Darknet Search Engines

They say that whoever controls information controls the world. Modern search engines allow us to find the information we need in the vast expanse of the clearnet in just seconds. Names like Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yandex, and Yahoo have long become an integral part of our daily routines. Today, let’s talk about search engines for the darknet.

Unfortunately, search engines for the dark web are not as advanced as Google or Yandex. This is partly due to the very structure of the dark web, as well as limited resources, lack of large-scale funding, and the simplicity of these projects—after all, who would invest in indexing onion links, which requires significant resources? Often, search ranking is set by programmers, and in many cases, manual filtering of queries is used. Response speed also leaves much to be desired. Personalization and search customization are rarely available. Still, it’s not all bad—search resources do exist, and even in the pitch darkness of the darknet, you can “dig up” what you’re looking for. As the saying goes, you work with what you have.

Top Darknet Search Engines

1. DuckDuckGo
   Site: https://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion/
   This is the Tor version of the well-known privacy-focused search engine. DuckDuckGo does not track your queries or keep logs. You can use it to search both the clearnet and the darknet. Launched in 2008, DuckDuckGo continues to grow rapidly.
2. Ahmia
   Site: http://msydqstlz2kzerdg.onion/
   Ahmia is a fully legal and trustworthy search engine, supported by the Tor2Web and Global Leaks projects.
3. Parazite
   Site: http://kpynyvym6xqi7wz2.onion/
   Another decent candidate for searching the dark web, but its search is more like Google’s “I’m Feeling Lucky.” With Parazite, you never know exactly what you’ll find. It provides not only links but also lists of hidden files and cached data, which may include not only “spicy” content but sometimes even shocking material.
4. NotEvil
   Site: http://hss3uro2hsxfogfq.onion/
   NotEvil constantly updates its database of onion links, indexing over 29 million pages. Search results are displayed similarly to Google, with link descriptions, URLs, and titles.
5. Torch
   Site: http://xmh57jrzrnw6insl.onion/
   The name means “flashlight” in English. Torch is an alternative dark web search engine that can help you find results for your queries. However, it is ad-supported, and ads are everywhere, which may also affect the display of results. Use this search engine with caution, and consider using others as well.
6. Onionland Search Engine
   Site: http://3bbaaaccczcbdddz.onion/
   A recently launched search engine that works similarly to the now-defunct Grams. Unlike Grams, this search engine has a built-in query filter, so not all results may be processed or displayed correctly.
7. Haystak
   Site: http://haystakvxad7wbk5.onion/
   Another new search engine where you can search for darknet links using any keywords. Just enter your query in the search field.
8. Abiko
   Site: http://abikogailmonxlzl.onion/
   A good alternative to DuckDuckGo, with search results displayed in a user-friendly format similar to Google. It features a fresh interface and a decent search index.

Darknet Link Directories

There are also link directories in the darknet, which are good places to start your search.

1. Godnotaba
   Site: http://godnotaba36dsabv.onion/
   An excellent Russian resource with a high-quality list of active darknet site links. You can often find up-to-date information and reliable reviews from users who have already interacted with the recommended resources.
2. The Hidden Wiki
   Site: http://zqktlwi4fecvo6ri.onion/
   An uncensored hidden wiki containing a list of major, most visited, and popular sites—both legal and illegal. While not every link works, about 60-70% are still accessible. The site also features a list of the 30 most visited Tor sites, all of which are guaranteed to work.

Important Notes and Cautions

Sometimes, it’s easier to use clearnet search engines. Of course, if you’re looking for a new scam method on social networks or a job posting for a drug courier, it’s easier to search in the darknet. But if you want to find prices for hitman services, you’ll have to go much deeper, and even darknet search engines won’t help you there. The dark web is full of scams and fraud. User rights are not guaranteed, nor is anonymity.

Still, remember: if you seek, you will find.