19 Best Deep Web | Dark Web Search Engines You Should Consider in 2025
You may have heard about the deep web/dark web, but you may be clueless about its applications. This is another side of the internet you may not have explored yet, but don’t fret, this could be because you haven’t really found much information on it! If that is the case, this will change once you go through this blog. In this guide, we have mentioned some of the best dark web search engines that can be used to surf through the dark web easily.
Updated 2025: This blog has been updated to reflect new changes in information. It now tells readers about the latest dependable deep web and dark web search engines to use in 2025.
Understanding the Dark Web and Its Enigma
Before diving into the world of dark web search engines, it’s crucial to differentiate between the terms “deep web” and “dark web.” The deep web comprises all parts of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines due to various reasons like privacy concerns or password protection. It includes your online banking account, private email, and even academic databases.
The dark web, on the other hand, represents a small portion of the deep web. It’s intentionally hidden and often associated with illicit activities, illegal marketplaces, and anonymity-focused platforms. Accessible through special software like Tor (The Onion Router), the dark web requires specific tools to explore its depths.
How to Access Dark Web Search Engine Without A Paid VPN?
But before diving into the depths of the dark web, ensure you’re protected with Ivacy VPN plan. Our state-of-the-art security features ensure that your online activity remains completely anonymous, so you can explore the dark web without fear of being tracked or monitored. And with Ivacy’s lightning-fast speeds, you can easily browse the dark web, no matter where you are in the world. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Ivacy’s VPN plan today and discover the hidden depths of the internet like never before!
Quick Steps To Access Deep Web Search Engine
Follow these steps to access deep/dark web search engine:
- Download Ivacy VPN app/extension on your device.
- Install the IVACY VPN on your device.
- Open smart Connect.
Here, you will learn about deep web vs. dark web, what dark web search engines are, and what options you have worth checking out. Without wasting any time, let’s dig in.
What is the Deep Web/Dark Web, and how to access it?
First and foremost, you need to understand that the deep web and the dark web are two completely different things. While both terms are often used interchangeably for each other, that is not accurate. The deep web refers to pages that are not indexed by search engines like Google, while the dark web refers to those pages that have been hidden intentionally. In a way, the dark web is a subset of the deep web, and a dedicated browser is required to access it.
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It is also worth noting that no matter what route you take, it is always advisable to use a reliable VPN. Whether you access the deep web or dark web, you will need a VPN to remain secure and anonymous at all times. Additionally, you will not have to worry about third parties, your ISP, or even your government monitoring you.
Best Dark Web Search Engine Links | Deepweb Search Engines 2025
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best dark web search engines worth checking out. Remember, though, you could be putting yourself at risk while carrying out a dark web search, so take extreme caution and use a reliable VPN at all times. Moreover, you will need to use a dark web browser to access any of the following sites.
1. DuckDuckGo – Dark Web’s Google
If you’re looking for the best dark web search engines, this one tops the list. What sets DuckDuckGo apart from the rest of the crowd is that it does not track any of its users. Privacy-conscious users will feel right at home with DuckDuckGo, and dark web users will benefit from it due to its numerous anonymity features. Considering the fact that DuckDuckGo is TOR’s default search engine, its importance cannot be denied.
If you’re a person who’s really concerned about their privacy, here’s something to put this into perspective: while other search engines like Google can track every move that you make, as our favorite dark web search engine, DuckDuckGo doesn’t. Even when you’re not using a search engine, there are still trackers that are tracking your online activity every second, dedicated to using your data to send you targeted ads.
DuckDuckGo is, in our opinion, the best dark web search engine, that will let you escape this tracking altogether, and enjoy unbiased tracking results and data integrity.
To access DuckDuckGo using your dark web browser, click here.
Read more: Can a Free VPN Hide IP Addresses In 2025
2. Onion URL Repository
The Onion URL Repository is a collection of URLs specific to the Tor network, known as the Dark Web. The Tor network, which stands for The Onion Router, provides enhanced privacy and security features and allows access to websites with the .onion top-level domain.
These websites are only accessible through the Tor browser and can range from benign forums and chat rooms to more controversial and sometimes illegal content. The Onion URL Repository acts as a directory to these various .onion sites without hosting any content itself. Users of this repository need to be cautious, as the nature of the Dark Web means the safety and legality of these links can be quite varied.
3. Virtual Library
Finally, we arrive at what is recognized as one of the oldest darknet search engine archives in the history of the internet. This onion search engine download collection has tor website list of links and connections to virtually any topic imaginable, from social sciences to commerce channels.
We mean whatever we say.
Tim Berners-Lee created the onion search engine platform, which gives you an impression of its genuineness. This is one of the individuals responsible for the inception of the tor network and the internet. This should assist you to grasp the perspective of this tor tutorial website.
4. notEvil Dark Web
This dark web search tool is all about simplicity; in fact, it was modeled after Google. As the second one on our list of the 5 best dark web search engines, this one takes the cake for its design, simplicity, and neatness. Modelling Google’s old motto, “don’t be evil”, this dark web search engine does its best to give you comprehensive search results from its database of over 32 million websites and addresses.
Ever so slightly less powerful than our cult-favorite DuckDuckGo, because this one is unavailable to openweb users, this one is still one of the best dark web search engines to turn to when you’re looking to search .onion sites and explore areas left unexplored.
Read more: 15 Best DarkWeb Websites You Should Browse In 2025
5. Torch
Torch, a clever short for “Tor Search” is yet another one of the best dark web search engines if you’re looking to swim in the deep dark waters. Available for both the dark web and opennet, and claiming to have at least one billion dark websites and links in its database, this dark web search engine does seem to be the best of both worlds.
For a little history lesson, Torch dark web search engine was developed in 1996. It is the first and oldest dark web search engine available publicly. With a response time of 3 seconds, this search engine won’t have you waiting for answers to questions you’ve been curious about. What makes this search engine so incredible is that it doesn’t track you, censor your results, and respect your privacy. With these powerful features and remarkable performance, if this isn’t one of the best dark web search engines you’ve ever seen, we don’t know what is.
To access Torch using your dark web browser, click here.
6. Haystak
Still, looking for the best dark web search engine? Your search might end with Haystack. If creators of this dark web search engine are to be believed, Haystack has over 1 billion indexed pages. This incredible number of pages is reason enough for Haystak to make it to this list. Do keep in mind, though, that it is possible that many of these pages may not be working since sites created for the dark web are wiped away after a certain amount of time.
Created by a bunch of privacy campaigners who believe that your online activities should be your alone to know, this dark web search engine does exactly that; lets you control your privacy. Specially designed for the dark web, so that people can look up information they need without their data or privacy being compromised, this dark web search engine does its job brilliantly.
To access Haystak-one of the best dark web search engines, on your dark web browser, click here.
7. Ahmia.fi
Ahmia.fi could be considered the best dark web search engine because it allows users to access dark web links using a browser like Google Chrome. Eventually, you may need TOR to access those links, but at least it will enable you to check out links quickly this way.
To access Ahmia.fi using your dark web browser, click here.
You now have everything you need to know about dark web search engines and which ones are worth checking out. Be sure to use a dark web browser to access the search engines above, but most importantly, use a VPN.
8. Uncensored Hidden Wiki
While browsing the dark web, you need to stay protected and safe.
Previously, this dark side of the online search engine platform was even worse than it is now; unlawful websites may still be located throughout the database, so you must be careful what you click on, especially what darknet search engine URL you click on.
Nonetheless, the Tor address database has a wealth of useful websites and material. Simply keep in mind what deep web search engines 2019 links and websites you’re looking for.
9. Ecosia
Ecosia is an environmentally conscious search engine. Based in Berlin, Germany, it uses the revenue generated from online searches to plant trees in areas that need reforestation. Partnering with Bing for its search results and ads, Ecosia provides a similar experience to other search engines but stands out with its commitment to environmental sustainability.
It is a social business that prides itself on CO2-negative operations, financial transparency, and user privacy. Ecosia’s unique approach allows users to contribute to tree-planting efforts worldwide simply by searching the web, and the company ensures transparency by regularly publishing financial and tree-planting reports.
10. Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital database that is focused on providing universal access to all knowledge. It hosts a vast array of digital content, including books, movies, music, and an extensive archive of web pages. Founded in 1996, its goal is to preserve digital content for future generations, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and the general public.
The Internet Archive is perhaps best known for its Wayback Machine, which archives versions of web pages over time, allowing users to access and view content that has been altered or removed from the current web. Additionally, it offers access to a wide range of digitized materials, making it one of the largest and most important digital archives in existence.
Also read: How To Access Dark Web On iPhone And iOS In 2025
11. Recon
Hugbunt3r, a famous member of the dark web’s renowned Dread service, created Recon search engine. It intends to function as a database via which users may search for things from various merchants in various dark web markets.
Individual profile viewing options are also accessible for sellers and marketplaces, including statistics such as ratings, mirror links, number of listings, and uptime %.
12. Candle
Candle is yet another dark web/deep web search engine that users will find useful. The search engine enables web visitors to access Tor network’s onion links safely and easily. The site’s indexing covers more than 100,000 web pages, which includes forums, darknet markets, and a few legitimate sites as well.
The Candle search engine is somewhat different from the traditional Google search engine as it only provides users with the top ten search results for the queries entered. Moreover, the interface is absolutely minimalistic, with not many resources spent on the aesthetics of the web page design.
13. Kilos
Kilos may be primarily a go-to platform for cybercriminals to engage in drug dealing and other malicious activities. However, this search engine is still a reliable tool for well-intended internet users, such as whistleblowers who wish to remain anonymous.
What makes Kilos unique is that it does not filter out search results in order to restrict access. The search engine puts forth every possible relevant result for the users to access. However, this means that navigating on the Kilos browser requires additional caution and care since literally anything can pop up on the screen.
14. Gram
Grams is a unique dark web search engine that has gained attention for its focus on facilitating searches within dark web marketplaces. Specifically tailored for those seeking goods and services on these platforms, Grams lets users search for items available for purchase using cryptocurrencies. This specialization makes Grams an invaluable tool for those interested in the commercial aspects of the dark web. To access Gram on your dark web browser, click here.
15. OnionLandSearch
OnionLand Search boasts a vast index of websites, forums, and content within the Tor network. Its straightforward interface and comprehensive results make it a contender in the realm of dark web search engines. Whether you’re looking for forums discussing various topics or hidden websites, OnionLand has you covered. To access OnionLandSearch on your dark web browser, click here.
16. DarkSearch
DarkSearch positions itself as a privacy-focused dark web search engine that respects users’ anonymity. It indexes various types of content, from websites to forums, allowing users to search for hidden information while maintaining their privacy. DarkSearch’s commitment to security and simplicity sets it apart in the crowded dark web search engine landscape. To access DarkSearch on your dark web browser, click here.
17. MetaGer
MetaGer is a metasearch engine that not only encompasses results from mainstream search engines but also delves into the Deep Web. Known for its commitment to privacy, MetaGer operates as a nonprofit organization and employs a stringent privacy policy, ensuring that user data remains confidential. For those who value privacy without compromising on search results, MetaGer is a worthy consideration.
18. DiscreteSearch
In a Nutshell
These are the most sought-after dark web/deep web search engines to date. These search engines can almost virtually any dark web/deep web site for users. And as mentioned earlier, you will need a reliable VPN to keep you safe and secure online. A reliable VPN, like Ivacy VPN, will not only keep you protected online but also allow you to easily access the internet. For these reasons and many others, use Ivacy VPN to enjoy exploring the internet like never before!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a deep web search engine?
Yes, Duck Duck Go is one of the best deep web search engines that offer more deep web content than Google. To discover its results, it aggregates results from over 500 independent search tools.
Where can I find dark websites to visit?
The dark web is far more difficult to browse than the surface web. This is due in large part to the unusual and seemingly random links found on dark web pages. Fortunately, certain index websites, such as the Hidden Wiki and Daniel, identify and organise dark web connections. Are you looking for links? We compiled a list of the greatest dark web sites for quick access.
Is Tor browser illegal?
In short, it is not illegal to use the Tor browser. However, using the Tor browser for activities that are already illegal would again be illegal. Users must only use the Tor browser for legal activities. Moreover, one should practice extreme caution when using the Tor browser for visiting the dark web since the dark web can be a dangerous place.
Which browser is safe for the dark web?
The Tor browser is a reasonably safe browser for accessing the dark. It offers all the necessary security protocols to keep one safe from the hazards of the dark web. Also, the Duck Duck Go browser can help since it features strong privacy and security protocols.
Is it legal to surf the dark web?
Yes, it is completely legal to surf the dark web. For instance, whistle-blowers can use the dark web to expose malicious activities without risking their own identity online. Still, the dark web can be a dangerous place if proper precautions are not taken. That is why users should utilize the services of Ivacy VPN when visiting the dark web.
