Most users who access the dark web utilize VPNs to protect their identity. Surveys indicate that over 70% of dark web users rely on VPNs for added security. That’s why navigating the shadowy corridors of the internet requires the best free VPN for Dark Web that guarantees anonymity and security.
I’ve meticulously reviewed and analyzed the best free VPN services to ensure they support Onion over VPN without compromising speed and bandwidth, which are crucial for a seamless Tor experience. After testing over 38+ VPNs, I prioritize your privacy, steering clear of free VPN services notorious for logging activities and lacking proper encryption.
One such VPN is ExpressVPN, which offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring the user’s safety and privacy while browsing the Dark Web. Discover my top picks and safeguard your dark web journey today.
Quick Overview: The Best Free VPN for Dark Web
Here’s a quick overview of the best free VPN for Dark Web:
Learn more through my In-depth Analysis of best VPN for Dark Web and FAQs
In-Depth Analysis: The Best Free VPN for Dark Web in 2025
Looking for a detailed analysis of the best free VPN for Dark Web in 2025? Here’s a closer look at three top options to help you stay secure and anonymous on the Dark Web:
VPNScore
10.0
ExpressVPN
Price
$4.99/mo
Servers
3,000+
Latest Tests
Yes
Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN: The Best Free Trial VPN for Dark Web
ExpressVPN is the best free VPN trial to access Dark Web as it offers a 7-day free trial as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. It is a popular VPN service that offers various features for secure and private internet browsing, making it a great choice for accessing the Dark Web.
Server Network
This VPN has a network of over 3000 servers in 105 countries, providing users with a wide range of options to connect to a server from any location they need. Apart from accessing Dark Web, you can also use ExpressVPN to bypass geo-restrictions on various streaming services all across the globe.
Testing Experience
Testing ExpressVPN for accessing the dark web was a highly positive experience, characterized by its exceptional speed, security, and ease of use. The installation process was quick, and the intuitive interface made it simple to connect to various servers. The connection was consistently fast, with minimal latency, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted dark web browsing.
Speeds
Based on my ExpressVPN speed tests, it offers blazing-fast speeds for its users, which is especially important for those who use VPNs for streaming or downloading content. I received a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.
ExpressVPN provides excellent speeds for browsing.
Device Compatibility
ExpressVPN is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. Users can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously with a single ExpressVPN account, which is great for people with multiple devices.
Security
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that provides fast and secure access to the Dark Web. It offers a range of advanced security features. It has its own onion site on the Dark Web and supports custom protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway. Its RAM-based servers ensure that no sensitive data is stored on the server, further enhancing privacy and security on the Dark Web.
It also uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is considered one of the most secure encryption protocols available, and it has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity is not recorded or stored. ExpressVPN kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and obfuscation technology provides an extra layer of security for Dark Web browsing by preventing any data leakage or exposure of your real IP address.
ExpressVPN’s recent KPMG audit reaffirms its no-logs policy and TrustedServer technology. Data erased on server reboot, enhancing user privacy and security.
Moreover, ExpressVPN’s dedicated IP feature offers a unique IP address, boosting your privacy and providing a smoother browsing experience.
Price & Money-Back Guarantee
This best Tor VPN has received an excellent rating from users and experts alike for its speed and security at a price of $4.99/mo - Save 61% With Exclusive 2-Year Plan + 4 Months Free.
ExpressVPN is the best free VPN trial for Dark Web access and offers a 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. With blazing-fast speeds, advanced security features, and compatibility across various platforms, it’s a top choice for secure and private browsing.
My ExpressVPN review highly recommends ExpressVPN as a premium service excelling in speed, security, and Dark Web accessibility.
Pros
Cons
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VPNScore
5.3
Hide.me VPN
Price
$9.95/mo
Servers
2,300
Latest Tests
Yes
Jurisdiction
Malaysian
Hide.me VPN: Best Free VPN for Limited Use for Dark Web
Hide.me VPN is another free VPN Dark Web, you can use for accessing Dark Web but on limited data. It is considered a free VPN for tor browser for browsing the dark web due to its robust security features and strict no-logs policy. It offers strong encryption and IP leak protection, ensuring that user identities remain anonymous.
Server Network
The free version has a data limit of 10GB per month and offers servers in five locations. The paid version offers unlimited data and servers in over 70 locations. It has a network of servers across the world, including in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This provides users with a range of options and ensures they can access Dark Web content anywhere.
Testing Experience
Testing Hide.me VPN for dark web access was a positive experience, highlighting its efficacy in ensuring privacy and security. The installation process was straightforward, and the interface was intuitive, making it easy to connect to various servers. The 10GB monthly data allowance on the free plan was sufficient for limited dark web browsing. Performance was stable, with minimal latency.
Speeds
My Hide.me VPN speed test offered download speeds of up to 24.09 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 87.5 Mbps, with a ping time of 251 ms. This ensures that Dark Web users can access content quickly and efficiently.
Hide.me speed test result on a 100 Mbps connection.
Device Compatibility
Hide.me VPN is compatible with a range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers. This makes it easy for Dark Web users to access the VPN from their preferred device. It allows users to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for Dark Web users who need to access content from multiple devices at the same time.
Security
The VPN also supports a range of protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and SoftEther. This makes it easy for Dark Web users to connect to the VPN using their preferred protocol.
Hide.me VPN is a free Dark Web VPN that offers strong encryption and essential security features to ensure maximum privacy and anonymity. The VPN is a Malaysia-based VPN service that offers free and paid software versions. Hide.me VPN is known for its strong encryption, strict no-logging policy, and user-friendly interface. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its paid plans.
Free vs Paid Plans
Hide.me VPN offers both free and paid plans. Their free plan comes with a limited set of features and is limited to 1 connection with 5 server locations; their paid plans include:
You can connect to 10 simultaneous connections, access to 75 server locations, and support for PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols.
Overall, based on my Hide.me review, I’d highly recommend the option for Dark Web users who want to access content securely and privately without breaking the bank. Its free plan offers essential security features and fast connections, making it an excellent choice for beginners and users on a budget.
Pros
Cons
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VPNScore
2.1
ProtonVPN
Price
4.99/mo
Servers
1,200+
Latest Tests
Yes
Jurisdiction
Switzerland
ProtonVPN: Best Free VPN for Dark Web
ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Dark Web. It provides high-speed connections for streaming, browsing, and downloading content. The free plan includes unlimited data, albeit with access to servers in only 5 countries, which is ideal for consistent dark web browsing.
Server Network
With a network of over 4000+ servers in 91+ countries, enabling its users to access content from all over the world. ProtonVPN is a VPN service that offers a free plan, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and best secure VPN for the Dark Web.
Testing Experience
Testing ProtonVPN for dark web access was an impressive experience, particularly due to its focus on security and privacy. The installation was quick and straightforward, and the user-friendly interface made server selection easy. Despite being on the free plan, I appreciated the unlimited data, which allowed for extensive browsing without worrying about data limits. The connection was stable.
Speeds
My ProtonVPN speed test yielded a download speed of 65.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 59.32 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.
Enjoy ProtonVPN’s decent speed on a 100 Mbps connection.
Device Compatibility
The VPN service is compatible with various devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. This broad compatibility ensures that whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, ProtonVPN can provide the necessary protection and anonymity for safely browsing the dark web.
Security
ProtonVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to ensure that all user data is secure and protected. This level of encryption is considered to be one of the most secure available, making it virtually impossible for hackers or other malicious actors to access user data.
Proton VPN’s IP/DNS leak protection feature and automatic Kill Switch are essential for Dark Web users. These features prevent any leakage of user data, IP addresses, and DNS queries, making it harder for anyone to track user activities on the Dark Web.
Free vs Paid Plan
It also offers a free plan with access to servers in three countries and unlimited data, as well as paid plans with more features and server locations.
Overall, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and secure free VPN for the Dark Web. Its high-speed connections, global server network, and robust security features make it an excellent choice for accessing the Dark Web safely and anonymously.
Based on my ProtonVPN review, this VPN is a secure and reliable VPN service that offers high-speed connections, a network of servers across the world, and compatibility with various devices.
Pros
Cons
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How to Choose The Best Free VPN to Access Dark Web
Accessing the dark web requires anonymity and security. Free VPNs can be a great way to achieve that, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a free VPN to access the dark web :
- Strong Security Features: I always emphasize the importance of strong security features when choosing a free VPN for dark web. Look for services offering AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. These are vital to protect your identity and data on the dark web.
- No-Log Policy: Equally important is a no-log policy to ensure your browsing history remains private.
- Fast Speed: Speed is another crucial factor. Since Tor already slows down your connection, you need a VPN that doesn’t reduce your speed further. Choose a VPN with fast connection speeds to minimize lag and improve your overall browsing experience.
- Large Server Network: A large server network is preferable for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing a wider range of content securely, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your country.
- Data Caps: Consider bandwidth limitations — unlimited bandwidth is ideal for uninterrupted dark web exploration, so choose a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth to ensure you can browse the dark web for as long as you need.
Setting up a free VPN for the dark web can be easy if you follow the right steps. By using a VPN, you can ensure your online activity is encrypted and secure, even when using public Wi-Fi. Using a trusted VPN service like ExpressVPN is recommended to avoid any limitations or security issues.
Get ExpressVPN Free Trial for Dark Web 30-day money-back guarantee
Comparison Table for the Best Free VPN for Dark Web
| Features |  |
 |
 |
| Speed | High-speed servers | High-speed servers | Fast servers |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy | AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy | AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy |
| Onion Over VPN | Not natively supported, but possible | Supported | Not natively supported, but possible |
| Server Locations | 105 countries | Servers in 50+ countries | Servers in 70+ locations |
| Tor Compatibility | Compatible | Dedicated Tor servers | Compatible |
| Privacy | Based in British Virgin Islands | Based in Switzerland | Based in Malaysia |
| Multi-hop | Not available | Available | Available |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat | Email support, comprehensive guides | 24/7 live chat, email support |
| Free Plan | No | Yes (limited features) | Yes (limited features) |
| Price | Premium pricing | Competitive pricing | Competitive pricing |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly apps for all platforms | User-friendly apps for all platforms | User-friendly apps for all platforms |
| Additional Features | Split tunneling, kill switch | Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocker | Split tunneling, kill switch |
Risks of Using a Free VPN for Dark Web
I’ve noticed that free VPNs often come with risks that cannot be ignored. Here are the risks of using a free VPN :
- Contains Malware: Some free VPNs may contain malware, which can infect your device and compromise your data.
- Data Breaching: Some free VPNs may log and sell your data to third parties for profit, compromising your privacy and security.
- Weak Security: Free VPNs may have weaker security protocols compared to paid VPNs, making it easier for hackers to breach and steal your data.
- Limited Server Network: Free VPNs may have a limited server network, making it difficult to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your country.
- Slow Connection Speeds: A free dark web browser may have slower connection speeds, which can lead to frustrating lag times and a poor browsing experience.
- Advertisements and Pop-ups: Free VPNs may display advertisements and pop-ups, which can be annoying and potentially compromise your security by directing you to unsafe websites.
- Limited Features: Free VPNs may have limited features compared to paid VPNs, such as no kill switch, leak protection, or advanced encryption protocols. This can leave you vulnerable to cyber threats and compromise your anonymity on the dark web, which can already be an issue when using the Tor VPN free network due to its inherent slowness.
For these reasons, I recommend investing in a reputable VPN for dark web access that can provide the security and reliability needed for such sensitive browsing.
Get ExpressVPN Free Trial for Dark Web 30-day money-back guarantee
How to Set Up a Free VPN for Dark Web [Quick & Easy Steps]
Setting up a free VPN for the dark web can be a quick and easy process. Here are the necessary steps to follow:
- Choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN, such as ExpressVPN, that offers strong security features and a no-log policy.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device.
- Sign up for a free account and connect to a server of your choice.
- Now, download the Tor browser from its official website and install it on your device. With the VPN connected, open Tor and navigate to any ‘.onion’ site to access the dark web securely.
It’s important to note that free VPNs often come with limitations and risks, such as limited server networks, slower connection speeds, and potential data breaches. Consider using a paid VPN like ExpressVPN for a more secure and unrestricted browsing experience.
Get ExpressVPN Free Trial for Dark Web 30-day money-back guarantee
How to Stay Anonymous on the Dark Web with a VPN?
To stay anonymous on the dark web using a VPN, following several best practices is essential. Firstly, choose a reputable VPN service with a strict no-logs policy and strong encryption, such as ExpressVPN. These VPNs provide robust security features and have been verified to keep user data private.
Connecting to the VPN will mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, hiding your activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and potential hackers.
After connecting to the VPN, use the Tor Browser to access the dark web. Tor adds another layer of anonymity by routing your traffic through multiple nodes, making it difficult to trace. Ensure your VPN supports Tor over VPN for added security, which protects your real IP address even if Tor nodes are compromised.
Additionally, use privacy-enhancing browser settings and avoid downloading files or clicking on suspicious links to minimize risks from malware and other cyber threats.
Should I use a Free VPN or a Paid VPN for the Dark Web?
Here’s a comparison table between using a free VPN and a paid VPN for accessing the dark web:
| Feature/Aspect | Free VPN | Paid VPN |
| Cost | Free | Subscription fee (varies by provider) |
| Data Limits | Often limited (e.g., 500MB to 10GB/month) | Usually unlimited |
| Speed | Generally slower due to overcrowded servers | Typically faster with more server options |
| Server Locations | Limited server locations | Extensive global server network |
| Security | Basic encryption, may lack advanced features | High-level encryption (AES-256), additional security features like kill switch and DNS leak protection |
| Privacy | May keep logs, weaker privacy policies | Strict no-logs policies, independently audited |
| Reliability | More prone to disconnects and slow speeds | More reliable connections and performance |
| Customer Support | Limited or none | 24/7 customer support |
| Additional Features | Basic features only | Advanced features like split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and specialized servers for Tor |
| Obfuscation | Rarely available | Often includes obfuscation to bypass censorship and VPN blocks |
| Ads and Upselling | Often ad-supported and may include upselling | Ad-free experience |
| Compatibility | Limited device compatibility | Broad compatibility across multiple devices and platforms |
| Risk of Malware | Higher risk due to lack of resources for security audits | Lower risk with regular security audits and updates |
Redditors on the Best Free VPN for Dark Web
A Reddit thread discussion consisted of using a free VPN with Tor to access the deep web. The general consensus among the users is that using a free VPN with Tor is not recommended.
Some users suggest that using Tor alone is sufficient in most cases, while others warn against free VPNs as they often store logs and sell user data. A few users also mention the use of bridges if one does not want their ISP to see that they are using Tor.
Given the concerns raised about free VPNs, based on my experience, a reliable and tested solution like ExpressVPN is a good alternative. ExpressVPN is known for its strong commitment to user privacy and security.
It does not keep activity or connection logs, and its TrustedServer technology ensures that servers run on the latest software, reducing risks of security vulnerabilities. Although, always ensure you’re following safe practices while browsing the deep web.
Free VPNs to Avoid While Using Dark Web
While there are many free VPN options available, not all of them are reliable. Here are some free VPN providers that a user should avoid when accessing the dark web :
- Hotspot Shield: This VPN has been known to log user data and share it with third-party advertisers, compromising user privacy and security. For more information, refer to my Hotspot Shield review.
- Urban VPN: This VPN has been found to contain malware and track user activity, making it unsafe for use on the dark web. You can find out more about this VPN through my Urban VPN review.
- Hola VPN: This VPN has been known to sell user data to third-party advertisers and can compromise user privacy and security. You can check out my Hola VPN review to get more information.
It’s important to choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN when accessing the dark web. Consider using a paid VPN like ExpressVPN for a more secure and unrestricted browsing experience.
FAQs – Best Free VPN for Dark Web
Is it safe to browse the dark web without a VPN?
While it is possible to access the dark web without a VPN, doing so is not recommended . The dark web is often associated with illegal activities and contains many potential cyber threats. Without a VPN, your ISP and government agencies can track your online activity, potentially leading to cyberattacks, identity theft, or legal consequences.
Which VPN to use for the dark web?
While there are many free VPN options available, it is important to choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN . ExpressVPN is a paid VPN that is often recommended for its strong security features and fast connection speeds.
However, there are some free VPNs that can be used to access the dark web, such as ProtonVPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear. It’s important to do your research and choose a VPN that offers strong security features and a no-logs policy.
Can you access the dark web with a free VPN?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to access the dark web, but it is not advisable . Free VPNs often have limitations such as bandwidth caps, slower speeds, and fewer security features, which can compromise your privacy and the overall experience. Premium VPNs like ExpressVPN offer better security, faster speeds, and are more reliable for accessing the dark web.
Which free VPNs are best for accessing the dark web?
When considering free VPNs for accessing the dark web, several options stand out for their security and usability. ProtonVPN is a top choice due to its unlimited data allowance and strong privacy features. Apart from that, Hide.me VPN provides 10GB of free data monthly with strong encryption and privacy features, although its free plan is limited to four server locations.
Why is it best to use a VPN with Tor?
Using a VPN with Tor provides an extra layer of security and anonymity. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, while Tor routes your connection through multiple servers to hide your online activity. This combination makes it difficult for anyone to track your activity, including ISPs, government agencies, and cybercriminals.
Wrap Up!
I’ve taken the time to evaluate the best options for accessing the Dark Web with the utmost security. After careful consideration, I have deduced the best free VPN for Dark Web as a starting point for anyone exploring this hidden part of the internet. However, while free VPNs offer a layer of protection, it’s crucial to understand their limitations and potential risks.
On the other hand, I believe investing in a premium VPN like ExpressVPN can keep you safe. It offers superior security, faster speeds, and more reliable performance without the constraints of data caps or server limitations. To maintain the highest level of privacy and security on your Dark Web ventures, consider investing in a quality VPN solution that ensures your activities remain anonymous and untraceable.
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