is lost. However, only the Pro version of Proton VPN, which can be purchased, can access these additional capabilities.
2. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a trustworthy VPN service that provides a free and safe way to browse the dark web. You can protect your browsing from security risks and geographical limitations using a VPN. It also allows you to safely and secretly access the Internet. It uses military-grade 256-bit encryption protocols to encrypt communications, guaranteeing complete protection for all online activity.
The VPN provides Vigilant Bear and Split Bear options for enhanced protection on the dark web; however, it is uncertain whether these are included in the free package. The free version has a monthly bandwidth cap of 500MB, which can cause slow connections.
3. Hide.me
Hide.me VPN is a reliable VPN provider known for its fast dedication to privacy and security to access the dark web. It offers a stable service that can accommodate many user requirements, from light surfing to demanding security requirements.
Nevertheless, technologies that can improve online security, like redirecting ports and fixed IP addresses, are unavailable from the free plan. To enjoy these improved features, consider purchasing the premium plan backed by a 30-day refund policy.
4. HotSpot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a great choice for accessing dark websites because it provides limitless data. Although the free plan has a speed limit of 2 Mbps, it nevertheless provides decent speeds. This VPN is the safest because of its strong encryption and protocols, ensuring that your dark web actions stay anonymous.
Though the free plan is limited to US, UK, and Singapore servers, all providers permit Tor traffic. Additionally, each account can only be used on one device. However, the VPN’s free service has strong security features, including advanced secrecy and DNS leak protection.
5. Betternet
Betternet is an additional free VPN service that guarantees safe online browsing. It uses a Catapult version of the Hydra protocol to increase device security by bypassing internet restrictions and encrypting your actions via AES-256-bit encryption against prying eyes.
It only offers access to one random US server, with daily bandwidth limitations and a 500MB daily data usage constraint. Although these limits are sufficient for regular web surfing, they may make specific tasks more complicated than necessary.
6. Windscribe
If you need a VP[N to access the dark web, Windscribe VPN is an excellent choice because it has an extensive server network and fast speeds. It has servers in ten countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany. Windscribe VPN ensures you can browse the internet without interruption and at high speed. It also increases bandwidth so that your encounters over the dark net with fast speed.
However, the free version does not offer some advanced features, including the kill switch and split tunneling, and it does not block pop-up and banner ads, resulting in an unsatisfactory user experience. To resolve these issues, you should use the free trial or subscribe to the pro version.
7. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is another VPN based in Switzerland that offers paid and free subscriptions. This free VPN for the dark web makes it easy to access the darknet. Moreover, it maintains a stringent no-logging policy, guaranteeing that no personal information is kept, even on the free plan.
PrivadoVPN also has robust security measures, including 256-bit encryption and a kill switch. This supplier offers a free service, so we are grateful for its excellent streaming capabilities and user-friendly interface.
8. AtlasVPN
AtlasVPN’s free version of VPN has excellent connection speeds but a significant monthly data cap for accessing the dark web. The free version of AltasVPN has only three server locations: two are in the US, and one is in the Netherlands. However, paid users have access to over 750 servers in 37 countries.
Also, users can use this VPN on their Android and iOS smartphones, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Atlas VPN is also compatible with PCs and Macs. Even though many well-known TV streaming applications are unlocked for paid customers, we can still access Disney Plus using Atlas VPN Free.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Dark Web
There are many factors to evaluate when choosing a VPN provider, including:
- Fast speed: Tor improves anonymity by rerouting internet data through multiple sites. However, this procedure degrades performance by significantly slowing down your connection.
- Security: Ensure the VPN has strong VPN protocols, encryption algorithms, kill switches, and DNS leak prevention. Premium dark web VPNs include cutting-edge security features like multiple routes and encryption to prevent further discovery by strict regimes while using the VPN.
- Privacy: Choose a VPN provider that protects user privacy. These VPN providers have strict no-logs policies and are based in countries outside the control of other monitoring corporations like the Five Eyes collaboration.
- Vast server network: Choose a VPN service with a large server network to prevent slowdowns during periods of high usage. Furthermore, the fastest speeds will be guaranteed if you choose a server near your location.
Are Free VPNs Legal?
Free VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US, Canada, and Japan. The price varies depending on your location. VPNs are illegal in countries where governments conduct internet surveillance or censorship. While most countries allow VPNs, using such software to hack or download copyright-protected content is still prohibited, even when the VPN service is legal in and of itself.
When Could a Free VPN Unappropriate Choice?
Choosing a free VPN might not be the best option if you desire customer service, security, privacy, reliable performance, and an extensive range of options. Choosing a paid VPN service over a free one is essential if you use it for financial transactions, commercial purposes, or bandwidth-intensive activities like torrenting or streaming.
Paid VPNs offer better security protocols, quicker connections, more dependability, and access to a wider range of server networks.
Why Don’t We Always Have Advice Using Free VPNs?
Free VPNs’ hidden features and security flaws are a big reason to avoid using them. Unlike a free one, your security and privacy are protected when you use a premium service. You can be anonymous no matter where you use a VPN or what you do because paid providers usually don’t monitor your transactions, websites you visit, or other personal information.
Free VPN services are generally unreliable due to a variety of security issues. These issues include:
- There are no advanced features for protecting online security and privacy.
- Malicious software can collect data about internet activities to create patterns for targeted advertising.
- Certain free VPNs manipulate people’s browsers to view dangerous websites.
- Many free VPNs record users’ data and your online activities and sell them to a third party.
Which Should You Choose, Free VPN vs Paid?
There may be similarities in functions between paid and unpaid VPN services, but there are significant factors that need consideration before choosing any of them:
- Security and privacy:Free VPNs often have security and privacy limitations. Such will keep logs on user’s details, apply less secure encryption or even disclose such information for business purposes. On the contrary, paid ones usually emphasize customer privacy, maintain a non-logging policy, and present advanced security protocols.
- Speed and data limitations:Due to limited resources, many free VPNs restrict connection speeds and frequently impose data limits that can cause problems while working with the Internet. Paid companies often provide unlimited bandwidth plus much faster speeds due to using large server networks made efficient for internet-related tasks.
- Server network:Generally, most free VPN providers offer only a small number of servers, so poor connections might result. However, some unpaid alternatives have no less than a few server locations. The latter group has no restrictions upon which servers they employ. Customers can utilize their vast server networks for any purpose. Such systems may consist of hundreds of servers found within over 100 countries.
- Additional functions: Premium VPNs often include malware protection, split tunneling, kill switches, and ad-blockers. These features improve security while also improving your online experience. On the other hand, free VPNs typically don’t have these extra abilities.
How to Use a Free VPN with Tor?
To use the free VPN with Tor, follow these steps:
- Select the optimal free Virtual Private Network.
- Download and set up the software, which will allow you to create an SSL connection for your device.
- Open the VPN software and establish a connection to a server.
- Install and download the Tor browser. Download and install the Tor Browser for free.
- Open the browser for Tor. Start using the Tor browser to browse the internet anonymously.
VPNs to Avoid with Tor
1. Hola VPN
The free version does not offer encryption. Additionally, Hola VPN saves private user information, including browser history and IP addresses. Because this may compromise your security and privacy, you are advised to refrain from using Hola VPN for any online activity.
2. Urban VPN
Users of this VPN service are unaware of the degree of protection offered because the provider is opaque about its encryption standards. Urban VPN also records user activity and sells anonymized information to outside parties.
Therefore, if maintaining your online privacy and personal data security is important, it is best to avoid using Urban VPN.
Conclusion
Using a VPN on the dark web is essential to maintaining security and privacy, particularly in areas where Tor is forbidden. A VPN significantly enhances your safety. Top-tier encryption, a strict no-logs policy, quick server speeds, and secure technology are all important considerations when choosing a reliable VPN for the dark web, as we recommend ExtremeVPN.
FAQs
Why Should You Use a VPN with Tor?
You will need to use the Tor network to access the black web. Tor is a browser created with people’s privacy in mind; therefore, it is private, secure, and anonymous. However, even with multiple encryption layers that prevent your ISP from knowing you are using this browser, hackers might still be able to track your IP address or access some of your confidential information. That’s why connecting a VPN to Tor enhances security.
Is browsing the dark web legal?
While access to the Tor network may be restricted in certain parts of the world, most countries do not outlaw black web browsing. If you cannot get into the deep web in any country where it is banned, use a VPN. Even if you have Tor on your computer, a VPN will protect your data from being stolen by unscrupulous individuals on the dark web.
Is it possible to browse the dark web without a VPN?
Yes, that is feasible, but I would not suggest it. Even while the Tor network provides full privacy, there are still some internet concerns. The Tor Browser has other security weaknesses discovered through historical events like “TorMoil,” an issue that can reveal one’s IP address on some platforms, for instance. The danger of hackers who operate servers stealing users’ personal information while connected via the Tor software’s anonymizing service also exists.

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