The 12 Best Deep Search Engines to Explore the Invisible Web
Google or Bing can’t search for everything. To explore the invisible web, you need to use these special deep search engines.
Not everything on the web will show up in a list of search results on Google or Bing; there are numerous places that the sites’ web crawlers cannot access.
To explore the invisible web, you need to use specialist search engines. Here are our top 12 services to perform a deep internet search.
What Is the Invisible Web?
Before we begin, let’s establish what does the term “invisible web” refer to? Simply, it’s a catch-all term for online content that will not appear in search results or web directories.
There is no official data available, but most experts agree that the invisible web is several times larger than the visible web. Given that Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook alone store more than 1,200 petabytes between them, the numbers quickly become mind-boggling.
The content on the invisible web can be roughly divided into the deep web and the dark web.
The Deep Web
The deep web is made up of content that typically needs some form of accreditation to access. For example, library databases, email inboxes, personal records (financial, academic, health, and legal), cloud storage drives, company intranets, etc.
If you have the correct details, you can access the content through a regular web browser.
The Dark Web
The dark web is a subsection of the deep web. You need to use a dedicated browser (such as Tor) to access dark web content. It’s more anonymous than the regular web and is thus often the home of illegal activities such as drug and weapon sales.
However, not everything on the dark web is illegal. Some of the best dark web websites are just versions of regular sites, but are hidden to enable users in totalitarian regimes to access them.
- PiplPipl brands itself as the world’s largest people search engine. Unlike Google, Pipl can interact with searchable databases, member directories, court records, and other deep internet search content to offer you a detailed snapshot of a person. You can also use Pipl to deep search yourself.
- The Wayback MachineRegular search engines only provide results from the most recent version of a website that’s available.The Wayback Machine is different. It has copies of more than 361 billion web pages on its servers, allowing you to search for content that’s no longer available on the visible web. It’s also a handy site for viewing old versions of any website.
- The WWW Virtual LibraryThe WWW Virtual Library is the oldest catalog on the web. It was started by Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web, back in 1991.Volunteers compile the list of links by hand, thus creating a high-quality index of deep web content across dozens of categories.
- DuckDuckGoDuckDuckGo is well-known as one of the best private search engines for the visible web and offers one of the best privacy-focused smartphone browsers. But did you know the company also offers an onion site that lets you explore the dark web?Even the regular search engine offers more deep web content than Google. It pools results from more than 500 standalone search tools to find its results. If you pair the regular DuckDuckGo engine with the Onion version, you can perform an entire web search.The Onion site can be found at https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion/.
- USA.govThe amount of content on USA.gov is seriously impressive. It’s a portal to all the public material you need on every federal agency and state, local, or tribal government.You will also find information about government jobs, loans, grants, taxes, and a whole lot more. Most of the information on the site will not appear on Google.
- Directory of Open Access JournalsThe Directory of Open Access Journals is a deep internet search engine that provides access to academic papers. The papers are available to anyone without charge.The current repository has over 19,000 journals with over 8.9 million articles across all subjects. Although you can easily find free articles on Google Scholar, and it can access some of the information, we think that the DOAJ is a better research tool.
- SearXIf you are looking for a dark web search engine that also gets data from the visible web, check out Searx. The site has an Onion domain name, so is not accessible through a standard web browser. To load it, open a dark web browser such as Tor and paste http://searx3aolosaf3urwnhpynlhuokqsgz47si4pzz5hvb7uuzyjncl2tid.onion/ into the address bar.It pulls data from different search engines, so it opens you to a world of endless possibilities. If it exists, this search engine can probably find it.
- ElephindElephind aims to provide a single portal to all the historical newspapers of the world. It’s a fantastic resource for researchers—especially family historians, genealogists, and students.Many of the newspapers on the site are exclusively on the deep web; they will not show up on Google. At the time of writing, over 3.6 million newspapers are available.
- TorchAs one of the oldest deep web search engines, Torch is one of the best. Torch prides itself on not censoring any search results, and it scours the deep web every day for new publicly available Onion websites on the Tor network.There are over a million documents indexed by the search engine as of writing. To access Torch, copy and paste the following link in Tor: http://xmh57jrknzkhv6y3ls3ubitzfqnkrwxhopf5aygthi7d6rplyvk3noyd.onion/
- AhmiaAhmia is a dark web search engine. But there’s a twist—it is one of the few dark web search engines that is available on the regular web.Of course, any links and results will not be openable unless you have the Tor browser installed on your computer. However, it’s still a great way to get a taste of what’s available on the dark web without exposing yourself to the inherent risks of using the dark web.
- WorldCatHow do you know which books that the different local libraries in your area have in stock? Going through each library’s site individually is time-consuming and potentially error-prone.Instead, check out WorldCat. This deep internet search engine has two billion indexed items from libraries around the world, including many links that are only typically available with a database search.
- Project GutenbergIf you search for obscure copyright-free ebooks on Google, you’ll have to click through several pages to find a result that provides a download link.Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free ebooks for you to check out and download. It provides variable formats and also provides you with a list of similar books to download. It’s undoubtedly one of the best sites to download ebooks for free.
The 12 Best Deep Search Engines to Explore the Invisible Web
In today’s digital age, the internet is like an iceberg—what we see on the surface is just a fraction of what lies beneath. Google and Bing, while powerful, only scratch the surface of what’s out there. To truly delve into the depths of the web, you need specialized tools. Enter deep search engines, the key to unlocking the invisible web. Let’s dive into the shadows behind the blue code and uncover the 12 best deep search engines you need to explore.
What Is the Invisible Web?
Before we embark on our journey, let’s understand what the invisible web entails. It’s like the hidden treasure trove of the internet, comprising content that traditional search engines can’t access. This includes databases, personal records, and other unindexed content. The invisible web is vast, estimated to be several times larger than the visible web we’re familiar with.
The Deep Web
The deep web encompasses content that requires authentication or special access. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a secured vault. Here, you’ll find resources like library databases, private company intranets, and confidential records. Accessible with the right credentials, the deep web holds valuable information beyond the reach of standard search engines.
The Dark Web
Descending further into the depths, we encounter the dark web. Accessible only through specialized browsers like Tor, the dark web is shrouded in anonymity. While it’s notorious for illicit activities, such as black market transactions, it also harbors hidden gems, including uncensored information and resources for users in restrictive environments.
The 12 Best Deep Search Engines
Let’s shed light on the top 12 deep search engines that illuminate the invisible web:
| Sr# | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1. | Pipl |
| 2. | The Wayback Machine |
| 3. | The WWW Virtual Library |
| 4. | DuckDuckGo |
| 5. | USA.gov |
| 6. | Directory of Open Access Journals |
| 7. | SearX |
| 8. | Elephind |
| 9. | Torch |
| 10. | Ahmia |
| 11. | WorldCat |
| 12. | Project Gutenberg |
1. Pipl
Pipl stands as a beacon in the realm of people search engines. Unlike conventional search engines, Pipl delves into databases, court records, and other deep web repositories to paint a comprehensive portrait of individuals. Whether you’re conducting research or self-discovery, Pipl’s deep search capabilities offer unparalleled insights.
2. The Wayback Machine
While traditional search engines capture the present, The Wayback Machine transcends time. With billions of archived web pages, it grants access to historical content and vanished websites. It’s a digital time capsule, preserving the evolution of the internet for posterity.
3. The WWW Virtual Library
Established by the father of the World Wide Web himself, The WWW Virtual Library curates a curated collection of links spanning various disciplines. Run by volunteers, it serves as a gateway to authoritative deep web content, meticulously organized for easy exploration.
4. DuckDuckGo
Known for its commitment to privacy, DuckDuckGo extends its reach beyond the surface web. Aggregating results from over 500 sources, it offers a glimpse into the invisible web’s depths. With its onion site accessible via Tor, DuckDuckGo provides a gateway to both privacy and exploration.
5. USA.gov
For a comprehensive repository of government information, look no further than USA.gov. From federal agencies to local governments, it serves as a portal to invaluable resources, from job listings to tax information. Navigate the bureaucratic maze with ease, courtesy of USA.gov’s deep web offerings.
6. Directory of Open Access Journals
Academic pursuit knows no bounds with the Directory of Open Access Journals. With thousands of journals and millions of articles freely accessible, it democratizes knowledge dissemination. Unlike its counterparts, it ensures scholarly resources remain within reach, transcending the confines of paywalls.
7. SearX
For those seeking a bridge between the dark and visible web, SearX stands as a beacon of connectivity. Accessible via its onion domain, it harnesses the collective power of multiple search engines. Whether you seek enlightenment or obscurity, SearX navigates the vast expanse of the digital universe.
8. Elephind
Delving into the annals of history, Elephind resurrects the voices of the past. With millions of historical newspapers, it offers a window into bygone eras. Ideal for historians and genealogists, Elephind breathes life into the deep web’s archival treasures.
9. Torch
Embracing the ethos of freedom of information, Torch illuminates the dark web without censorship. Its index of over a million documents serves as a testament to its dedication to unhindered exploration. Navigate the depths of anonymity with Torch as your guide.
10. Ahmia
Ahmia bridges the gap between the dark and visible web, offering a glimpse into the shadowy realms from the comfort of the surface. Accessible via the regular web, it provides a safe avenue for exploration without the inherent risks of the dark web.
11. WorldCat
Unlock the literary riches of libraries worldwide with WorldCat. With billions of indexed items, it facilitates seamless access to resources across borders. Say goodbye to tedious library searches and embrace the convenience of WorldCat’s deep web catalog.
12. Project Gutenberg
Embark on a literary odyssey with Project Gutenberg’s vast repository of free ebooks. From classics to obscure gems, it offers a treasure trove of literary works in various formats. Explore the literary landscape without constraints, courtesy of Project Gutenberg.
Conclusion
In the vast expanse of the internet, the surface is merely the beginning. To unearth the treasures hidden within the invisible web, these 12 deep search engines serve as your guides. From historical archives to scholarly journals, they illuminate the depths of cyberspace, offering boundless opportunities for exploration.
FAQs
1. Can I access the dark web without risking my safety?
Yes, utilizing search engines like Ahmia provides a safer gateway to explore the dark web’s offerings without exposing yourself to potential dangers.
2. Are the resources on the invisible web legal to access?
While some content may require authorization, many resources on the invisible web, such as academic journals and historical archives, are freely accessible to the public.
3. How do deep search engines differ from traditional search engines like Google?
Deep search engines delve into unindexed content, such as databases and archives, whereas traditional search engines primarily focus on surface-level web pages.
4. Can I search for specific individuals using deep search engines?
Yes, platforms like Pipl specialize in people search, accessing databases and public records to provide comprehensive profiles of individuals.
5. Are deep search engines compatible with mobile devices?
Yes, many deep search engines offer mobile-friendly interfaces or dedicated apps, ensuring seamless exploration across devices.
Learn More About the Invisible Web
The 12 search engines we have introduced you to should provide a solid base on which to start your hunt for content. Sadly, one of the most famous deep search engines from the past, Deeppeep, no longer exists, but all the sites in the article can help to recreate the lost features
Deep Search Engines: Explore the Unseen Web
1. Discover Hidden Treasures: Uncover content beyond Google and Bing’s reach.
2. Understanding the Invisible Web: Learn about its vastness and types—deep and dark.
3. Pipl: Dive into Personal Insights: Access detailed snapshots of individuals effortlessly.
4. Wayback Machine: Time Travel Online: Explore archived web pages back to the dawn of the internet.
5. The WWW Virtual Library: Timely and Trusted: Hand-curated index for quality deep web content.
6. DuckDuckGo: Privacy and Depth Combined: Delve into both visible and dark web securely.
7. USA.gov: Government at Your Fingertips: A comprehensive portal for public information.
8. Elephind: Portal to the Past: Unearth historical newspapers and enrich your research.
9. Torch: Illuminating the Dark Web: Explore without censorship for a diverse search experience. 10. WorldCat: Global Library Access: Discover billions of items from libraries worldwide effortlessly.
Explore the depths of the internet with these top deep search engines. Uncover hidden information beyond traditional search engines. Find personal insights, historical records, government resources, and more.
ALT TEXTS:
- Shadowed figures behind blue code
- WayBack Machine website
- Directory of Open Access Journals’ website
- Elephind.com historical newspaper archive
- Project Gutenberg homepage
- DuckDuckGo search engine homepage
- USA.gov website homepage
- Ahmia deep web search engine homepage
