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If you’re an active user of the dark web, you’re probably aware of the importance of using a safe and anonymous browser. A good browser should prevent any tracking and leaking of sensitive data, which can lead to being blackmailed by ransomware groups and financial losses as a result of stolen credit card information. In this article, we will go through the best dark web browsers currently available on the market.
Tor
Tor revolutionized dark web browsing by offering visitors a highly secure and private way to access the deep and dark web. Despite being compromised by the FBI in 2014, Tor came back stronger and is still the most commonly used browser to access the dark web.
Many people mistakenly believe that Tor provides complete safety, but this is not entirely true. Although Tor makes your IP address less traceable, it cannot completely conceal it. To achieve solid anonymity, you need to use a VPN in addition to your Tor browser.
One unique feature of Tor is the ability to “generate a new identity,” which unlinks your previous browsing activities from your next ones by deleting all cookies and creating a new Tor route. You can also create a new Tor circuit for each website you visit, which is less secure than generating a new identity but still provides excellent anonymity.
Tor also offers three different security settings to choose from. The “Standard” option provides the best surfing experience but is the least secure, while the “Safer” option strikes a balance between usability and protection. Finally, the “Safest” mode eliminates some functions but provides the highest level of security.
Whonix
The company’s slogan, “Software That Can Anonymize Everything You Do Online,” already sounds fascinating. It is essential to conceal your identity while browsing the deep web. Whonix is not just a browser, but an entire operating system.
The software can be run as a virtual computer and is compatible with any operating system, making you almost completely untraceable online since nothing will be saved on your original OS. Additionally, Whonix can be used via a USB stick.
The system directs all traffic and dark web websites through the Tor browser, making this combination as secure as possible. No DNS data can be stolen, and your IP remains hidden even if malware is installed on your computer. Whonix includes encryption applications and tools, such as KeePassXC, OnionShare (an anonymous file-sharing platform), Thunderbird (an open-source email client), Electrum (a Bitcoin wallet), and many more.
TAILS
“Tails” is an abbreviation for “The Amnesic Incognito Live System”. In simple terms, it is an open-source, live private operating system. With Tails, you can easily access dark web news, dark web forums, and much more in a matter of seconds.
One of the significant advantages of TAILS is that it can be used with just a USB stick. There is no need to install an HDD, and regardless of your original OS, you automatically receive one of the safest, most anonymous, and private settings. Instead of using your hard drive, it runs on RAM. This not only eliminates footprints but also increases anonymity.
After you shut down your computer, everything you’ve entered using TAILS is automatically erased for safety purposes. This data includes passwords, browser history, etc. However, you can save some data if you need it for the future. This option is entirely up to the user.
The internet traffic and dark web sites automatically go through the Tor browser, which you’re already familiar with. Furthermore, no internet or app request is permitted without going through TOR, making it very difficult to track the user’s original IP address.
TAILS comes pre-installed with some of the most popular darknet tools, such as Tor browser, uBlock Tor add-on (ad blocker), LibreOffice (a free office suite similar to Microsoft Office), OnionShare (file sharing), Pidgin (messaging), and more. TAILS is a free and open-source software project, ensuring your anonymity and preventing backdoors from being inserted without your knowledge.
Freenet
Freenet is an independent data storage and transmission system that utilizes peer-to-peer networking to provide secure, private, and anonymous browsing. In simple terms, Freenet is a dark web itself, which has a whole ecosystem underneath it. This includes blogs, social media, email, and more. All of these services are not accessible through the open web.
Data on Freenet is encrypted, stored on nodes, and sent via relays and a variety of encryption levels. Individuals can upload and download data, including text, photos, audio files, and videos, using the system’s interface, which resembles a web browser.
Despite having a small number of users, Freenet is a crucial tool for journalists, activists, and privacy advocates. Its creators are constantly improving the efficiency, safety, and user-friendliness of the system.
Zeronet
ZeroNet is very similar to Freenet, as they both use similar encryption methods. ZeroNet’s slogan, “Open, free, and uncensorable websites,” is very accurate. What sets ZeroNet apart is that it provides web pages directly to users without the need for central servers. This means there are no hosting services (or expenses) or any weak points that might compromise your security. Everything is decentralized, even domain names.
The system uses Bittorrent and the Bitcoin network, so there’s no need to enter any passwords. You log into ZeroNet using the same password you use to access your dark web bitcoin wallet (though users need a different wallet for this). The load time of websites is not affected by a user’s internet speed because the sites are not hosted on a server. Instead, users are part of the server, and visitors have the option to “not be a peer.”
As long as at least one user continues to operate as a peer, the website remains accessible. ZeroNet is a whole ecosystem in itself, like many other dark web browsers on our list. Setting up a new decentralized website is easy after installing ZeroNet.
Although all the listed browsers are as secure as possible, it’s always a good idea to use the best VPN for the dark web just in case. This way, your real IP address remains hidden.