Dark web markets are like hidden online stores, except instead of selling clothes or technology, they specialize in illegal products and services. To access them, you need to use special browsers like Tor, which allow you to browse anonymously. Transactions there are made with cryptocurrencies to keep everything as secret as possible.
Want to explore more about how to enter safely? Check out our article on the 10 best browsers for surfing the dark web and find out which one is the safest, fastest, and most reliable for maintaining your privacy.
These markets have come a long way since the days of Silk Road and AlphaBay, which were the first major pioneers of anonymous commerce on the darknet. Today, they are still active and have evolved considerably in terms of security and sophistication. You can find practically anything on these sites: drugs, stolen data, fake documents, and even custom malware. Some of the best-known names include Abacus Market, Russian Market, and BriansClub, all with thousands of illegal items available.
Despite closures by authorities or the typical “exit scams” (when a marketplace disappears with all the money), these sites continue to pop up. Each new generation is better equipped: they use decentralized hosting, stronger encryption technologies, and payment systems that make it even more difficult to track or shut down their operations.
What exactly is sold on these marketplaces?
Although each marketplace may have its own specialty, most focus on a few well-known categories. Here's a simple explanation:
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Drugs and chemicals: The most common. These range from marijuana and cocaine to controlled medications and synthetic substances.
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Fraud tools: Such as stolen credit cards, compromised bank accounts, fake documents, and even social engineering kits to deceive people.
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Stolen credentials: Logins that were collected using malware. They are sold in packages and used for other attacks.
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Malware and hacking tools: From Trojans to ransomware creation software, keyloggers, and ready-to-use exploit kits.
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Fake documentation: Passports, licenses, IDs, and even fake utility bills for identity theft.
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Pirated digital products: VPN accounts, premium streaming services, cracked software, etc.
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Initial access: Information to access compromised systems (RDP, SSH, cPanel, etc.), which is resold or used for more complex attacks.
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Tutorials and guides: From how to phish to how to launder cryptocurrencies. They also teach how to avoid being tracked (OPSEC).
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Money laundering services: Methods for converting stolen cryptocurrencies into clean money, including mixers, exchanges, and more.
Although some of these markets prohibit certain extreme content such as violence or exploitation, most operate with very few rules beyond ensuring the security and anonymity of their users.
Top 10 Dark Web Markets
1. Abacus Market
Abacus Market appeared on the scene in 2021 and quickly became one of the heavyweights among English-speaking markets on the dark web. With the closure of giants such as AlphaBay, many sellers and buyers migrated to Abacus in search of a new home, and boy did they find it.
This marketplace has over 40,000 listings, offering everything from illegal drugs, fake documents, stolen credit cards, and fake IDs to phishing kits and hacking tools. The categories are well organized, ranging from drugs and fraud to digital products, guides, and malware.
What really sets it apart is its focus on security and usability. It supports PGP encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), alerts against fake sites (antiphishing), and a verification system for sellers. Its interface is easy to navigate, and it has a reliable escrow system, as well as allowing payments with Bitcoin and Monero. All of this has made it one of the most reliable markets still active in 2025.
2. Russian Market
Russian Market has been operating since 2019 and is one of the favorite destinations for those looking for stolen digital data, rather than physical products. You won't find drugs here, but you will find tons of credentials, RDP access, CVVs, and records stolen using malware.
The platform works with data collected by well-known malware such as Lumma, RedLine, Raccoon, Vidar, and Aurora. These records typically include usernames, passwords, cookies, saved cards, and session tokens. Interestingly, ads can be filtered by device, operating system, domain, or country, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
Although it started out offering a traditional web version, it now operates almost exclusively on Tor and accepts Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. To access all its features, you need to make a minimum deposit of between $40 and $100.
Among its tools are a BIN checker (for verifying cards) and a cookie converter, ideal for those looking to move quickly. Despite some occasional service issues, Russian Market remains a favorite among cybercriminals seeking fresh access and financial data.
3. BriansClub
When it comes to dark web classics, BriansClub is undoubtedly one of them. It has been around for years (since at least 2014) and specializes in selling stolen credit cards, data dumps, and Fullz (those complete packages of personal information for financial fraud).
It operates through the Tor network and accepts several cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Monero, Litecoin, Dash, and USDT, which makes things much easier for its users. Its inventory is huge and very well segmented: you can search for cards by region, bank, and even by card type. It also has a rating system for sellers and automatic payments.
However, in 2019, it suffered a major leak of more than 26 million records, which was a serious blow to its reputation. Although some say that this weakened it, others believe that this volume was a sign that it was one of the real big players. The truth is that, despite the incident, the site is still active and constantly renewing its inventory.
Thanks to its track record, loyal user base, and continuous flow of updated data, BriansClub remains a key player in the current landscape of dark web fraud.
Read more: Top 10 Telegram Groups and Channels on the Dark Web
4. Exodus Market
Exodus Market is relatively new to the game: it appeared in early 2024 and has been rapidly gaining ground ever since. Its specialty is stolen records from infected devices, typically including passwords, cookies, bank details, and other personal information that can be used for all kinds of fraud.
Many see it as the natural successor to Genesis Market, which was shut down in 2023. Since then, Exodus has filled that void with a clean interface, super-detailed filters for searching specific records, and support for payments in Bitcoin, Monero, and Litecoin.
One of its strengths is that it claims to manage more than 7,000 active bots in over 190 countries. Each of these “bots” represents a compromised device, and prices for access range from $3 to $10, depending on the quality and freshness of the data.
However, it works by invitation only and is accessed through several mirrors on the Tor network. In addition, they have a referral and reward system, so if you bring in more users, you get a share. With constant updates and new providers entering the market, Exodus is positioning itself as a major player in the digital underworld of credential theft.
5. STYX Market
STYX Market, also known as the Styx Market, launched in 2023 and has grown by leaps and bounds. It is entirely focused on financial cybercrime and offers much more than just stolen cards or basic logins.
Here you will find malware logs, remote access (RDP), brute force accounts, complete identity packages, and access to financial platforms. It is a marketplace designed for those who resell data, hack into companies, or use stolen identities to move money without leaving a trace.
The data usually comes from malware such as RedLine, Vidar, LummaC2, or Raccoon, and the listings are quite detailed: country, operating system, even whether the device had active antivirus software. In addition, you can find access to emails, cloud services, and banks, along with extra services such as money laundering or KYC (identity verification) process evasion.
STYX also uses a mix of clearnet (normal web) and encrypted Telegram channels to facilitate transactions. Suppliers and buyers communicate directly, something that is not so common in other markets.
Thanks to its real-time inventory updates and highly specific search options, STYX has become a real alternative to traditional large markets. By 2025, it is already a key player for those involved in the business of data theft and trafficking.
6. Torzon Market
Torzon Market emerged in 2022 and quickly made its presence known. It offers over 20,000 listings ranging from narcotics and forged documents to hacking software and fraud tools. Everything is conducted within the Tor network, with payments made in Bitcoin or Monero, as is customary.
One of its most curious features is its daily raffle system, funded by the market's commissions. Yes, you can enter and win prizes just by participating. They also have a system to verify vendor reviews using PGP keys, which adds an extra layer of transparency and trust.
Additionally, there are account tiers, similar to a premium subscription: the higher your level, the more benefits you get, such as stealth transactions, private mirrors, and extended escrow. Listings range from fraud kits to custom malware and fake IDs, although they claim to prohibit violent content and exploitative material.
Torzon also excels in security and privacy: it rotates its URLs daily, secures funds with escrow, and the entire messaging system is encrypted with PGP.
Despite pressure from authorities, it remains active and strong in 2025, popular among those seeking variety, anonymity, and a more trustworthy environment within the illicit world of the dark web.
Read more: Top 10 Deep Web and Dark Web Forums
7. FreshTools
FreshTools has been around since 2019 and has earned its place as one of the most well-known underground markets, even though it doesn’t follow the traditional dark web rules. Why? Because everything here revolves around stolen accounts and access credentials. If someone wants direct access to a server, a cPanel, or an email, this is the place to go.
The market is in English and features a massive catalog with over 800,000 illegal products. There are RDP accesses, SMTP logins, SSH credentials, fake pages, and even fraud tutorials. Everything is well-organized by category, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
One thing that makes it especially popular is its flexible payment options: it accepts Bitcoin, Monero, Litecoin, USDT, BitcoinCash, and even PerfectMoney. Add in easy access and a vast inventory, and it’s clear why FreshTools remains highly active in 2025, even partly operating from the clear web.
8. BidenCash
BidenCash launched in 2022 and was controversial from the start—not just because of its name, but because of its strategy: leaking millions of stolen data records for free to grab attention and attract users. And it worked.
This market focuses on stolen credit cards, personal identifiable information (PII), and SSH access credentials. It operates both on the dark web and the clear web, making access significantly easier. Additionally, it offers automatic purchases, buyer protection, and even a loyalty points program.
Since its launch, it has conducted several massive data leaks. One of the most notable occurred in 2022, when 7.9 million credit card records were released. Even larger leaks followed. These campaigns helped them gain users and redirect traffic after attacks such as DDoS.
With an easy-to-use interface, a vast amount of data, and constant updates, BidenCash has become a favorite among cybercriminals involved in identity theft and financial fraud. Despite ongoing takedown efforts, it remains active in 2025 and continues to pose a persistent threat to individuals and businesses alike.
9. WeTheNorth Market
WeTheNorth, or simply WTN, was launched in 2021, and its name is a nod to the famous Toronto Raptors slogan. As you might guess, it's geared toward the Canadian audience, which makes it somewhat unique within the dark web landscape.
It offers over 9,000 listings, ranging from drugs and malware to scam guides and fraud tools. The site is accessible via both Tor and the clear web, and its layout closely resembles that of Abacus Market, which makes navigation very user-friendly.
Notable features include an automated carding shop, an escrow system for manual orders, and a dashboard that displays balances in both BTC and Canadian dollars (CAD). The site enforces clear rules: no weapons, no terrorism, and no off-platform contact between buyers and sellers.
It also features its own forum, a reputation system, referral rewards, and multiple mirror URLs to avoid censorship. The platform is available in both English and French, reinforcing its regional focus. In short, WTN continues to grow as a highly targeted and resilient marketplace within Canada’s dark web scene.
10. Vortex Market
Vortex is one of those markets that aims to stand out by being user-friendly, secure, and anonymous. It was built from the ground up with the goal of offering a “cleaner” and more organized shopping experience than most. It features a 14-day escrow system, and if you trust a vendor, you can opt for Finalize Early (FE) delivery.
It accepts Bitcoin, Monero, and USDT (TRC20) as payment methods, and interestingly, it includes a gambling and betting section within the market itself—something quite rare on platforms like this.
Its catalog covers everything: drugs, fraud tools, forged documents, pirated software, malware, and hacking resources. Everything is well-organized and easy to find, which benefits newcomers to this environment.
With a growing user base and an expanding inventory, Vortex is positioning itself as an “all-in-one” marketplace on the darknet. It blends illegal trade with extra features like gambling, all while maintaining a clear and accessible structure.
Conclusion
The world of dark web marketplaces never stands still. When one goes down, two more emerge with new ideas, better technology, and greater difficulty to track. It’s an ever-evolving ecosystem—constantly shifting, reinventing itself, and adapting.
While this topic may seem distant for most people, understanding how these spaces operate is crucial. It helps us stay more vigilant, better protect ourselves, and make informed decisions online. Cybersecurity begins with awareness.
And beware—while many explore out of curiosity or for research purposes, it’s important to remember that engaging with these platforms, even as an observer, can lead to serious legal and ethical consequences. At the end of the day, the dark web is no game.