Understanding .onion Links
The internet is vast, but beyond what most people access daily lies the dark web, a hidden part of the internet that requires special tools to reach. One of the key gateways to this hidden world is through .onion links—web addresses that are only accessible via the Tor (The Onion Router) network. These links provide users with enhanced privacy and anonymity, making them popular among those seeking secure communication or access to uncensored content.
However, not all .onion links are reliable. Many become inactive over time, while others lead to scams, phishing sites, or dangerous content. Therefore, users need to search for updated and verified links to avoid risks and wasted time.
To assist with this, all links referenced in this guide were tested and verified as of June 2025, ensuring they are currently functional and accurate.
Disclaimer: Accessing the dark web can be illegal or unsafe, depending on your location and intentions. This guide is strictly for educational and informational purposes. We do not endorse or encourage illegal activity, and readers should use caution, stay informed, and understand the laws in their country.
Before you start exploring our list of working dark web links, we recommend reviewing this guide on how to visit top dark web sites securely.
What Are .onion Links and Why They Matter
.onion links are special web addresses that are part of the Tor network, a system designed to allow users to browse the internet with enhanced privacy and anonymity. Unlike regular websites that end in extensions like .com or .org, .onion domains are only accessible through the Tor browser, which routes traffic through multiple encrypted layers, hiding the user’s IP address and location.
These links are central to how people access the dark web. They support a wide range of purposes—from whistleblowing platforms and privacy-focused email services, to journalism resources, forums, and yes, also some illicit markets. For people in censored or surveillance-heavy environments, .onion links can offer critical access to free information and communication tools without fear of tracking.
One of the key challenges with .onion sites is that they’re not indexed by traditional search engines like Google. Their URLs are often long, random strings that are hard to remember and even harder to discover organically. This is where curated directories—like the one provided in this guide—become essential. They help users find active, safe, and useful .onion sites without falling into traps set by fake or outdated listings.
Understanding and using .onion links responsibly opens a door to a more private internet, but it requires awareness, the right tools, and trustworthy resources.
How We Verified These Links
Given the unreliable and ever-changing nature of .onion websites, link verification is crucial. Many sites go offline without notice, and others are set up as phishing traps or scams, designed to exploit unsuspecting visitors. To ensure accuracy and safety, we conducted a thorough verification process for every link included in this guide.
All links were manually tested and confirmed to be online as of June 2025. We checked each site using the Tor Browser to verify that it loaded correctly, matched its expected content or service, and showed no signs of spoofing or malicious activity. Sites known for impersonating others or asking for suspicious personal information were excluded.
Our primary sources for trusted links included well-known directories and communities such as the Hidden Wiki, Dark.fail, and Dread, a Reddit-style forum dedicated to the dark web. These platforms are commonly used by experienced users to share up-to-date and verified .onion addresses. However, even reputable sources sometimes list fake or inactive links, so we double-checked every URL for authenticity and functionality.
While no system is completely foolproof, this process significantly reduces the risk of leading users to harmful or dead sites. Still, we strongly advise using a secure and updated Tor Browser, avoiding login prompts or file downloads from unfamiliar sources, and keeping your identity protected at all times.
Top 25 .onion Sites (Organized by Category)
All sites below were verified in June 2025. Replace direct links with encoded versions if publishing publicly. Always use caution and understand your local laws before accessing .onion sites.
🛒 Dark Web Markets
1. WhiteHouse Market
WhiteHouse Market was a highly respected darknet marketplace known for its tight security, PGP-only communication, and Monero-only transactions. It operated with a strict escrow system, meaning funds were held safely until orders were confirmed. Vendors were thoroughly vetted, and phishing protection was strong. Though now offline, it set the gold standard for security on the dark web.
2. Versus Market
Versus Market gained popularity for its multisignature (multisig) escrow system, giving both buyers and sellers more control and transparency. It was privacy-focused, supporting Monero and strong encryption practices. Versus also offered an anti-phishing login system, built-in dispute resolution, and a clean, easy-to-navigate interface, making it ideal for users looking for a balance between usability and anonymity.
3. Incognito Market
Incognito Market is known for its rigorous quality control, active moderation, and a strong vendor rating system that helps buyers make informed decisions. It supports both Bitcoin and Monero, but encourages Monero for privacy. With a focus on verified sellers and scam prevention, it’s considered a more trustworthy and stable option among newer marketplaces on the dark web.
🗣️ Dark Web Forums
4. Dread
Dread is often called the “Reddit of the dark web” due to its familiar interface and active community. It serves as a central hub for discussions ranging from darknet markets to cybersecurity tips. Users share vendor reviews, warnings about scams, and updates on market status. Its emphasis on community moderation and transparency makes it one of the most trusted forums in the Tor ecosystem.
5. The Hub
The Hub is a well-moderated forum that focuses heavily on vendor and buyer reviews, helping users assess the reliability of darknet market sellers. It also provides extensive operational security (opsec) advice, helping newcomers and veterans alike navigate the dark web more safely. The Hub’s active community is respected for its clear policies against scams and fake listings.
6. DarkNet Avengers
DarkNet Avengers is a forum dedicated to privacy advocacy and anti-censorship discussions. Members engage in conversations about enhancing anonymity, evading surveillance, and resisting internet censorship. It’s popular among activists and privacy-conscious users who seek to deepen their knowledge of digital security and freedom of information.
🔐 Secure Email & Messaging
7. ProtonMail Onion
ProtonMail’s .onion site allows users to access their end-to-end encrypted email securely over the Tor network. This version protects users from censorship and surveillance, especially in countries with strict internet controls. With zero-access encryption, ProtonMail ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages, making it a top choice for journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious individuals.
8. Tutanota Onion
Tutanota offers a privacy-first secure email service with an easy-to-use interface and strong encryption. Its .onion mirror provides enhanced anonymity by routing traffic through Tor, helping users avoid ISP tracking or government monitoring. Tutanota also supports encrypted calendars and contacts, making it a comprehensive, secure communication platform.
9. Ricochet Refresh
Ricochet Refresh is a peer-to-peer, serverless instant messaging app that routes messages directly between users over Tor. By eliminating servers, it reduces the risk of data interception or metadata leaks. It’s designed for users who want a lightweight, anonymous chat experience with no account or phone number required.
🛡️ Privacy Tools
10. Wasabi Wallet
Wasabi Wallet is a popular Bitcoin wallet focused on privacy, utilizing the CoinJoin protocol to mix users’ coins together. This mixing process obscures the transaction trail, making it significantly harder for outside observers to trace funds back to individuals. Its integration with Tor adds layer of anonymity, making Wasabi a trusted choice for those seeking strong financial privacy in cryptocurrency transactions.
11. BitBlender
BitBlender is a well-known cryptocurrency mixing service that enhances user privacy by breaking the link between sender and receiver addresses. By pooling coins from many users and redistributing them in a randomized way, it prevents blockchain analysis tools from tracking transactions. BitBlender’s .onion site ensures that users can access the service anonymously and safely through the Tor network.
12. EscrowBay
EscrowBay operates as an escrow platform designed to facilitate anonymous trading of goods and services on the dark web. Acting as a neutral third party, EscrowBay holds funds securely until both buyers and sellers fulfill their obligations. This service helps reduce fraud and scams in peer-to-peer transactions, providing a safer environment for anonymous commerce.
🕵️♂️ Whistleblower Platforms
13. SecureDrop
SecureDrop is a widely adopted open-source platform used by major news organizations to facilitate anonymous document submission. It allows whistleblowers and insiders to securely share sensitive information without fear of exposure. The system encrypts data end-to-end and operates through Tor, ensuring that both sources and journalists remain protected from surveillance and retaliation.
14. GlobaLeaks
GlobaLeaks is an NGO-friendly platform designed to enable anonymous submissions from whistleblowers and activists worldwide. It provides a customizable and secure environment for organizations to receive confidential information. GlobaLeaks emphasizes usability and strong encryption, making it accessible to users who might be under surveillance or face censorship.
15. StrongBox
StrongBox offers advanced security features for whistleblowers, including metadata stripping to remove traces that could reveal a source’s identity. Developed in collaboration with investigative journalists, it enhances the anonymity of submissions by protecting against forensic analysis and digital fingerprinting, making it one of the most secure tools for leaking sensitive information.
🌐 Hosting & File Sharing
16. Daniel’s Hosting
Daniel’s Hosting provides anonymous web hosting services specifically designed for the dark web. It allows users to host websites, forums, or services on .onion domains without revealing their identity or location. With a strong emphasis on privacy and uptime, Daniel’s Hosting supports activists, researchers, and others who need censorship-resistant online spaces.
17. OnionShare
OnionShare is an open-source tool that enables users to send files securely over the Tor network without relying on central servers. By creating temporary .onion addresses, it allows for direct, encrypted peer-to-peer file sharing. This makes it ideal for journalists, activists, or anyone who needs to transfer sensitive data anonymously and securely.
18. Tor Project
The Tor Project’s official .onion site offers secure and censorship-resistant downloads of the Tor Browser and related tools. Accessing it via Tor ensures users can safely obtain authentic software even in countries where Tor’s website is blocked. It’s the primary resource for anyone wanting to connect to the Tor network with confidence in their privacy and security.
🔎 Search Engines
19. DuckDuckGo (.onion)
DuckDuckGo’s .onion site provides a privacy-focused search engine accessible over Tor. Unlike Google, DuckDuckGo does not track users or store personal information, making it ideal for anonymous browsing. The .onion version helps users bypass censorship and surveillance, delivering unbiased search results with strong privacy protections.
20. Ahmia
Ahmia is a censorship-resistant .onion search engine known for filtering out malicious and illegal content while indexing a broad range of dark web sites. It also offers a clearnet front-end, allowing users to safely discover Tor content without direct exposure to the dark web. Ahmia emphasizes safety and responsible access.
21. Not Evil
Not Evil is a lightweight and reliable search engine on the Tor network, designed to provide quick and focused search results. It avoids tracking or logging user activity and maintains a minimalist interface. Many users prefer Not Evil for its simplicity and strong privacy stance.
22. Candle
Candle offers a fast, minimalistic .onion search experience, focusing on speed and ease of use. It indexes a wide range of Tor sites and provides straightforward results without ads or trackers. Candle is favored by users who want a no-frills way to explore the dark web safely.
📚 Hidden Wiki Mirrors
23. HiddenWikiMirror1
HiddenWikiMirror1 is a trusted clone of the original Hidden Wiki, offering an organized directory of verified .onion links across multiple categories. It aims to provide a safer browsing experience by filtering out scams and malicious sites. Regularly updated and moderated by the community, this mirror helps users find reliable resources without the clutter and dangers of unverified links.
24. HiddenWikiMirror2
HiddenWikiMirror2 serves as a clean and user-friendly alternative to the original Hidden Wiki, focusing on clarity and ease of navigation. It categorizes sites with detailed descriptions and warnings where necessary, helping newcomers and seasoned users alike avoid common darknet pitfalls. Its curated approach makes it one of the more accessible directories on the dark web.
💻 Developer & Crypto Tools
25. Blockchain Explorer Onion
The Blockchain Explorer Onion allows users to check Bitcoin transactions anonymously over the Tor network. Unlike clearnet explorers that may track IP addresses and user behavior, this .onion version protects your identity while offering real-time insights into blockchain activity. It’s essential for privacy-conscious crypto users who want to verify payments without compromising anonymity.
26. I2P Router Console
The I2P Router Console is a web-based interface for managing the I2P network, a privacy-focused alternative to Tor. It allows users to explore .i2p sites, configure settings, and monitor network status securely. I2P emphasizes strong encryption and decentralized routing, making it popular among those seeking enhanced anonymity and resistance to censorship.
🛡️ Safety Tips When Visiting .onion Sites
When exploring .onion sites, security and privacy should always be your top priority. First and foremost, always use the Tor Browser—it’s specifically designed to access the dark web safely by routing your traffic through multiple encrypted nodes, hiding your IP and location. For added protection, consider using a VPN before connecting to Tor, which can help mask your connection further and prevent your ISP from detecting Tor usage.
Never share personal information such as your real name, address, or payment details unless necessary and only on trusted, verified sites. Be vigilant against phishing clones—fake websites designed to steal your credentials by mimicking popular .onion sites. Always verify URLs carefully and cross-check with trusted communities like Dread, where users share updated links and warn about scams.
Using these precautions helps protect your anonymity, avoid scams, and navigate the dark web more safely. Remember, maintaining good operational security (opsec) practices is key to staying secure on the dark web.
Visiting dark web sites can expose you to malware if you’re not careful. Learn how malware spreads on the dark web and how to avoid it in our dedicated security guide.
❓ FAQs
Can I use these links without Tor?
No. .onion links are designed specifically to be accessed through the Tor network. They are not reachable using regular browsers like Chrome or Firefox because .onion sites operate within the Tor anonymity system. To visit these sites safely, you must use the Tor Browser or compatible tools that route traffic through the Tor network.
Are all .onion sites illegal?
No. While many .onion sites host illicit content, a large portion serve legitimate purposes such as privacy-focused email services, whistleblower platforms, forums, and secure file sharing. The Tor network itself was created to protect freedom of speech and privacy, so not all .onion sites are illegal or malicious.
What if a link doesn’t work?
.Onion links can go offline for various reasons—servers may be down, sites may have moved, or law enforcement might have taken them down. Always check trusted forums like Dread or updated directories for active and verified links. Remember, the dark web is dynamic, and links frequently change.
How do I tell if a site is a scam?
Look for user reviews and feedback on forums like Dread, and avoid sites that request unusual payment methods or personal info upfront. Be cautious if a site has no reputation or if it pressures you to act quickly. Scam sites often mimic popular services but have poor design or inconsistent URLs. Using community-verified links is the best defense.
🔚 Conclusion
This guide aims to help users safely navigate the dark web by providing a carefully curated list of working and verified .onion links as of June 2025. Given the constantly changing nature of the dark web, many sites go offline or become scams, so having up-to-date resources is crucial for safe browsing.
We recommend bookmarking this guide and revisiting it regularly, as our team checks and refreshes these links monthly to ensure accuracy and security. Staying informed and cautious will help you make the most of what the dark web has to offer while minimizing risks.
Remember, safe exploration starts with trusted information and good operational security practices.