10 Best Onion Sites on Dark Web in 2025
You may have heard about the dark web in a way that evokes its shocking value, but did you know that the dark web also comprises some outstanding and creative platforms dedicated to various fields?
The dark web isn’t considered a dangerous place anymore, unless you are involved in illegal activities. It is a vast platform where you can find privacy-centric and other hidden gems, including Onion websites.
If you are ready to embrace its technical site, this guide has the best Onion sites you can find on the dark web in 2025.
What are Onion Sites?
Onion sites are websites that have .onion in their end and can only be accessed via the Tor browser. You cannot access dark web onion sites on your traditional browsers that only work to let you access websites with .com, .org, .edu, .net, and .us. In the dark web, you cannot find a website with a normal link, but instead, they’ll have some weird-looking suffixes appended. For example, Facebook.com is facebookvorewwwi.onion in the dark web – weird huh?
Furthermore, Onion sites are not registered in any central registry like regular websites, which are registered in the central database with their domain name and owner information. This makes Onion sites inaccessible with your regular browser, and you need a specialized Tor browser.
What Not to Do on Dark Web
Although the dark web is a hub for some resourceful things, it’s also a hub for illicit markets, scams, and derogatory services. Here is what not to do while you are on the dark web.
- Avoid going to darknet markets that sell scheduled substances and weapons.
- Illegal services like hitmen and other scams
- Visiting an Immoral child-related content provider
- Phishing sites
Best Onion Sites on Dark Web in 2025 (By Category)
If you are interested, the following Onion sites on the dark web are endorsed by millions for their useful content and complete legitimacy.
1. The Hidden Wiki (Onion Directory)
The Hidden Wiki is the first Onion site you should visit because it’s a comprehensive directory where the onion sites are organized in different categories. If you have used Yellow Pages in real life, think of The Hidden Wiki as a Yellow Pages for the dark web.
Not only can you find a categorized index of .onion sites, but also a short description given to them that helps you acknowledge the nature of the site. If you are new to the dark web or the Tor browser, you’ll find this relatable to a variety of topics, allowing you to discover the Onion sites of your choice.
However, The Hidden Wiki contains some links which may lead to illegal content, but again, it’s your choice to visit those websites or not.
URL: http://zqktlwi4fecvo6ri.onion
2. ProtonMail (Encrypted Email)
Encrypted email providers are very few in number, and you will find ProtonMail in the list of the best email providers. It’s also an Onion website that allows users to bypass censorship and surveillance.
ProtonMail is an epitome of email privacy that offers end-to-end email encryption and two-factor authentication that user can toggle on/off as per their will. ProtonMail does not maintain IP logs, which means you will be granted 100% anonymity. It also appears to be a straightforward setup. If you are in the journalism profession or are involved in whistleblowing from any country in the world, this is the right service for you. However, ProtonMail free accounts have limited storage, so you have to upgrade to the premium.
URL: http://protonirockerxow.onion
3. SecureDrop (Whistleblowing Platform)
SecureDrop can be obtained by visiting an Onion site that safely transfers your documents to the receiver, who can be a journalist. SecureDrop is used by some top-notch organizations around the world for whistleblowing, such as The Washington Post, The Guardian, ProPublica, and many others. The dark web file transferring system offers encrypted document submission that prevents your metadata from getting shared.
As the best Onion site for journalists, SecureDrop is trusted by major news channels due to its advanced level of encryption. On the downside, it’s a one-way communication at the start and might take some time for you to see a reply.
URL: https://secrdrop5wyphb5x.onion
4. Dread (Community Forum)
If you are into darknet research or in between OPSEC learning, Dread is a real-time Reddit in the dark web where you can discuss anything about privacy, cryptocurrency, Tor software, and darknet marketplaces.
On Dread, you’ll be judged based on your reply and contribution to the community. It also has a feature of Subdreads, which is like subreddits. It’s fun, has active users at any time of the day, and comprises rich content for ardent dark web learners.
You may access Dread only by using the Tor browser, and on the platform, there can be times when people are involved in some highly controversial and illegal topics, so brace yourself!
URL: http://dreadditevelidot.onion
5. Ahmia (Dark Web Search Engine)
For the cautious ones, Ahmia lets them search for the safe Onion sites without landing on the malicious ones. You can find indexed results on Ahmia with short descriptions about every leak. There is also a clearnet and Tor access available, which is safe for beginners who don’t want to see the illegal and exploitative content.
Ahmia is a useful tool for discovering new content on the dark web, featuring a user-friendly interface that continues to improve.
URL: http://msydqstlz2kzerdg.onion
6. OnionShare (Anonymous File Sharing)
Speaking of privacy and security, Onion sites, OnionShare is a fully secure file-sharing system that does not use third-party servers. You can set up a temporary chat room for file sharing, as it allows anonymous file hosting as well. You can find a desktop app for OnionShare as it guarantees complete anonymity and cross-platform support.
But your transfer speed depends on the Tor network, but overall, it’s the best Onion site for sending sensitive information without leaving any trace.
7. Deep Web Radio (Streaming Radio and Music)
Not everything has to be informative or serious on the dark web, but some is fun too. Deep Web Radio lets you play a massive range of musical genres via Tor network. This may look astounding, but you’ll be learning about the new genres you’ve never heard before.
In addition, Deep Web Radio has no ads and trackers that make it a hassle-free musical experience. The Onion site respects your privacy and supports multiple genres and 24/7 streaming via .onion.
You can also use Deep Web Radio without signing in, and the best part, it does not log users’ IP and metadata. Although the music is being played in a low bitrate, this doesn’t seem to bother the overall quality.
URL: http://76qugh5bey5gum7l.onion
8. ZeroBin Paste & Media
A self-destructing paste service! ZeroBin Paste & Media supports all types of documents, including text, code, media links, etc. You can say it’s a privacy-centric alternative to one of the best pasting tools.
You can select your own password, set expiry timers, and paste anything you want to keep as a secret, like code, lyrics, scripts, and stories. With this Onion site, you can have full anonymity, and it is a chosen app by world-renowned writers, coders, and gamers.
URL: http://zerobinqmdqd236y.onion
9. AnonVideos (Video Streaming)
If you are interested in watching political exposés, documentaries, indie, or short films, AnonVideos is what gives you censor-free content in all media. It’s a self-hosted video player that specializes in whistleblower content with no ads or tracking attached. Additionally, there is no need for JavaScript to run this.
If you are a journalist, in political education, or a creator of indie films, you can choose AnonVideos to stream anonymously.
URL: http://anonvideos5cukjd.onion
10. TorBoard Games Hub (Gaming/Puzzle)
The dark web is a place for some intricate puzzles and board games that haven’t seen the light of day on the broadlight internet. But if you want to have a taste of some classic board games such as checkers, Othello, Battleship, and Go, you need to get this via Tor!
The Onion site offers two-player matchmaking where you can chat using text and emoji. Another fine thing about TorBoard Games Hub is that you don’t have to make an account, and at the end, your game can be saved and resumed for later via a link.
It’s an excellent boredom buster through which you can play anonymously with a dazzling interface. However, there is no AI mode available, and matchmaking can sometimes take longer.
URL: http://torboardgamesae7.onion
How to Access Onion Sites
In 2025, you cannot skip any security or privacy protocol while accessing Onion sites, so here are the best tips to access them.
Tor Browser
The first thing to keep in mind is that most Onion sites cannot be accessed using a regular browser such as Chrome or Safari. For this, you need to download Tor Browser from their official website. Tor Browser is designed to access Onion sites on the dark web by connecting you to the Tor Network.
Use a VPN
While choosing a VPN, make sure to go for a trusted one. You see, every VPN tends to change your IP address, just like Tor Browser, but only a top-notch VPN can help you integrate additional privacy and security features that assist you in browsing the dark web safely.
Avoid Unknown Sources Downloads
Most of the Onion sites will have malicious files ready to be launched at you, so it’s better not to download any of them in case of a pop-up window.
Do Not Log into Personal Accounts
While on the dark web, never use your personal Gmail or Facebook account. This is to help you maintain your online safety since millions of people neglect this tip on a daily basis and end up being hacked.
Conclusion – Explore the Best Onion Sites in 2025!
There can be hundreds of Onion sites on the dark web to visit, but we recommend taking it slow so you can see for yourself how useful yet dangerous the world of the dark web can be. Accessing Onion sites with safety is the key, and if you grab onto this technique only, your experience on the dark web will definitely be more frequent and awe-inspiring.
Do not forget to equip your device with some useful tools as mentioned above. Whereas, Ivacy VPN will help you surf the dark web without getting affected by the phishing attacks and malware lurking in every corner of the Onion sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are onion sites used for?
Onion sites provide a range of functions, but the unifying thread is privacy and anonymity for both users and service providers. It is almost impossible to trace onion site activities, including the names of those who use them.
As a result, the dark web has become a breeding ground for unlawful behavior. However, onion sites can also serve higher purposes, such as enabling access to information and independent media in nations where government restrictions exist.
Activists, whistleblowers, and journalists utilize the dark web to communicate with sources and news organizations securely.
Is it illegal to visit Onion sites?
If you are not doing any illegal activities, some Onion sites can be fun and productive to spend time on. The majority of Onion sites on the dark web deal with features from an extended category of our daily life, and the reason it’s illegal in many people’s eyes is because of the illegal content available there.
What kind of content is on the dark web?
As previously stated, most of the material on the dark web is similar to that found on the regular Internet (news, discussion forums, online services), but it is available on a more anonymous platform.
On the other hand, some content is only available on Onion sites to avoid discovery by law enforcement: gore sites and other illicit media, as well as marketplaces selling illegal products such as narcotics, guns, and phony documents.
Can you access the dark web with a VPN?
Yes, using a VPN while accessing Onion sites on the dark web adds another shield to your device, which encrypts all the online traffic while keeping you anonymous at all times.
Tor over VPN is an excellent way to boost your privacy compared to using Tor alone.
Why is it called an onion site?
Onion sites are dark web websites with the ‘.onion’ domain name extension. They use Tor’s hidden services to conceal their location and the names of their owners. Using a Tor browser is the only way to access Onion sites.
Is the onion site safe?
Yes! But we still recommend using a VPN before accessing any Onion site to be on the safe side.
How many onion sites are there?
There are almost 100,000 distinct onion service addresses on the Internet, and over two million individuals use Tor daily.
Is Tor illegal?
It is not unlawful to use Tor to surf the Internet. The download is free, and concealing your IP address and browser history is not unlawful in and of itself. However, many people who use Tor intentionally remain anonymous while engaging in criminal activity.
How do onion sites work?
The “.onion” addresses are web addresses for websites on the dark web. Because, as previously stated, the Tor network lacks a DNS, there is no query for IP addresses matching domain names.
The addresses that finish in the top-level domain “.onion” are alphanumeric, with 16 or 56 characters for Onion Services V2 and V3. They are based on a publicly available cryptographic key.
You must generate one using the public key to have a unique “.onion” address. Whatever version of the onion service you use, the generated address will be a random string of 16 or 56 characters with no input.
