5 Best Free VPNs for the Dark Web in 2024

Your access to the Dark Web is secured by the Tor browser, which uses relays to obscure your data. Still, your ISP and others will see that you use Tor, which you can hide by using a VPN. The good news is that you can use a free VPN to access the Darknet. However, you'll face a number of limitations.

Free VPNs will slow you down, come with limited bandwidth, and feature less powerful and secure protocols That's why we'll also recommend free VPN trials. They offer a way to experience how the best Dark Web VPNs should work.

In this guide, we'll discuss the best free VPNs for the Dark Web, including some free trials as well. We'll compare our recommendations, explain how to secure your access to the Dark Web, and pick the best VPN. We'll also discuss the dangers and limitations of using free VPNs and answer some FAQs.

Best Free VPNs for the Dark Web - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Free Trial VPN for the Dark Web in 2024
2. Surfshark - User-Centric Free VPN Trial with a Worldwide Server Network
3. ExpressVPN – Ultra-Secure VPN Free Trial with Enhanced Privacy
4. ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN for the Dark Web with Unlimited Bandwidth
5. Windscribe - Free VPN Provider with Plenty of Server Locations

How to Get a Free VPN Trial for the Dark Web

Once you've found a suitable VPN trial, you'll first need to sign up. Then, download its app, connect to a server, and you can then access the Dark Web. 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 service 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 obfuscated servers, 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 a wallet-friendly price, a generous money-back guarantee, as well as 24/7 live chat support.

Based on the criteria mentioned above, these are the top 5 free VPN services to access the Dark Web in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Free Trial VPN for the Dark Web in 2024

NordVPN has always been known for 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 6,300+ servers in 111 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 without the Onion Router.

NordVPN employs obfuscated servers and protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec 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 10 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.

Everything listed above is available at $3.09/month (2-year plan). 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.

2. Surfshark - User-Centric Free VPN Trial with a Worldwide Server Network

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 obfuscation across the board and VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, 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.

Right now, this VPN Is available at $2.19/month (2-year plan). Let's not forget to mention a 30-day money-back policy as well. There's also 24/7 live chat support, in addition to plenty of installation guides, tutorials, and other types of support resources.

3. ExpressVPN – Ultra-Secure VPN Free Trial with Enhanced Privacy

ExpressVPN is another powerful option 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 thousands of servers in 105 countries. In other words, there's always going to be a server nearby that provides optimal performance. More precisely, ExpressVPN should work well even on slower baseline connections. 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.

This VPN comes with obfuscated servers and protocols such as OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2/IPsec. They're paired with AES-256 and WolfSSL 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. 

ExpressVPN's annual plan is priced at $6.67/month. This VPN 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.

4. ProtonVPN - Best Free VPN for the Dark Web with Unlimited Bandwidth

Proton VPN is a free-of-charge provider 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.

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 5 countries (the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland). Those servers are often overcrowded, so you'll get less-than-ideal speeds that can also be quite unpredictable.

On the other hand, Proton VPN will never endanger your privacy. Aside from its support for obfuscation through the Stealth protocol, your data will be protected via OpenVPN (AES-256), IKEv2/IPsec, 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 (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 become a paying user, you'll get to pay $4.49/month for its 2-year 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.

5. Windscribe - Free VPN Provider with Plenty of Server Locations

Windscribe is a viable option to get a Dark Web VPN for free, offering plenty of tricks up its sleeve. 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. There's support of obfuscation, and you'll get protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and Stealth, 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.

To unlock all its features, you'll need to pay $5.75/month (annual plan). If you decide to become a paying customer, you'll get to count on a 3-day money-back policy only. Also, 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.

Comparison of the Free VPNs for the Dark Web

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

Aside from providing weak security and low-end encryption, free VPNs are also risky to use because they can compromise your data. Plus, they typically log sensitive information, inject online ads, and share your Web browsing history with third parties. Here's more information:

• Weak Security & Low-End Encryption: Running a high-end VPN costs a lot of money, which is why free VPNs typically resort to lower-end protocols and encryption as a way to cut their costs. However, that also means they provide inferior protection.
• Your Sensitive Data Might Leak: Most VPNs aren't powerful enough to prevent data leaks, which means they can compromise your sensitive information. Also, they use deceptive data logging practices that allow trackers to see what you do online.
• You'll Be Tracked Online: It's common for free VPNs to use trackers that collect data about your device, Internet connection, and your browsing habits. They're typically not bound by no-logs policies that would prevent them from data logging.
• Others Might Get to Your Data: As one could expect, free VPNs can't invest in building ultra-strong systems that protect servers from breaches. Also, no free VPNs are open-source, which means there's no way of knowing what happens in the background.
• Your Private Data Will Be Sold: As a way to generate revenue, free VPNs often collect data about your Web history, which is then sold to the highest bidder. In most cases, that data ends up in the hands of marketing agencies.
• You'll See Tons of Ads Online: We've seen many examples of malicious VPNs that intercept your traffic and inject ads as you browse the Web. This is just one of the many less-than-honest ways for free VPNs to earn money without having to charge you.
• Malware-Related Worries: The most dangerous free VPNs are those that infect you with malware for the purpose of stealing your sensitive information. There are usually obscure free VPNs that promise premium-level VPN features.
• Outdated and Vulnerable Software: Without constant updates, there's no way you'll end up with a leak-free VPN tunnel for your data. That's why premium VPNs cost money, as they need a lot of investments in software development.

Factors in Selecting the Best Free VPN for Dark Web

You should focus on finding a VPN with a generous data allowance, the ability to access the Dark Web without any workarounds, acceptable performance, and plenty of servers overall. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Ability to Access the Dark Web: Your chosen free VPN should give you unrestricted access to the Dark Web on any device you have, with clear access to any 'onion' website.
• Data Allowance: Most free VPNs come with data allowances that reset every day, week, or month. You need to know how much data you'll get before using any VPN.
• Server Network Size & Distribution: Since free VPNs typically come with limited server networks, it's crucial to know the location of their servers.
• Support for Obfuscation: This feature will allow you to use smaller VPN data packets, which means you'll reach a higher level of anonymity. Plus, you'll bypass geo-blocks easier.
• Performance: If you care about downloading or uploading data to the Dark Web, it's important to pick a VPN with uncapped performance.
• Security & Privacy: Don't sacrifice your privacy just because you use a free VPN. Make sure to pick one that supports OpenVPN or WireGuard, which are the best protocols right now.
• Supported Devices: Think about the devices you use for the Dark Web and then ensure your chosen VPN offers native apps for all those devices.
• Kill Switch: A capable kill switch will prevent data leaks and ensure your sensitive information stays away from the Internet, even if your VPN session drops.
• Wallet-Friendly Price: You don't have to overpay for a VPN. However, we do recommend getting a long-term subscription, as that's how you'll save the most.
• Simultaneous Connections: Each VPN supports a different number of simultaneous connections. There are also some VPNs, even free-of-charge ones, that support unlimited device connections.
• Money-Back Guarantees: If you decide to pay at some point, you'll want your purchase to be backed by a solid money-back policy. In most cases, you'll have 30 days to change your mind.
• Customer Support: Go for a VPN that offers 24/7 live chat support, as that's the most efficient way to resolve any technical issue.

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:

• Insufficient Privacy and Security: Most free VPNs are based on outdated protocols that are filled with vulnerabilities, putting your online privacy and safety at risk.
• Limited Data Bandwidth: Without unlimited bandwidth, you won't get to browse the Dark Web as much as you want. Most free VPNs are limited to 5-10 GB per month.
• Small Number of Server Locations: While premium VPNs have servers in 90+ countries, free VPNs typically offer a dozen of servers in up to 10 countries max.
• Few Supported Devices: Very few free VPNs support all of the currently popular desktop and mobile platforms, and even fewer have well-designed applications.
• Few Simultaneous Connections: As you can expect, you won't get to use a free VPN from two or more devices at once, mostly due to bandwidth constraints.
• Slow Speed & Unstable Performance: Since they offer a handful of servers, those are most often overcrowded, which translates to noticeable slowdowns.
• Limited VPN Features: Thinking about using a kill switch or maybe a powerful ad-blocker? Or maybe you need split tunneling? Well, a free VPN will hardly bring all those features.
• Can't Evade Geo-Blocks: The ability to bypass geo-blocks and evade censorship depends on the strength of VPN protocols. That's why free VPNs have a problem with that.
• No 24/7 Live Chat Support: When something goes wrong, you'll want a team that awaits your questions 24/7. With a free VPN, you'll get to rely on email support only.

Final Thoughts

Accessing the Dark Web shouldn't be taken lightly, as you'll expose yourself to aggressive trackers and malicious code. On top of that, your ISP will see your activities, which means you won't have any privacy. A free VPN for the Dark Web is a possible solution, but remember that free VPNs come with various limitations in terms of their bandwidth, performance, and server network size.

That's why we recommend a better option - to pick a free VPN trial. Without any doubt, you should go with NordVPN's free trial, giving you a taste of how a powerful VPN should work. With NordVPN, you get 6,300+ servers, robust VPN protocols, specialized servers, and highly polished apps for any device. That said, if you're set on using a free option, you can give Proton VPN a try.

That would be all for our guide on using a free VPN to safeguard your access to the Dark Net. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!