Internet

6 Best Free VPNs for the Dark Web in 2024

By Novak Bozovic / January 27, 2024

Your access to the Dark Web is secured by the Tor browser, which uses a network of relays to obscure your sensitive information. However, your Internet provider and others will see that you use Tor, which you can hide by utilizing a VPN. That said, if you plan to use a free VPN for the Dark Web, we have some good and some bad news for you.

The good news is that you can use a free VPN to access the Dark Web. However, you'll face a number of limitations. Free VPNs will slow you down - and Tor will do the same, leaving you with a very slow Web connection. Then, free VPNs typically come with limited bandwidth, and they feature less powerful and secure protocols, putting your privacy at risk.

That's why we'll also recommend free VPN trials. They offer a way to experience how the best VPN for the Dark Web should work, featuring unlimited bandwidth, high-end privacy protection, and everything you need to access the Dark Web securely.

In this guide, we'll talk about the best free VPN for the Dark Web, including some free trials of premium VPNs. We'll compare our recommendations, show you how to secure your access to the Dark Web, how to pick the best VPN, talk about the limitations of free VPNs, and we'll answer some FAQs in the end.

Free VPNs for the Dark Web - Our Shortlist

  1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Free VPN Trial for the Dark Web
  2. Surfshark - Free Dark Web VPN Trial with Tons of Servers
  3. ExpressVPN – High-End VPN Free Trial with Enhanced Privacy
  4. ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN for the Dark Web with No Bandwidth Caps
  5. Windscribe - Free VPN with Unlimited Device Connections
  6. Atlas VPN - Trustworthy VPN for Browsing the Dark Web

How to Get a Free VPN Trial for the Dark Web

To get a free VPN trial for the Dark Web, you’ll need to find a suitable premium VPN provider with a money-back guarantee and subscribe to its services. Here’s everything you have to do:

  1. Sign up for a free VPN trial (we recommend NordVPN’s 30-day risk-free trial).
  2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you’ll use for the Dark Web.
  3. Open the VPN app and sign in to your account. 
  4. Download and install the Tor browser.
  5. Now, you can open Tor, connect to its network, and surf the Dark Web safely.

As noted above, we can't recommend using a free VPN for the Dark Web. They can't really keep you safe and sound, and some free VPNs can even take advantage of your trust by collecting sensitive information. That's why we recommend a trial of a premium VPN, as there's simply no better way to remain safe and private.

Best Free VPNs for the Dark Web in 2024

When looking for the best free VPN you'll use for the Dark Web, you need to keep certain criteria in mind. First and foremost, you'll want a VPN with unlimited bandwidth, which will allow you to surf the Dark Web without time constraints. You'll see that most free VPNs are limited in that way, so go for one with a generous data allowance.

You'll also need a sizable server network with as many server locations as possible. By using servers not too far from your location, you'll ensure that you get fast performance and minimal throttling. On top of that, high-end security and privacy should be there, which includes a no-logs policy, solid VPN protocols, reliable encryption, and a kill switch.

Next, your chosen VPN should support multiple simultaneous connections. It should also support all your devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers. There should also be 24/7 live chat support and a generous money-back guarantee.

Based on the criteria mentioned above, these are the 6 best free VPNs for the Dark Web in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Free VPN Trial for the Dark Web

Editor's Pick
Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

NordVPN is the best free Dark Web VPN trial due to its high-end privacy features. However, the best of all is that it has unlimited bandwidth. That means you can run this VPN 24/7 without ever being afraid that your access to the Dark Web will be cut short.

It also offers 6,000+ servers in 60 countries. Aside from that, you get high-end performance, no matter if you connect to nearby or remote servers. Some of those are specialized, including 'Double VPN' and even 'Onion over VPN,' using which you can access the Dark Web with a regular browser.

NordVPN employs protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. As you can imagine, a no-logs policy is on offer as well, which has been audited just recently. So, not even NordVPN will know what you do on the Dark Web. Of course, an advanced kill switch is there as well, guarding you against data leaks.

In addition, you can simultaneously use it on up to 6 devices, including laptops, phones, routers, PCs, tablets, and more. Another perk is that you can install NordVPN on a router, which allows you to browse the Dark Web from any device with a Web browser.

NordVPN has a 30-day money-back policy, applicable to all its subscription plans. There's also 24/7 live chat support, in addition to a vast selection of installation guides, tutorials, tips, and more.

PROS

  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • Access to 'Onion over VPN' servers.
  • Access to 6,800+ servers in total.
  • Audited no logs policy.
  • 30-day money-back policy.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • 6 simultaneous connections.

2. Surfshark - Free Dark Web VPN Trial with Tons of Servers

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
Apple TV
Amazon Fire TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Surfshark is a user-friendly VPN that offers a trial through which you gain access to tons of high-end servers. As you can imagine, it comes with unlimited bandwidth, giving you plenty of ways to secure your access to the Dark Web without any restrictions.

With Surfshark, you gain access to 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. Those servers are distributed across the world evenly, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding a nearby one. That's how you'll get speeds with minimal throttling. However, even remote servers should work great. In other words, you get very fast speeds overall, even though Surfshark can take a bit to connect at times.

Regarding privacy and security, you can count on protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20. A kill switch is also there, protecting your sensitive information in case something happens to your VPN session. On top of that, Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which has been audited multiple times.

Another perk is that Surfshark has unlimited simultaneous connections. It also offers native apps (with an incredible user interface) or Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, streaming devices, and even routers.

Finally, let's not forget to mention a 30-day money-back policy, giving you more than plenty of time to see if Surfshark is the right choice for you. There's also 24/7 live chat support, in addition to plenty of installation guides, tutorials, and other types of support resources.

PROS

  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • Incredibly simple to use.
  • Servers in 100+ countries.
  • Secure and fast access to the Dark Web.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • Can take a while to connect.

3. ExpressVPN – High-End VPN Free Trial with Enhanced Privacy

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Nook
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN is another powerful VPN trial alternative thanks to its unparalleled set of features. What stands out here is its unlimited bandwidth. That means you can use ExpressVPN to surf the Dark Web with no limitations or restrictions while having full protection in the background.

You also get 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries. In other words, there's always going to be a server nearby that provides optimal performance. More precisely, ExpressVPN is one the fastest VPNs right now, based on our hands-on tests. No matter if you pick a nearby server or a remote one, this VPN will let you browse the Dark Web without slowing you down.

Next, you can expect high-end privacy and security. This VPN comes with protocols such as OpenVPN and Lightway. They're paired with AES-256 encryption, which is how you'll end up with a 100% safe and leak-free VPN tunnel. On top of that, there's a no-logs policy, which has been audited many times in the past, in addition to a watertight kill switch.

You can use ExpressVPN simultaneously on up to 8 devices, allowing you to secure all of them at the same time. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including phones, laptops, PCs, tablets, routers, and more. 

Lastly, this free VPN trial comes without any risks - as you can count on a 30-day money-back policy, letting you ask for a refund with no questions asked. And should you ever need assistance, know that ExpressVPN features 24/7 live chat support.

PROS

  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • Safe access to the Dark Web.
  • Servers in 100+ countries.
  • Audited no-logs policy.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • Limited customization.

4. ProtonVPN - Best Free VPN for the Dark Web with No Bandwidth Caps

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Proton VPN is a rare free VPN for the Dark Web with unlimited bandwidth. That's something you won't encounter much in the world of free VPNs, giving you unrestricted access to the Dark Web - but with some annoyances that might hinder your overall experience.

For example, this VPN has a sizable server network if you're a paying customer. If you're a free customer, you'll get 100+ servers in 3 countries only (the US, the Netherlands, and Japan). Since those servers are often overcrowded, that means you'll get less-than-ideal speeds that can also be quite unpredictable.

On the other hand, Proton VPN will never endanger your privacy, which doesn't apply to most free VPNs in general. Your data will be protected using OpenVPN (AES-256) and WireGuard (ChaCha20) protocols paired with a bulletproof no-logs policy. A kill switch is there as well, so you won't have to worry about accidental data leaks.

This VPN will give you a single connection only. That means there are no simultaneous device connections. On the other hand, you will get applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and even Web browsers and routers are supported.

If you decide to subscribe to this VPN and get a premium plan, you'll reserve your right to test-drive ProtonVPN for up to 30 days based on its money-back policy. Aside from that, there's no 24/7 live chat support, but you'll get support tickets and support via email.

PROS

  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • Secure access to the Dark Web.
  • Works on any device.
  • Audited no-logs policy.
  • No ads or other annoyances.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • On the slow side.
  • Small server network.
  • No 24/7 live chat support.

5. Windscribe - Free VPN with Unlimited Device Connections

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Router
Parallel Connections
Data Limit

Windscribe is a smaller free Dark Web VPN provider that doesn't get the attention it deserves. Its paid service is great, but its free VPN is surprisingly good too. You get 2GB of monthly data, but you can get 10GB if you sign up with an email address and confirm it. There are also occasional promotions using which you get around 5GB extra per month.

What you'll also get is a server network that features hundreds of servers in 10+ countries. The most popular locations are available free of charge. In terms of its performance, you can expect relatively fast speeds, which means you might spend your data allowance quite quickly.

Also, Windscribe doesn't compromise its security and privacy. Among others, you'll get VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. There's also a no-logs policy, which was audited not too long ago. A kill switch is there as well, which comes in the form of a firewall, in this case.

Another perk is that Windscribe imposes no limits on simultaneous connections. You'll find apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. So, you can install any number of those and use the same VPN account across the board. Too bad that you get limited bandwidth.

When it comes to support, the situation is a bit tricky. There's no 24/7 live chat support - a bot is offered instead, but it's largely unhelpful. So, you'll have to rely on support via email, which is definitely not the fastest way to ask for assistance. And if you decide to become a paying customer, you'll get to count on a 3-day money-back policy only.

PROS

  • Relatively fast performance.
  • Servers in 10+ countries.
  • Advanced kill switch.
  • Audited no-logs policy.
  • Reliable and trustworthy.

CONS

  • Limited data allowance.
  • No 24/7 live chat support.

6. Atlas VPN - Trustworthy VPN for Browsing the Dark Web

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Atlas VPN comes from the same company as NordVPN and offers a free tier for those looking for a free-of-charge option. That said, it's a viable option - but it's more limited than our other recommendations. For example, you get only 5GB of monthly data allowance, with no option to increase that unless you pay.

You also get 4 server locations in 3 countries (the US, Singapore, and the Netherlands). Unless you're near those countries, you'll end up with a somewhat stable performance. If those servers are far from your physical location, your access to the Dark Web might become unstable and noticeably slow.

On the plus side, Atlas VPN is a highly safe and private VPN solution. It relies on protocols like WireGuard paired with ChaCha20 encryption. There's also a no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that your access to the Dark Web will remain confidential. Aside from that, a kill switch is available, and it works on practically any device and operating system.

Atlas VPN will give you unlimited simultaneous connections. There are also simple-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. So, before you spend your 5GB of monthly data, Atlas VPN will remain accessible from a wide range of platforms.

Also, 24/7 live chat is there - but only for premium subscribers. If you ever need help, you'll have to rely on self-help resources or email support. Subscribing to this VPN will enable 24/7 live chat support, and you'll be covered by a 30-day money-back policy.

PROS

  • Safe access to the Dark Web.
  • Fully automated VPN apps.
  • Audited no-logs policy.
  • High-end protocols and encryption.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

CONS

  • 5GB of monthly data.
  • No 24/7 live chat support (for free).
  • Performance can vary.

Free VPN for the Dark Web: Compared

NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN Proton VPN Windscribe Atlas VPN
Number of Servers 5,500+ 3,200+ 3,000+ 100+ 100+ 4+
Numbers of Countries 60 100+ 100+ 3 10+ 3
Expected Performance Fast Fast Fast Slow Medium Slow
Data Allowance Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited 10GB/month 5GB/month
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 8 1 Unlimited Unlimited
Logging Policy No-logs No-logs No-logs No-logs Anonymized logs No-logs
Kill Switch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Obfuscated Servers Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
VPN Protocols OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
NordLynx 
OpenVPN,
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
Lightway
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
WireGuard
Stealth
OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
WireGuard
Stealth
Wstunnel
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPsec
Supported Devices Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Routers
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Routers
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Routers
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Customer Support 24/7 live chat 24/7 live chat 24/7 live chat Email support Email support Email support
Money-Back Guarantees 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 3 days 30 days
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get ExpressVPN Get Proton VPN Get Windscribe Get Altas VPN

Why Is It Dangerous to Use a Free VPN for Dark Web?

Free Dark Web VPNs are dangerous to use as they can put your privacy at risk. They do so by offering inferior protocols and encryption or by actively collecting your data. Here's why we don't recommend using a free VPN for the Dark Web:

How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Dark Web?

To choose the best free VPN for the Dark Web, you need to find one with a generous data allowance, acceptable performance, and plenty of servers overall. Here's what to keep in mind:

What Are the Limitations of Free Dark Web VPNs?

Free Dark Web VPNs typically come with limited bandwidth, less secure protocols, and they have small server fleets. That means you won't get the unlimited experience of browsing the Dark Web. Here's more on the limitations of a free VPN for the Dark Web:

Final Thoughts

Accessing the Dark Web shouldn't be taken lightly, as you'll expose yourself to aggresive trackers and potentially malicious code. On top of that, your ISP will see your Dark Web activities, which means you practically won't have any privacy. A free VPN is a possible solution, but remember that free VPNs come with limited bandwidth, restricted performance, and overly small server networks.

That's why we recommend a better option - to pick a free VPN trial. More precisely, we recommend NordVPN's free trial, giving you a taste of how a powerful and VPN should work. With NordVPN, you get 6,000+ servers, robust protocols, specialialized servers, and highly polished apps for any device.

However, if you're set on using a free VPN for Dark Web, you can go with Proton VPN. It's a premium VPN with a free tier, where you get unlimited bandwidth. Still, expect somewhat unpredictable performance and you'll be limited to a handful of server location.

FAQ

Is It Safe to Use a Free VPN for the Dark Web?

No, it’s not always safe to use a free VPN for the Dark Web. Most free VPNs aren’t strong enough to protect you, but it’s better to use a free VPN than no VPN at all. That said, free trials of premium VPNs are the best way to ensure your safety on the Dark Web. 

Can I Use a Free VPN to Access the Dark Web?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for the Dark Web. However, a free VPN won’t protect you as well as a premium VPN. This is why we always recommend using a free trial of a premium VPN like NordVPN over any free VPN provider.

What’s the Best Free VPN for the Dark Web?

The best free VPN for the Dark Web is Proton VPN. You won't get to pay for Proton VPN, but you'll find a very limited server network and restricted performance. On the plus side, this VPN will keep you safe and sound on the Dark Web.

That would be all for our guide on the best free VPN for the Dark Web. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!



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