By skyforbes 
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When you want to access the dark web, you need a special browser. Popular browsers, like Chrome and Safari, are unsuitable; You need a special dark web browser to open the encrypted dark web while preserving your anonymity.
Whether exploring the hidden internet for curiosity or privacy, these are the best dark browsers.
Tor Browser
The Tor Browser (also known as the Tor Browser Bundle) has been the de facto tool for connecting to the dark web for many years. It is the flagship product of the Tor Project (the company responsible for maintaining the Tor network).
The browser is based on Firefox, which lends its cross-platform support to the dark web browser. It includes several privacy-focused modifications, such as the Tor proxy and modified NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere versions. Tor is widely used, actively developed, and available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
When you use the Tor Browser, all your traffic will automatically travel through the Tor network, which comprises thousands of volunteer-run relays. When you end your dark web session, the browser will instantly delete cookies, browsing history, and other data that can be associated with you.
The Tor Project also offers the Tails operating system for users who prefer a complete privacy solution for accessing the dark web safely.
Although the dark web is rumored to be hard to access, the Tor Browser is just a quick install away. With Tor installed on your PC or mobile phone, you’ll be able to browse active onion websites and protect your online privacy and anonymity.
Download: Tor Browser for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android (Free)
Invisible Internet Project
The Invisible Internet Project (often shortened to I2P) uses garlic routing, a variant of Tor’s onion routing protocol. It lets you access both the dark and regular web (although not optimized for clearnet access like Tor). An I2P connection is slightly more secure than Tor but is also more difficult to set up.
Similar to onion websites, I2P lets you access hidden I2P websites (also known as eepsites). Unlike Tor, the I2P network is decentralized and peer-to-peer, with each connected client involved in transmitting data traffic across the world. This traffic is transmitted in a single direction through the network, making tracking almost impossible.
You can’t open onion links via I2P, and you can’t open I2P links over a Tor network.
I2P offers several advantages over the Tor network, such as faster access to hidden services and support for BitTorrent, and it is generally harder to compromise. I2P is also available for all major platforms. It is easier to install on Windows with the Easy Install Bundle (with all necessary components prepackaged).
Download: Invisible Internet Project for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android (Free)
Brave
Yes, the regular Brave browser can browse the dark web. Broadly speaking, any internet browser can access the dark web with a few modifications. Brave is easier to set up, though, and is already more privacy-oriented than most browsers.
To access the dark net and Tor using Brave, open the browser, choose the hamburger icon from the top toolbar, and select Private window with Tor. You will be connected to the Tor network, and then you can open onion websites and obfuscate your network activity.
It is worth noting that Private window with Tor isn’t as secure as using the Tor Browser itself. For maximum security, use the Tor Browser.
To make Brave even more secure for dark web browsing, go to Settings > Shields and turn on Block scripts.
Download: Brave for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android (Free)
Orbot
A regular dark web browser will only encrypt your browser traffic; Orbot goes further and encrypts all data in and out of your phone. It is a mobile application that uses your Android or iOS device’s VPN mode to route all traffic through the Tor network.
While not a browser itself, Orbot can encrypt traffic from your mobile browser, Gmail app, Google Maps, instant messaging apps, etc., using the Tor protocol. You can choose whether to encrypt select apps or all installed apps on your phone.
Orbot is free, open source, and can even replace your VPN, if you don’t mind slower browsing speeds. Remember that activity within apps you’re logged into will be recorded, even if you’re using Tor.
Download: Orbot for Android (Free)
Whonix
If you feel a browser just won’t cut it and want to keep your dark web browsing activity as private as possible, Whonix might be for you. It is a complete operating system dedicated to advanced security and anonymity. Whonix combines the Tor network, a Kicksecure Hardened core, and the security by isolation principle for a comprehensive privacy solution.
Whonix uses Oracle Virtualbox to run two virtual machines (VMs) on top of your currently installed OS (Windows, Linux, or Intel-based macOS). The Whonix Gateway VM handles Tor processes, and the Whonix Workstation VM runs user applications on an isolated network. This prevents data from leaking between applications and makes your Internet traffic more secure. Your download and upload speeds may be slower, but that is the tradeoff for secure Internet browsing.
Unlike Tails, Whonix is built for everyday use and comes with all the major productivity apps, including a word processor and an email client. If you are up for a challenge, you could try combining Whonix with the Qubes hypervisor (like Edward Snowden does). On the other hand, if Whonix sounds like too much, you can opt for the Tor Browser Bundle for the default dark web browsing experience.
Download: Whonix for Windows, macOS, and Linux (Free)