Dark web websites: 10 Onion sites to explore

What are onion sites and dark web websites?

Onion sites, or dark web websites, are sites on the dark web that can typically only be accessed using special software like the Tor browser. These sites use “.onion” domains, which are made up of random letters and numbers up to 56 characters long. Dark web websites won’t show up on Google, but they are indexed by dark web search engines such as Torch.

The dark net’s layered encryption and routing protocols offer stronger anonymity, making onion sites appealing to whistleblowers, political dissidents, privacy advocates — and, inevitably, cybercriminals.

On the dark web, traffic is routed through multiple server nodes that don’t log activity, obscuring the user’s origin and enabling anonymous communication. For added privacy, many people connect to Tor using a VPN.

Types of dark web websites

Dark web websites can be divided into several main categories. Here are some major types of dark web websites:

• Autoshop marketplaces: Autoshops are illicit online stores that mostly sell stolen data like login credentials, financial details, PII, or corporate email addresses. They’re called “autoshops” because they run automatically: buyers pay with cryptocurrency, and the system instantly delivers the purchased data.
  
• Escrow marketplaces: Like autoshops, escrow marketplaces are commonly used for shady transactions, but the payment mechanism differs: a trusted third party (often the marketplace itself) temporarily holds the buyer’s payment in escrow until they confirm receipt of the goods or services from the seller.
  
• Hacking forums: These are communities where hackers exchange knowledge, share hacking tools, and discuss vulnerabilities or exploits. They may share leaked personal information or disseminate phishing tutorials. Some are private, invite-only sites, while others are massive open discussion boards.
  
• Ransomware leak sites: Ransomware groups use dedicated leak sites (DLS) to publish stolen data and pressure victims to pay. Sobering ransomware statistics indicate that ransomware attacks are surging, making anti-ransomware tools all the more valuable.
  
• Mirrors of legitimate websites: Not all onion sites are illicit. Many reputable news outlets, social platforms, and government agencies host dark web versions of their sites to provide access for users in regions with heavy censorship or surveillance.
  
• Whistleblower platforms: Anonymous platforms enable users to share sensitive or controversial information with journalists, organizations, or the public. They're often used by whistleblowers to expose corporate misconduct, government overreach, or human rights violations.
• Anonymous messaging platforms: These platforms enable encrypted, anonymous communication between users, helping protect privacy and reduce the risk of surveillance.

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many more types of onion sites on the dark net, including websites offering fraud services, botnet panels, file repositories for pirated media, forums for extremist groups, and more.

Unfortunately, many dark web websites are devoted to the illegal trade of leaked personal information. If you’ve ever experienced an uptick in phishing attacks and spam after a data leak or breach, it may be because your personal information has been posted to the dark web.

While removing your sensitive data from hacker forums is almost impossible, a dark web monitoring service, like the one included in Norton 360 Deluxe, can help notify you if your information is found, letting you take steps to protect your identity.

Safe dark web links to explore

Below, we list some onion sites you can explore relatively safely. To access them, copy and paste the hyperlinks provided into the Tor browser.

1. The CIA

The CIA’s onion site allows users to securely report threats or suspicious activity, especially in regions where online surveillance is common. Its presence on the dark web also supports intelligence gathering and helps track cybercriminal activity.

2. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that works as Tor browser’s primary search engine. It doesn’t track searches or store personal data, making it a strong option for users seeking more anonymous private browsing. However, DuckDuckGo doesn’t index dark web content — it only accesses surface and deep web sites through Tor.

3. Facebook

Facebook’s onion mirror allows people to access it in countries that block the platform, allowing people to connect across digital borders. That said, the social network’s data collection and tracking practices may seem at odds with many of the principles motivating dark web users. Concerns about how Meta treats user data have led many people to delete their Facebook profiles or at least limit their social media presence.

4. The Hidden Wiki

The Hidden Wiki is a longstanding directory of dark web sites that offers a way to browse onion services. It’s been around for many years and helps users navigate the dark web by curating links to various resources. Note that Hidden Wiki links sometimes lead to unsafe content, so be wary about what you click. Use your common sense to steer clear of online scams and illegal activity.

5. ProPublica

ProPublica is an investigative news site owned by an independent nonprofit that exposes abuses of power and corruption. It hosts an onion site so people in countries with restricted press freedom can access its journalism, which covers everything from hacktivism to government repression.

ProPublica is one of the safer Tor sites to visit, because it doesn’t link to illegal content or activities. Instead, it focuses on publishing stories and holding powerful institutions accountable. Other major news sources blocked in some countries, like the BBC, also have dark web versions.

6. Proton Mail

Proton Mail is an anonymous email service that operates an onion site. It is a useful tool for people who value their privacy and want to protect their communications with default end-to-end encryption, zero-access architecture, and minimal personal information requirements.

But while anonymous email services can help protect your identity, they don’t make you immune to threats like email spoofing or social engineering. And it’s still essential to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) to help keep your account secure.

7. SecureDrop

SecureDrop is an anonymous file-sharing platform designed for secure communication between whistleblowers and journalists. While anyone can use it, it’s built for high-stakes exchanges, making it overkill for routine file sharing or data backups. Major news outlets like The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian host SecureDrop instances on the dark web to give sources a safe, anonymous way to share sensitive information.

8. Riseup

Riseup is a volunteer-run collective that offers secure chat and email services primarily used by progressive activists and social justice communities. It’s maintained by an independent organization committed to digital privacy and security. It runs an onion site to help like-minded people mobilize more securely and anonymously.

9. Tor Metrics

While not an onion site, Tor Metrics can provide a fascinating peek “under the hood” of the dark web. It tracks Tor user activity by region, showing trends in access and adoption without collecting personal data. These insights help researchers and privacy advocates understand where Tor is most relied upon, often highlighting global patterns in censorship, surveillance, and the demand for online anonymity.

10. Torch

Torch is one of the more established dark web search engines, designed to help users navigate the Tor network and discover onion sites. Unlike traditional search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo, Torch indexes hidden websites that operate beyond the reach of the surface web. But users should always be cautious and avoid clicking unfamiliar or untrusted links to steer clear of scams or malware.

Stay anonymous while you browse

Exploring the dark web can be eye-opening, but it’s also risky without the right protection. While the Tor browser boosts privacy, pairing it with a VPN adds a critical layer of security.

Norton VPN fortifies your internet connection with ultra-secure AES-256 encryption, masks your IP, and never logs your activity. And, with an automatic kill switch that guards against unexpected exposure if the connection drops, you can enjoy powerful privacy protection as you navigate even the darker corners of the web.

FAQs

Are onion sites dangerous?

Not all onion sites are dangerous, but many host illegal, harmful, or deceptive content. Stick to trusted sources and use caution when navigating the dark web.

Is accessing the dark web illegal?

In many places, including the U.S., the UK, and the EU, accessing the dark web is legal for legitimate purposes. However, many sites on the dark web host illegal content or activities, and engaging with those can lead to serious legal consequences. In some countries, like Russia or China, dark web access itself may be blocked or penalized.

How do I access the dark web?

To access the dark web, start by downloading the Tor browser. Then, use the Hidden Wiki or a dark web search engine like Torch or Ahmia to help find onion sites. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links, and consider using a VPN for added privacy.

Can you access the dark web using DuckDuckGo?

No. Even though DuckDuckGo is the Tor browser’s default search engine, it doesn’t index dark web websites, which means you won’t be able to find .onion sites with it. To do that, you’ll need a dark web search engine like Torch or Ahmia.

What websites are on the dark web?

The dark web hosts a wide range of sites — from whistleblower tools and secure email platforms to underground forums, black markets, and dark web mirrors of legitimate news outlets.