5 Best Dark Web Browsers for Anonymous Web Browsing – 2024

A Dark web browser is a most important concern for anonymous browsing and the most used applications in any device in current times are browsers, but not all your browsing histories are kept private and this is why deep or dark web makes a difference for complete privacy.

Unlike Dark web browsers, other browsers With cookies, personalized ads, and browsing history being tracked, people tend to lose their privacy, and not all of them would like to reveal their search history to a third party about what they are looking for on the internet.

Google and Facebook have done this in the past and they are being questioned now for their privacy breaches.

With that being said, the Dark web browser will come in handy for people who would prefer complete anonymity over the internet.

Deep Web exists parallel to the Surface web (our normal Google search), but that does not index the sites within it unlike Google or other search engines.

Table of Contents

What is a Dark Web?
FAQ
Top 5 Dark Web Browsers
1. Tor Browser
2. I2P- Invisible Internet Project
3. TAILS
4. Subgraph OS
5. Whonix
Conclusion

What is a Dark Web? 

The actual search engine results that show websites, blogs, videos, images, applications, software, and more are just 4% of the whole internet database the remaining 96% exists within the dark web.

Not only the Deeb web search engines, but even government agencies will also find it difficult to track browsing histories within a dark web.

Though dark web access brings anonymity and privacy to users it also brings chaos for the government as a lot of illegal and underworld cyber activities are part of this, maybe this is why the dark web is still considered creepy and not ethical.

But to the odds, accessing the dark web via the Dark web browser Tor is a lot legal.

Unlike what we imagine, the dark web that can be accessed via the Dark web browser not only consists of illegal activities but was made by engineers, scientists, and professors to share their data without any restrictions.

And since not all countries appreciate freedom of speech, the dark web helps the citizens of certain countries to explore and express ideas without being identified.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of dark web usage,

Advantages

• Anonymity
• Freedom of speech
• Data privacy
• Knowledge
• Political activism

Disadvantages

• Illegal transactions
• Illegal trading
• Anti-government movements

Since not every browser is compatible with taking beyond the surface web, the usual World Wide Web, we need customized or specialized browsing procedures with a unique set of Dark web browsers to penetrate this space of confidentiality, which can be done using the Dark Web Browsers.

People often think of the dark web as a huge, strange part of the internet where all sorts of illegal things happen. Even though there is a lot of illegal stuff on the dark web, it is also a place where people go to avoid being watched, get information in countries with a lot of control, and do other legal things.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the top 5 dark web browsers that come in handy to keep your browsing anonymous.

These Dark web browsers will help you mask your identity and restrain other entities from tracking your IP address.

FAQ

1. How is the dark web different from the deep web?

The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines (e.g., private databases, personal email accounts). The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires specific tools to access.

2. Is it illegal to access the dark web?

Simply accessing the dark web isn’t illegal in most countries. However, many activities and transactions that occur on the dark web are illegal, such as buying drugs, weapons, or stolen data.

3. Is the dark web safe?

The dark web can be risky. There’s a higher prevalence of scams, malicious software, and illegal content. If you decide to access it, ensure your device is protected and be cautious about sharing personal information or engaging in transactions.

4. Why do people use the dark web?

Reasons vary. Some use it to ensure privacy from surveillance, while others may use it to circumvent censorship. However, some use it for illegal transactions or activities.

5. How do I access the dark web?

The most common way is by using the Tor Browser, which allows users to access websites with the “.onion” domain. Another method is using the I2P network.

6. Are there search engines for the dark web?

Yes, there are search engines like “DuckDuckGo on Tor” and “Ahmia” that index websites on the Tor network. However, they might not index as extensively as Clearnet search engines do for the regular internet.

Top 5 Dark Web Browsers

Best Dark Web Browser

1. Tor Browser
2. I2P- Invisible Internet Project
3. TAILS
4. Subgraph OS
5. Whonix

1. Tor Browser:

Core Features:

Tor is the first Dark web browser in the market that was launched with absolute security and anonymity before any other browsers.

Its extraordinary power towards in-depth browsing gave it all the credit until the FBI hacked it in 2014. But after this hack, Tor fixed its loopholes, making it more robust and safe for dark web users.

But to talk about Tor’s framework it isn’t that secure, because all it does is reroute your traffic via multiple nodes rather than connecting your physical device directly.

so it does help in restricting tracking but does not mask your IP address and it provides a lot more features when compared to another Dark web browser.

To do the same, one would need a VPN set up along with the Tor to be completely anonymous.

Tor is managed by a group of volunteers who take care of the bounce of network traffic using a series of relays.

Tor is completely operatable in Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. it is a widely used dark web browser to hide the user’s activities and protect you from ISPs and bad actors monitoring your activities.

To Whom it is advised?

Online privacy and anonymity advocates recommend Tor. Activists, journalists, and others in nations with limited internet access should use it to avoid censorship and surveillance.

General users concerned about website and advertiser tracking and profiling can utilize it.

Tor provides increased privacy, but its slower speeds may not be ideal for high-bandwidth activities, and users should be mindful of the legal consequences of accessing specific content or services over Tor.

2. I2P- Invisible Internet Project

Core Features:

Another Dark web browser I2P is quite different from Tor as it offers anonymity and works with multiple layers of data streaming thus protecting your privacy.

This is strictly a message based on a library for reliable communications. Communications are end-to-end encrypted (four layers of encryption) with the cryptographic identifiers at the receiving end, which can be then decoded using public or private keys.

The Dark web browser framework works based on TCP/UDP or IP data transfer protocol.

But to talk about Tor’s structure it isn’t that secure, because all it does is reroute your traffic via multiple nodes rather than connecting your physical device directly, so it does help in restricting tracking but does not mask your IP address.

I2P is based on the tunneling system, where the sender creates a tunnel for the outbound data and the receiver will already have created a tunnel for the inbound data.

So the sender client will send his message through this outbound tunnel which will be received by the other client using the inbound tunnel and vice versa.

These tunnels are identified by requiring the same over a network database, which is more of a structured distributed hash table based on the Kademelia algorithm.

I2P is currently used to create an anonymous website using a standard web server and linking it with the I2P Tunnel Server.

If you’re looking for anonymity over the web, and not ready to set up a VPN, then I2P is the one for you. So this is another best Dark web browsers to stay anonymous.

To Whom it is advised?

The Invisible Internet Project (I2P) is recommended for online security and anonymity.

It benefits activists, whistleblowers, and journalists in highly monitored or censored contexts who communicate privately. Privacy-conscious people who want to avoid ISP and commercial tracking can use I2P.

It allows encrypted messaging, browsing, and file sharing. I2P may not be ideal for regular consumers seeking simplicity and fast internet access due to its complicated setup and slower network connections.

3. TAILS

Core Features:

Similar to other dark Web browsers, TAILS also equally contributes and assists users with in-depth browsing.

The Amnestic Incognito Live (TAILS) is a live OS developed to offer complete anonymity and privacy for users. TAILS can be used on any computer using a USB stick or DVD.

It creates absolute privacy by establishing communication via the Dark web browser Tor network, by encrypting your messages, files, and emails using cryptographic tools.

TAILS is free software, that when used turns off your standard OS temporarily and turns it on after TAILS is shut down, also it does not require a storage space since it mostly runs on RAM thus leaving no traces behind.

If you’re looking for a simple yet secure dark web browser, TAILS must be your piece of cake.

TAILS breaks the censorship from many countries and lets you access all the blocked websites on behalf of the dark web browser family.

To Whom it is advised?

TAILS (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is recommended for highly secure and private computer users. Journalists, human rights advocates, and whistleblowers must preserve sensitive data and communications.

This is especially perfect for people in countries with tight internet control and surveillance. TAILS is a live OS that runs off a USB stick or DVD and leaves no trace.

To ensure anonymity, it redirects all internet traffic over Tor. The system may be too complicated for daily use and unintuitive for newcomers.

4. Subgraph OS

Core Features:

Subgraph is an open-source Dark web browser that is based on Tor. Unlike Tor or I2P, Subgraph OS is OS and not a standalone browser.

Subgraph OS uses Kernel hardening, Metaproxy, Sandboxing, Package security, Application network policies, Binary integrity, and Filesystem encryption to build robust security to their network.

Sandboxing could isolate your browsing experience, pulling out instances of malware being detected and separating it from the standard browsing container.

Apart from that Subgraph also comes with a secured IM called CoyIM and an email client called Icedove to nullify vulnerabilities in client communication.

Just like I2P, Subgraph operates on different layers assisting users with non-interrupted access internet by retaining their privacy and anonymity.

With so many advanced security features, the Subgraph OS can always be chosen as a tool for dark web browsing.

To Whom it is advised?

Subgraph OS is recommended for computer users who need a high level of privacy and security, especially those who may be at risk of specific cyberattacks.

This includes journalists, activists, and workers who care about security and need to keep sensitive information safe from advanced threats.

Subgraph OS is made to be resistant to exploitation and malware attacks. Its hardened kernel, containerized apps, and connection to the Tor network for anonymous web browsing all work together to make it safer.

It makes the world safer, but regular people or people who only need basic computer help might not need or be able to use its advanced security features or find it easy to use.

5. Whonix

Core Features:

Whonix is similar to Subgraph, which means it isn’t a standalone browser but an OS like Subgraph built on TOR’s free software.

Most of the basic frameworks with the TOR network, provide full privacy and anonymity for users.

Whonix is so powerful that even malware that has root privileges will not be able to track down users’ IP addresses thanks to the TOR connections.

Apart from being a dark web browser, since Whonix is an OS, it gives full privileges to users for setting up and using their server by staying invisible.

Whoonix comes with pre-installed applications which can also be added perks to choose it over others.

Besides the above perks, Whonix comes with ‘Data Stream Isolation’ and since it doesn’t use the same exit nodes of the TOR, this is one of the best dark web browsers available.

Since most dark web browsers rely on the TOR network, the TOR browser will be the ultimate pick for deep browsing.

But if you’re looking for other features like sandboxing file encryption, secure IM, and email clients you can check for other dark web browsers listed above.

To Whom it is advised?

Individuals and businesses that need a high level of privacy and safety online should use Whonix.

It helps journalists, human rights activists, and privacy-conscious people who need to keep their actions and identities safe from being watched or tracked.

Whonix is one of a kind because it runs in a virtual machine, which splits the computer process into two parts: one for running programs and one for getting to the internet through the Tor network.

DNS leaks and malware threats are less likely to happen with this setup. However, its complicated setup and system needs might not make it ideal for casual users or people who aren’t very good with computers.

Also, like other privacy-focused tools, it might not be able to handle high-bandwidth activities because of slower network speeds.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have listed all the top 5 best Dark web Browsers to surf the web anonymously and to stay secure online.

if you find any other alternative dark web browsers, please do add them in the comment section, so that we can validate and update them.

Privacy is the most important concern in this technology Era and cybercriminals keep on increasing their persistent attacks to steal the user’s identity and personal information and eventually sell it in dark web markets.

There are various Dark web browsers we have listed here. it will be very helpful to be an anonymous user on the internet which helps to protect your identity.