8 Best Dark / Deep Web Browsers for Anonymous Web Surfing (2023)

The Dark Web (or deep web), is a seemingly hidden world a far cry from the internet we know, love, and have become accustomed too.

A place shrouded in mystery for some and wonder for others. However, while you may have your preconceptions of what the Dark Web is like, the networks do have their benefits.

While you’ve probably heard about all the criminal activity that takes place, one of the biggest benefits of using a Dark Web browser is being able to surf the internet anonymously.

This means hackers, governments, and even internet service providers and the websites you’re visiting won’t be able to tell who you are.

However, for this to work, you’re going to need the right browser for the job. Today, we’re going to explore 8 of the best Dark/Deep Web browsers available right now, helping you to choose the one that’s right for you and can help you browse the internet anonymously.

• 8 Best Dark / Deep Web Browsers in 2022
• Use Dark / Deep Web Browsers for Privacy Keeping? Not Enough!

8 Best Dark / Deep Web Browsers in 2022

To connect to the Dark / Deep Web and Tor Network, you’re going to need a deep web browser that’s capable of connecting to the entry and exit nodes.

Below, we’ve listed eight of the best Dark/Deep Web browsers, making it easy for you to choose the hidden web browser that’s right for you.

Tips: Learn how to share files using a dark web browser.

#1 - The Tor Browser

The dark internet browser it all started from. If you want to access the Tor Network, you’re always going to be using a version of this hidden web Browser, but for the most basic and simplistic browsing experience, it’s a good idea to stick with it.

The Tor darknet Browser is an open-source deep browser that’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as Android mobile devices. This was the first Deep Web browser of its kind and is one of the tightest and most secure ways to start browsing the Dark Web using an anonymous deep web browser.

Tips: To remain completely anonymous when using the Tor browser, you need a VPN.

#2 - Subgraph OS

Subgraph OS is a deep web browser based on the Tor dark internet browser and does use the same source code for its main build. As you would expect, it’s designed to help you access the internet in a free, private, and secure way that helps to protect your safety and anonymity.

Just like the Krypton anonymous browser, the Subgraph anonymous deep web browser is built using multiple layers, as are its internet connections to the Tor Network to help improve this. Some of the other platforms included in this build include Kernal Hardening, Metaproxy, and FileSystem Encryption.

Another great feature of this deep dark web browser is the ‘container isolation settings’.

This means that any malware containers can be isolated out of the rest of your connection in an instant. This is great for if you’re instant messaging and receiving files and messages, using email, or confronting other vulnerabilities while using the internet.

This is easily one of the most popular dark web browsers currently available, and well worth looking into if you’re looking for a safe and fast dark web experience.

#3 - Firefox

Yes, we’re talking about the well-known dark browser available for free and competes with the likes of Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, and more.

All you need to do is access the settings and route your browser to connect through the Tor Network, instructions for which you should be able to find online.

However, before connecting, you’ll want to make sure to download some extra privacy plugins, such as HTTPS Everywhere, to ensure you’re protected from malicious users. Using a VPN can also help dramatically in this case.

#4 - Waterfox

While we’re on the subject of Firefox, we should talk about Waterfox. This is another variety of the Firefox browser (obviously), but with the connection to Mozilla switched off completely.

What’s more, this anonymous deep web browser is capable of deleting all your online information from your computer after every session, as do your passwords, cookies, and history.

It also automatically blocks trackers while you are browsing.

However, despite having a few radical differences from Firefox, many of the legacy plugins are still supported for you to download and use. There are Windows and Android versions of this browser available, and the community around the dark internet browser is still fairly active.

#5 - ISP - Invisible Internet Project

The Invisible Internet Project is an I2P program that allows you to access the internet effortlessly, both the surface web and the dark web through a layered stream. Since your data is muddled and masked by this stream of constant data, it makes it much more difficult to pinpoint and identify you.

You can use both public and private keys through this I2P browser and also implements Darknet technology and a decentralized file storage system to help users remain anonymous; a bit like Bitcoin works.

If this all sounds complicated, then you’re right, it is. However, the hidden web browser gets the job done, and is a great alternative if you’re looking for something other than the Tor darknet Browser.

#6 - Tails - The Amnesic Incognito Live System

Like the vast majority of dark/deep web browsers that exist, the Tails darknet browser is again based on the original Tor browser. However, this build could be better defined as a live operating system, especially since it can be booted and accessed from a USB stick or DVD without installation.

This is then built upon using highly advanced cryptographic tools to add the protective layers that ensure you stay hidden while browsing the internet. This includes all files, messages, videos, images, and emails sent and received to you and your accounts.

To maximize the level of security you have while you’re browsing, the Tails onion browser dark web will automatically shut down and temporarily halt the use of whatever OS you’re currently using, really minimizing the risks out there for getting discovered.

Of course, this will all revert to normal once the Tails system has been closed. Don’t worry, only RAM is used to run this OS, and your hard drive and disk space will remain untouched. While Tor may be the most popular hidden web browser, the Tails system is, in fact, one of the best.

#7 - Opera

Yes, we are talking about the mainstream Opera browser.

Just like the Firefox browser, you’ll need to go into the settings to change the router information to connect to the Tor network. However, once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to access the Dark Web as you please.

The reason we chose Opera is the fact that the most recent version comes with a built-in VPN feature. While this is nowhere near as good as a premium or professional quality VPN service, it is another layer of protection in case you forget to put it on, or you simply have no money for a VPN.

But then you probably shouldn’t be going on the Dark Web anyway.

Opera is renowned for its ever-increasing speed, and it’s growing community of users. This means there are more and more plugins available, all coming together to provide you with a great browsing experience.

#8 - Whonix

The final dark/deep web browser we’re detailing today is the Whonix browser. This is another widely popular browser that’s built from the source code of the Tor Browser, so you can expect the same kind of connection and experience.

However, there are remarkable differences when it comes to the levels of security you get when using this browser. Since this browser is lightning-fast and uses the Tor network, it doesn’t even matter if some malicious code or software has root privileges, the DNS connection is so full-proof, it still won’t be able to track you; especially if you’re using a VPN.

What you’ll also love about the Whonix browser is the fact you can’t just connect, but also has the capabilities to set up and manage your own Tor server. Everything you need to do this is available from within the browser and can even be run on a Virtual Machine.

There are several other amazing features this browser has to offer, but all can be found in detail on the Whonix website. In short, if you’re looking for a powerful Dark Web experience with all the extras, Whonix could be for you.

Use Dark / Deep Web Browsers for Privacy Keeping? Not Enough!

How a Dark / Deep Web Browser works for Privacy Keeping

So we’re on all the same page, let’s first explore what a deep Dark Web browser is and how it works.

Firstly, the Dark Web is connected (all websites and servers, etc.) by what is known as the ‘Tor Network.’ In comparison, the ‘Surface Web’ is the kind of internet you access regularly. These are your websites like Twitter and Amazon.

The Surface Web is easily accessible since it’s indexed by search engines and you can simply type in what you want to find and voila. However, you’ve probably heard about the recent Facebook scandals claiming that Facebook was tracking its users and the websites they were visiting.

Google has been doing this for years to improve its ad network and ultimately make more money. Websites will track you, to give you a personalized experience. Depending on what you’re up to, a government agency or hacker can easily track what you’re doing on the internet and where.

If this isn’t something you like the sound of, or you’re living in a country where the Surface Web is blocked or restricted, the Dark Web could be for you.

Without going into the technical stuff, you’ll open your browser and connect to a Tor entry node that will connect you into the Tor Network.

Your internet traffic will then bounce around the world to multiple other computers and servers connected to the Tor network at the same time; usually three.

This means that if anybody is looking at your internet traffic, they’ll just see a meaningless bit of data that can’t be translated into anything because it’s not all there, therefore, minimizing the chances of you being tracked.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s safe when the Tor network is there.

A VPN is needed for absolute anonymity

While the risk of being hacked or monitored while browsing is deeply minimized, certain websites, cookies, or downloading and opening certain files, such as PDF documents, can be a sure-fire way to reveal you're true IP address.

This is why a VPN is needed to protect you during your onion browser dark web activities.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is another way to mask the internet traffic from your dark browser. Let’s say you’re using your darknet browser to surf the internet from your computer in London.

Using a VPN, you can spoof your location to Paris, meaning anybody who is capable of seeing your IP address will be redirected to Paris, rather than your actual physical location where you can be identified for exactly who you are.

Using a VPN is so important as an extra layer of security to help you protect yourself when using a deep dark web browser, and it should always be implemented if you want to stay safe, secure, and anonymous when online browsing any kind of web!

Bonus Tip: How to Spoof or Change your Location on your Mobile Device? Check Below:

Disclaimer

Please note that while using and browsing the Tor network is not illegal, it is possible to find yourself engaged in illegal activities while online. We do not condone nor encourage you to engage in these activities, and you do so at your own risk.

The information in this article is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, and we take no responsibility for the decisions you make if you choose to use it. This is also the case for any damages or incidents that take place while you’re online, such as being hacked or having your data stolen.