HiddenServiceDir stores your .onion hostname & private key.
HiddenServicePort maps .onion address to your local server port (3000 here).
Step 3: Start Local Server
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send("Welcome to your Tor Hidden Service (.onion) lab!");
});
app.listen(3000, () => console.log("Server running on http://127.0.0.1:3000"));
Local server serves the content that the Tor hidden service will make available through the .onion address.
Step 4: Start Tor
sudo systemctl start tor
Check /home/user/tor_hidden_service/hostname for your .onion address
Access it via Tor Browser
Starting Tor activates the hidden service. The hostname file contains the .onion URL to access securely.
I2P Hidden Service (.i2p) Lab
Step 1: Install I2P
Download I2P: https://geti2p.net/en/download
Install and start Java Router
I2P software is required to join the anonymous I2P network and host .i2p hidden services.
Step 2: Start Local Server
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send("Welcome to your I2P Hidden Service (.i2p) lab!");
});
app.listen(3001, () => console.log("Server running on http://127.0.0.1:3001"));
Local server hosts the content for the I2P hidden service, similar to Tor.
Step 3: Configure I2P Hidden Service
Open I2P console: http://127.0.0.1:7657/
Hidden Services Add new service
Local Port: 3001
Service Name: MyI2PLab
I2P will give you a .i2p address
This maps your local server to a .i2p address on the anonymous I2P network.
Step 4: Access Service
Use I2P Browser or Java Router to visit your .i2p address
Optional: Restrict access to LAN/Home network
Accessing through I2P browser ensures anonymous network communication.
Online Hosting & Service Providers
Njalla Privacy-Focused Hosting
Njalla offers private domain registration and VPS hosting. It supports Tor and `.onion` hidden services.
Visit Njalla Hosting
Njalla registers domains in their own name for your privacy, while you retain control. VPS plans start from ~15/month (check site for current pricing). Good option if you want privacy-oriented managed hosting.
Easy `.onion` deployment, but check recent reviews and uptime before relying on it for critical services.
Self-Managed Tor Service (Recommended for full control)
Run Tor on a VPS you control (DigitalOcean, Hetzner, Vultr, Linode, etc.) and follow Tor Projects setup guide.
Tor Official Setup Guide
Gives you full control and independence from third-party hosting policies. You manage Tor updates, firewall, backups and the hidden-service private key.
VPN / Tunnel Alternatives
If you just need a private encrypted network (not .onion/.i2p), consider: