4 Big Dark Web Markets to Watch in April 2022

Even if not for legal reasons, dark web marketplaces are still an interesting addition to the Internet. After Hydra, Russia's largest dark web marketplace, was shut down a few days ago by German and U.S. police, there is speculation about who will be the next "leader" in the industry among the remaining dark web marketplaces. Several platforms are vying for the crown, and while it's still unwise to trust any of these marketplaces, it's worth keeping an eye on.

Ⅰ. AlphaBay Market

AlphaBay Market is a relaunch of the old marketplace administrator's project with the following dates noted on its website: 2014 - 2017 (old marketplace); 2021 - ∞ (new marketplace.) AlphaBay only supports Monero multi-signature solutions for top-up transactions.

The relaunched AlphaBay Market continued to grow in April and now has 5602 vendors, 370,941 users and 24,142 product listings. And with a strong operations and maintenance team, the dark web platform's interface style and site security have been continuously upgraded.

With the exit of World Market from the scam and the police crackdown on Hydra, AlphaBay Market is striving to become the new largest dark web marketplace.

Dark web address: http://alphabay522szl32u4ci5e3iokdsyth56ei7rwngr2wm7i5jo54j2eid.onion

Ⅱ. Versus Market

It's interesting to see a dark web marketplace that claims to be a "community project". However, Versus Market has not been shut down, but it aims to recreate the Silk Road of yesteryear. It is not a marketplace for digital goods, but for drugs and other illegal products.

There is no website hosted wallet, as Versus Market transactions are conducted through multi-signature solutions in Bitcoin or Monero. There are currently just over 200 active providers on the platform, which is relatively low for a marketplace launching in August 2019. On a positive note, there are currently no complaints about fraud or other security issues on this dark web marketplace.

The dark web address: http://pqqmrifxej23sb5h4brmelbe25mpthkxabqfhte5jy3wijfllaktylqd.onion

Ⅲ. Vice City Market

Not to be confused with the GTA video game, Vice City is a relatively new dark web marketplace and is trying to consolidate its position. The overall layout is very simple - and a bit unprofessional - but it gets the job done for most users. Unlike Versus Market, the site uses a live wallet and does not support Monero. There is, however, a multi-signature option.

As a new marketplace, it is difficult to gauge the interest of buyers and sellers. Thousands of product listings are available, but that doesn't mean anyone is buying or selling. Users can explore a wide range of products and services, although operators will need to step up their game to be a top contender in the industry. The platform has been in operation since May 2020.

Dark Web address: http://2rcu323rjywl2hfz4fnfpru5nq62pjoyqdos7lc423dqcuoeyenrbyad.onion

Ⅳ. Tor2Door Market

Tor2Door Marketplace looks almost like a cross between eBay and Craigslist. However, the modern look makes it easy to navigate, making it accessible to newcomers and experienced veterans alike. In addition, the team has focused on security above all else, although useful features such as notifications are also available. As with Vice City Market, users can choose between a live wallet and a multi-signature option, the latter of which only supports bitcoin. Traditional centralized transfers, on the other hand, are Monero enabled.

Interestingly, Tor2Door is one of the few dark web marketplaces that maintains an affiliate program. Referrers can earn up to 40% of their earnings, which is quite attractive. Like most other dark web trading platforms, Tor2door has a large list of drugs and chemicals, but is also gaining momentum in the "fraud" and "digital products" categories. This is a very solid product for a platform created in July 2020.

Dark Web address: http://qgma4evyuxoqw6zolgk3y5nsjnd7mbzmuqvajlwop3jbakghe34puuad.onion