Type: Dark web search engine — lightweight
Requires Tor Browser: Yes
Content filtering: None
Clearnet version: None
Last verified: March 2026
Onion Address
When Candle Is Useful
Candle works well on slow Tor circuits where heavier engines time out or take 30+ seconds to respond. Its plain HTML design loads quickly, works in Safest mode without JavaScript, and returns results without the visual clutter of more feature-heavy alternatives.
Its index is smaller than Torch or Haystak — if you need comprehensive coverage, use those instead. Candle is a fallback and a fast option for simple lookups, not a primary search tool.
Common Questions
How does Candle compare to Torch? Torch has a vastly larger index. Candle loads faster and works better on slow connections. Use Torch for coverage, Candle for speed.
Does it filter content? No — Candle applies no content filtering. Use Safest mode in Tor Browser.