If you have ever explored the depths of the internet, you may have come across the terms "onion sites" or "Tor." Onion sites are unindexed websites that reside on the dark web and can only be accessed through the Tor Browser.
However, using Tor can be quite daunting and technically challenging. If you still wish to explore onion sites and discover what the other side of the internet has to offer, there are alternative methods you can try.
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What exactly are onion sites?
Onion sites derive their name from the ".onion" suffix they possess. Unlike conventional websites that you visit on a daily basis using your regular browser, where you simply enter the site's name followed by a .com or any other domain, onion sites are represented by lengthy and incomprehensible strings of characters and numbers followed by ".onion."
For instance, instead of typing "makeuseof.com," you would enter something like "asdjkh1239hasd9ad2ead.onion." These websites are part of the hidden internet realm known as the dark web or, more specifically, the Tor darknet. Typically, you cannot access them through mainstream browsers such as Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
This is the role of Tor. Tor, short for "The Onion Router," is a modified version of Mozilla Firefox that includes integrated scripts and add-ons to safeguard your privacy. The browser is preset to connect to the Tor Network and operates mostly independently.
However, it can be overwhelming for beginners. Making changes to browser settings can lead to various issues, such as exposing your private browsing data on the dark web. If you're still interested, we have previously discussed how to install and use the Tor browser and explore onion sites without encountering problems.
There is a significant amount of misinformation surrounding the Tor Project and the dark web, which discourages many individuals from using the browser. The technical complexity of the browser may also deter those curious about the dark web from exploring it, leading them to seek unsafe alternatives.
How to Access Onion Sites Without Tor Browser
If Tor appears too complex for you, there are methods to access onion sites and the dark web using your regular browser. These methods function similarly by directing your internet traffic through the Tor network via proxies. While this allows you to visit onion sites in your browser, it diminishes the protection and anonymity provided by Tor Browser.
It is strongly advised against doing so, as it can pose significant risks. Depending on the method you choose, your private browsing information may be exposed to the website you intend to visit. Additionally, there is a possibility of encountering scams or phishing pages that can potentially gather your device and personal information. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when proceeding with such actions.
Onion.pet offers a similar service to Tor2Web, with slightly better performance. The process is identical - simply replace the ".onion" suffix with ".onion.pet" to access onion sites through your browser.
It is important to note that using a proxy service like this sacrifices some level of security for the sake of convenience. While the site publisher remains protected, all of your browsing data is visible to the server when accessing onion sites through a proxy.
Browser Extensions
There are numerous browser extensions available for Chromium-based browsers that enable access to onion sites. Depending on the specific extension, it may utilize a script to connect your device to a Tor proxy or reroute your traffic through a proxy server, similar to the method described above. Following installation and configuration, you should be able to access onion sites seamlessly.
Alternatively, you may also explore the Onion Browser Button extension, which is compatible with Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and other Chromium browsers. Keep in mind that this extension requires a Tor connection, so we advise reviewing the official Github repository before utilizing it. Another alternative is Browse with Onion, which directs your internet traffic through Tor proxies to access onion sites.
If you prefer a simpler and safer option, you can utilize the Brave Browser. Brave integrated the Tor browser in 2018 and actively contributes to the Tor network by running several Tor relays. Accessing onion websites through Brave is considered one of the easiest and most secure alternatives to using Tor.
To get started with Brave's Tor integration, follow these steps:
1. Open Brave.
2. Click on the hamburger menu icon located in the top right corner.
3. Select the "New private window with Tor" option.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of browsing onion sites while using the Brave Browser.
Alternatively, you can also use the Alt + Shift + N keyboard shortcut.
To utilize the Tor Network and access onion sites using Firefox, follow these steps:
1. Launch Firefox and enter "about:config" in the address bar, then press enter.
2. Click on "Accept Risk and Continue" to proceed.
3. In the search bar, look for the "network.dns.blockDotOnion" setting and switch it to false.
Simply follow these steps. Firefox will have the capability to connect to the Tor Network and visit any onion sites you desire. However, it is important to note that this method is not as secure as using the Tor Browser. Your browsing data, including your IP address, may be visible to the servers you are accessing.
Using Proton VPN
Proton VPN provides a convenient one-click Tor connection feature that allows you to redirect all of your computer's online traffic through the Tor Network. This process is similar to how the Tor Browser connects to its network, making it a reliable option for accessing onion sites.
Proton VPN provides users with the convenience of a one-click Tor connection feature, allowing them to direct all internet traffic from their computer through the Tor Network. This method closely resembles the process employed by the Tor Browser to establish a connection with its network. It serves as a highly secure alternative to the Tor Browser for accessing onion sites.
To get started, simply connect to one of Proton's Tor-enabled VPN servers. This method is compatible with various devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and any other device supported by Proton VPN.
However, please note that this feature requires a paid subscription to the service. While other popular VPNs like Surfshark or NordVPN offer similar features, Proton VPN excels in terms of convenience and security. It is important to exercise caution when selecting a VPN for Tor connections, as using a VPN on the dark web is a completely different experience than a regular connection.
Additionally, it is possible to access onion sites and the general dark web using regular browsers if Tor's complexity is overwhelming. However, this convenience comes at the expense of compromising your security and privacy. Considering the inherent dangers of the dark web, it is advisable not to take the easy way out.
Regardless of your chosen method for accessing onion sites, it is crucial to practice safe browsing habits. Always read before clicking on any links, closely monitor your browser's address bar, and steer clear of anything that appears suspicious or resembles a phishing attempt.
