Accessing the Dark web without a Virtual Private Network can be risky. However, many people can’t afford premium VPN services to use with the dark net. Therefore, we hand-picked some of the best free VPNs for Dark web that you can use to access the Dark world safely.
Below is the quick of free Dark net VPNs:
- Proton VPN: The alternate routing technology bypasses censorship and allows easy access to blocked websites.
- TunnelBear: It uses the GhostBear feature, which is the obfuscation feature and helps bypass censorship.
- Hide.me: The VPN doesn’t throttle the connection and allows accessing all the advanced features even in the free plan.
- AtlasVPN: It comes with 10 GB monthly bandwidth and uses strong encryption to protect activities on the dark web.
- Hotspot Shield: It has Tor over VPN feature and uses Catapult Hydra tunnelling protocol to bypass internet blocks.
- Betternet: The VPN services uses the Catapult Hydra protocol but offers a limited 500MB of data daily.
- Windscribe: It offers various ways to increase the monthly bandwidth limit and guarantees maximum speed to access the dark web.
- PrivadoVPN: The VPN service provider allows users to connect to servers in 12 locations and puts no bandwidth restrictions.
However, we don’t advise you to opt for free VPNs. If you are actually on a tight budget, you can use the free trial of premium VPNs or take advantage of 30-day money-back guarantee policy of Dark web VPN like NordVPN.
Using a VPN to access the dark web is crucial due to its numerous privacy and security issues and controversies. Although the dark web does have a few legal uses, it is also a hub of illegal businesses and activities, which makes a reliable dark web VPN necessary while accessing it.
Not everyone can afford premium VPNs, so a few reliable free VPNs exist that help access the dark web. These VPNs have relatively good security features and help attain some measures of online privacy.
Best free VPNs to access the Dark Web – Detailed list
Here are the eight best free Dark web VPNs, ranked by speed, security, and privacy features.
1. Proton VPN
- Website URL: protonvpn.com
Proton VPN is a free VPN that allows users to access the dark web without putting data caps or limiting bandwidth. The VPN offers 24 servers in the Netherlands, Japan, and the US. These servers offer unlimited bandwidth and ensure that slow speeds aren’t an issue while accessing the dark web.
The VPN offers impressive alternate routing technology and an anti-censorship feature that allows users to browse the web freely. It helps circumvent censorship and enables access to websites and services blocked by the government and the ISPs. The VPN also uses a kill switch feature that prevents IP leaks when the VPN connection drops.
The headquarters are in Switzerland, which respects users’ privacy. It isn’t a member of the global surveillance alliance and hence won’t log or share users’ data with intelligence agencies. The user’s data are protected under strict Swiss law and aren’t accessible to anyone.
The VPN uses top-notch encryption levels and secure tunneling protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 to maintain online security on the dark web. It follows a strict zero-logging policy and keeps users’ activities anonymous and private. The IP address, browsing data, and user traffic logs aren’t logged.
2. TunnelBear
- Website URL: tunnelbear.com
TunnelBear is a reliable free VPN provider that allows users to access the dark web safely. The VPN provider uses the highest encryption standard, such as AES-256-bit, to encrypt incoming and outgoing traffic. In addition, it uses SHA-256 for data authentication and multiple handshake encryption keys depending on the device used to access the dark web.
The GhostBear feature is designed to browse the dark web safely. It is an impressive obfuscation feature that disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic and makes data less trackable for spying eyes. This way, TunnelBear VPN bypasses censorship blocks and provides unrestricted access to the deep internet world.
The VPN also offers Vigilant Bear and Split Bear options that increase online security while logging into the dark web. The VPN does not provide information on whether these features are accessible in the free plan.
3. Hide.me
- Website URL: hide.me
Hide.me is the best free VPN on the dark web. It offers encrypted DNS servers that prevent third parties from monitoring DNS requests and the websites users visit. These servers route internet traffic through the same tunneling protocol and guarantee that every server receives the same level of encryption. This way, a VPN helps get around internet blocks and ensures users can access the dark web without any hurdles.
The best thing about VPN is that it allows users to access basic security-boosting features like the kill switch. The VPN uses the industry’s highest encryption and advanced protocol, like the WireGuard protocol, to secure internet activities from prying eyes. It also enables users to use stealth guards and multihop to enhance their security on the dark web.
4. AtlasVPN
- Website URL: atlasvpn.com
Atlas VPN is another free VPN for the dark web. It has 10GB monthly bandwidth but doesn’t restrict the speed limit. Users can enjoy stable and above-average speed while browsing the dark web. Connecting to servers in Norway, the Netherlands, and the US or switching tunneling protocols boosts browsing speed.
The VPN service utilizes strong military-grade AES-256 and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption to protect internet traffic from privacy invaders. It also supports the WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec protocols, establishing a secure and reliable connection while connecting to the dark web.
Atlas VPN offers various advanced features to enhance online security and privacy on the dark web. These include Private DNS, MultiHop+, and SafeSwap servers. The SafeSwap server is an impressive feature for surfing the dark web.
5. HotSpot Shield
- Website URL: hotspotshield.com
Hotspot Shield claims to be the fastest VPN, delivering 2x faster than its competitor. It offers 800+ fastest VPN servers, unlimited data, and robust encryption, making it a reliable VPN on the dark web. The AES-128-bit and 256-bit encryption safeguards the data from all spying eyes.
The VPN offers Tor over VPN features and an advanced Catapult Hydra tunneling protocol in its free plan, which helps users access the dark web safely. The protocol makes the VPN traffic regular internet traffic and helps bypass internet blocks and censorship. In other words, by connecting to this protocol, users can enjoy a secure browsing experience on the dark web, even in countries where Tor is banned.
It protects against IP and DNS leaks and ensures the ISP doesn’t know about your activities. However, it doesn’t allow users to use the kill switch and the Smart VPN feature, which is only available in the paid plan.
Using the Hotspot Shield VPN for the dark web might put the users in doubt. The VPN’s past track record contains controversies and shady practices that risk users’ online privacy. Also, it belongs to the privacy-invasive jurisdiction of the USA, which puts the users in a doubtful situation.
6. Betternet
- Website URL: betternet.co
Betternet is yet another free VPN provider that enables safe browsing. The VPN uses AES-256-bit encryption to prevent prying eyes from monitoring your activities. It also employs the Catapult Hydra protocol, which protects devices and helps bypass internet restrictions.
Betternet VPN offers inconsistent speed in the free version. It limits bandwidth consumption per day and allows 500MB of data daily. Also, it allows access to one random server in the US. Such limited bandwidth and server access are suitable for casual browsing. However, frequent connection drops make browsing difficult when accessing the dark web, and ISPs and other prying eyes can learn about your true identity.
The free version also doesn’t offer advanced features like the kill switch or split tunneling, and it doesn’t block pop-up and banner ads, resulting in a frustrating user experience. To prevent all these issues, consider upgrading to the pro version or taking advantage of the free trial period.
7. Windscribe
- Website URL: windscribe.com
Windscribe’s server access and bandwidth make it a great option on the dark web. It offers global servers with fast speed and bandwidth. You can connect to servers in ten locations like the US, Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. It provides various options that increase the monthly bandwidth and guarantee that you surf the dark web at a fast speed.
Users creating an account for Windscribe VPN provide 2GB of data each month. Confirming the account with their email address automatically upgrades to 10GB monthly data. They can add 5GB of data to the monthly bandwidth if they tweet about the VPN. With so much bandwidth, users won’t face any speed issues while accessing the dark web.
8. PrivadoVPN
- Website URL: privadovpn.com
PrivadoVPN is also a reliable free VPN that works on the dark web. It offers unlimited bandwidth and strong encryption and follows a strict zero-logging policy, making it one of the best free VPNs on the dark web.
The VPN employs AES-256-bit encryption and secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. These security standards effectively hide online activities from the prying eyes on the dark web. In addition, the VPN follows a strict no-log policy that guarantees all activities remain private.
It offers 10GB of data monthly but doesn’t limit bandwidth, which is impressive as users’ browsing experience on the dark web won’t be affected. Users can also connect to servers available at 12 different locations. Hence, speed isn’t a problem when using PrivadoVPN on the dark web.
How to choose the best free VPN for the dark web
There are several factors that you should consider when choosing a VPN service:
- Security features: One crucial feature to prioritize is military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, which is virtually unbreakable and ensures your online activities remain private. A kill switch is also essential as it automatically blocks your connection if the VPN ever disconnects, preventing data leaks.
- No-logs policy: You should have peace of mind that your VPN will handle your data responsibly. A solid no-logs policy proves that a VPN won’t store or sell your information.
- Fast speeds: Tor reroutes your internet traffic through multiple locations, effectively enhancing anonymity. However, this process considerably impacts your connection speed, resulting in slower performance.
- Large server networks: Go for a VPN service with the highest number of servers, as this will prevent slowdown during peak usage. Additionally, you’ll get the fastest speeds using a server close to you.
- Data allowance: Most free VPNs limit the data you can use within a specific period. As such, it is wise to pick a free VPN service that gives you unlimited data to browse the dark web without disruptions.
While using a VPN, your speeds will also be affected, but the key is to choose a VPN that minimizes the impact on your speeds. Opting for a VPN that minimizes speed reduction will help you balance privacy and performance.
Is a free VPN safe to use for the Dark Web?
Using a free VPN is always tempting, especially for users who don’t have a monthly or yearly subscription budget. But in reality, free VPNs on the dark web aren’t a good option as they are not designed to provide enough security and protection. Free VPNs offer slow speeds due to limited bandwidth. Also, the Tor browser offers slow speeds due to routing the traffic into multiple nodes, making browsing difficult.
Besides this, free VPNs have security issues that make them unreliable. These include:
- Most free VPNs lack advanced features that boost privacy and security on the dark web.
- They can be infected with malware or use embedded third-party trackers for tracking and advertising.
- Some free VPNs might hijack the browser and redirect users to any malicious site.
- Despite many claims, some free VPNs don’t follow a zero-logging policy. They log and sell users’ data with third parties without their consent and generate revenue.
- Free VPNs have bandwidth and speed limitations, leading to slow connection speed.
Free VPNs you should avoid
1. Hola VPN
The free version lacks encryption. Moreover, Hola VPN logs sensitive user information, including Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and web browsing details. So, avoiding Hola VPN for any online activity is advisable, as it may compromise your privacy and security.
2. Urban VPN
This VPN service doesn’t provide information regarding its encryption protocols, leaving users uncertain about the level of protection offered. A VPN keeps logs of user activities and sells anonymized data to third parties. It is advisable to steer clear of this service if you value your online privacy and desire to safeguard your personal information.
Why we don’t recommend free VPNs for the Dark Web?
Free VPNs may appeal if you can’t afford a monthly or yearly subscription. However, they are not always an appropriate option.
This is because they lack the requisite security and protection protocols. Free VPNs have limited bandwidth, which causes them to have prolonged speeds.
Free VPNs have several security loopholes that render them unreliable. They include:
- Lack of advanced features that enhance privacy and security on the web.
- They are prone to malware infections and can track your browsing activity for advertisements.
- Other free VPNs hijack your browser and redirect you to malicious websites.
- Most free VPNs claim zero-logging policies, but they log and sell your data to third parties to generate revenue without your consent.
- Free VPNs have limited bandwidth and speeds, which cause slow connection speeds.
Free vs. paid VPNs – Which should you get?
When deciding between a free and paid VPN, there are several factors to consider:
- Security and Privacy: Free VPNs often come with limitations in terms of security and privacy. For example, they may have weaker encryption, log user data, or sell your information to third parties to generate revenue. On the other hand, paid VPNs generally offer more robust security measures, no-logs policies, and a commitment to user privacy.
- Server network: Paid VPN services usually have a more extensive network of servers spread across multiple countries. This allows you to access a broader range of geo-restricted content and ensures better performance and reliability. Free VPNs often have limited server options, leading to slower speeds and restricted access to certain websites or streaming services.
- Speed and performance: Free VPNs typically have more users sharing limited server resources, resulting in slower speeds and less consistent performance. Paid VPNs usually offer faster connections with dedicated servers for optimal performance, especially for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
- Additional features: Paid VPNs often offer additional features such as ad-blockers, malware protection, split tunneling, and kill switches. These features enhance your online experience and provide added security. Free VPNs typically lack these extra features.
- Usage limits and restrictions: Free VPNs often restrict bandwidth, data usage, and the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. Paid VPNs usually offer unlimited bandwidth, higher data caps, and multiple device connections (some, like Surfshark and Private Internet Access, even support limitless connections).
- Reliability and trustworthiness: Paid VPN services are vested in maintaining a good reputation and ensuring their users’ satisfaction. They invest in infrastructure, security audits, and ongoing development. On the other hand, free VPNs may be less reliable, and some may even engage in malicious activities or compromise your privacy.
Are free VPNs legal?
The legality of free VPNs depends on several factors, like the jurisdiction in which you reside and the specific activities you engage in while using the VPN.
While using a free VPN in most countries, there are several considerations that you should keep in mind:
- Local laws: Some countries place certain restrictions on VPN usage or have specific regulations regarding encryption technology. So, you must familiarize yourself with such laws and regulations to ensure legal VPN usage.
- Illegal activities: While using a VPN is legal, engaging in illegal activities is not permissible. Hacking, fraud, drug trafficking, and credit card theft, among others, might result in severe legal fines or even jail time.
- Terms of service: Reviewing the service provider’s terms of service and privacy policy is essential when using a free VPN. Some VPN services restrict certain activities and content, and violation can expose you to termination of services or other consequences.
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About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
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