# Tor: What is an onion service?

An onion service is a website or other service reached through a `.onion` address inside the Tor network.

2026-08-23
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

An onion service is a website or other service reached through a `.onion` address inside the Tor network. Its server location is hidden from visitors, and the Tor connection to it is end-to-end encrypted without an exit relay. You still need the correct address: Tor can authenticate the address you entered, but it cannot tell you whether a stranger's lookalike address belongs to the organization you expected.

## Sources

[Tor Project: Onion services](https://support.torproject.org/tor-browser/features/onion-services/).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/tor-what-is-an-onion-service/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-23T07:42:30+00:00

Description: A practical answer to What is an onion service?