When looking for something on the internet, search engines often collect your data and use it to create aunique profile. That profile can then be used to identify you. Once that is done, search engines can sell yourdata to third-party entities, which use the information to run targeted marketing campaigns.
The problem is that you may not have given your consent for a search engine to collect your data and sell it.That is where alternative search engines with privacy in mind come in.
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that allows you to run searches on the internet without the risk of havingyour search history tied to you. It does not create user profiles, store personal search history, or share datawith advertisers.
Besides DuckDuckGo, there are other search engines that focus on user privacy. Swisscows, Searx, Qwant, Mojeek, to name a few. But the “best” depends on what you value: pure privacy, independentresults, AI features, or social causes.
In 2026, Brave Search and Kagi have become major contenders, while Ecosia + Qwant now share their own index.
More about DuckDuckGo & why explore alternatives
DuckDuckGo was launched in 2008 and is compatible with most modern web browsers. With DuckDuckGo, you get to do everything you would do on Google Search or Bing, but with stronger privacy defaults.
However, DuckDuckGo comes with some tradeoffs. It still relies heavily on Microsoft Bing for its core search results, though it also uses its own crawler DuckDuckBot, Apple Maps, Wolfram Alpha, and 400+ other sources. It displays ads, but they’re based on your search keywords, not a personal profile.
DuckDuckGo now includes “DuckAssist” for instant AI answers and private access to AI chat. You can customize it, but not as deeply as some newer alternatives.
The good news is that several alternatives now match or exceed DuckDuckGo in key areas: running their own index, deeper customization, or no ads at all.
Let’s find out more about them.
Best DuckDuckGo Alternatives
Below are some of the most impressive DuckDuckGo alternatives you can use to run searches on the internet.
1. Brave Search
Brave Search launched its own independent index in 2023 and now handles most queries without relying on Bing or Google. It doesn’t track you, profile you, or record your searches. The interface is clean, fast, and includes “Summarizer” for AI-generated answers with sources.
Key features: Independent index, optional AI answers, “Goggles” to re-rank results, no ads in the default view. Brave Search is free, with a Premium option to remove all ads.
Best for: People who want Google-level results without Big Tech tracking.
Explore the best alternatives to Brave here.
2. Kagi
Kagi is a paid, ad-free, tracker-free search engine that exploded in popularity 2024-2025. No ads, no telemetry. You customize ranking: boost, block, or pin domains. It aggregates from Google, Bing, Mojeek, and its own indexes, then strips all tracking.
Key features: “Universal Summarizer” AI, lenses for custom results, full privacy, lightning fast. Plans start around $5/mo.
Best for: Power users who want full control and will pay to ditch ads entirely.
3. Startpage
Startpage is the next search engine you might want to check out if you want to have a private search experience. This search engine’s interface is also similar to that of Google, making it a good option for those who love Google Search’s interface.
Like DuckDuckGo, this alternative also features adverts on the interface. However, it differs from DuckDuckGo because it allows you to turn off adverts if you wish.
Because this search engine does not collect your IP or log activity, the adverts on your page are not personalized and may therefore seem irrelevant to you. That is why it may be prudent to turn them off.
Another unique feature of this search engine is that it lets you change themes. The dark theme is particularly popular because many people believe it helps with eye-strain protection.
Of course, Startpage is a meta-search engine and will, therefore, source results from other engines including Google. But it encrypts data, which is a plus when it comes to ensuring your privacy.
Startpage also differs from DuckDuckGo because it does not censor its search results.
4. Ecosia
Ecosia is a unique search engine because it focuses on more than just providing exceptional privacy. Instead, its operators donate 80% of their profits to causes related to planting trees across the world.
Another difference between Ecosia and DuckDuckGo is that the former is hosted on servers that are powered by 100% renewable energy.
The search engine features promotional ads that may pop up on the homepage. But that is the way it makes profits. It mainly sources its search results from Bing, which is almost similar to DuckDuckGo.
Like most search engines on this list, Ecosia does not collect your IP address nor does it create a profile based on your activity. Additionally, It does not sell your data to any third-party entities.
This is another search engine with an interface that is almost similar to that of Google Search. It is, therefore, quite easy for Google Search users to transition to this alternative.
When using Ecosia, you can rest assured that you are not doing it in vain because its profits are going toward a noble cause.
2026 update: In 2024 Ecosia partnered with Qwant to build “Staan”, the European Search Perspective. It’s a new independent search index to reduce reliance on Bing/Google. Results have improved a lot since 2024. Ecosia also added private AI chat.
Best for: Users who want privacy + climate impact.
Also Read: Best People Search Websites
5. Swisscows
Swisscows was previously referred to as Hulbee. This private search engine is based in Switzerland.
Its location is significant because it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. or EU, which may end up demanding access to user data under certain circumstances.
Another unique feature of this search engine is that it does not create a user profile at all. Additionally, it has a clean user interface that does not include any type of advertisement.
When using this search engine, not only is your privacy protected but you won’t have to worry about any kind of ads popping up on the sides and causing unnecessary distractions.
Another impressive feature of this search engine is that it incorporates family-friendly mechanics. That means it automatically censors any adult or violent content that would have popped up during searches.
What’s more, it has a semantic map that gives helpful search suggestions relating to the keywords or key phrases you use. The suggestions are in a column on the right side of the web page.
This is a solid platform if you’re looking to switch from DuckDuckGo for one reason or another.
Also Read: Advantages & Disadvantages of Google Search Engine
6. Qwant
Qwant is another search engine that can go a long way in protecting your privacy. It has its origin in France in Europe which is why it is also quite popular in that region.
It is slightly different from DuckDuckGo because it uses its own crawler and index instead of sourcing results from third-party entities. You can therefore look forward to finding unique results regardless of your web history.
It features a minimalist user interface which is an excellent thing especially if you want to carry out searches without unnecessary distractions.
It’s worth pointing out that its user interface is almost similar to that of Google Search, making it easy for you to transition from one to the other seamlessly.
Another advantage of Qwant is that it does not use cookies. It, therefore, follows that once you log off, all information is lost. Your next session will not have any hint of previous queries or web activity.
However, if you want to personalize this search engine, you can do so by adjusting settings to include cookie-saving capabilities. Another unique aspect of this search engine is that it has a section with trending topics and news stories that may just pique your interest.
Explore more sites like Qwant here.
7. SearXNG
SearXNG is the actively maintained fork of Searx. It’s open-source, self-hostable metasearch. It pulls results from dozens of engines but strips all tracking before showing them to you.
Key features: No ads, no logs, choose your own sources, highly customizable. You can use public instances or run your own.
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want maximum control.
Also Read: Best Browsers For Privacy
8. Mojeek
Mojeek was launched in 2006 and was among the first search engines to adopt a no-tracking policy. In contrast to DuckDuckGo, Mojeek uses its own crawler and index to create search results suitable to your query.
This particular search engine does not record your IP nor does it keep a log of your activities on the internet. It is, therefore, unable to create a user profile for identification.
Mojeek does not feature any adverts on its homepage or search result page. That makes it one of the cleaner alternatives to DuckDuckGo.
It is equally important to note that Mojeek is sustainably hosted. That makes it an ideal option for anyone that wants to run searches while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Also Read: Best LoopNet Alternatives
9. MetaGer
MetaGer is the next search engine you should consider using if you want to stay anonymous on the internet. It utilizes a Tor network to ensure that none of your data can be accessed.
Unlike DuckDuckGo which relies on one source for search results, MetaGer utilizes indexes from multiple search engines. That is why it is likely to give a more comprehensive list of results.
MetaGer is hosted on servers that utilize 100% renewable energy. That makes it an ideal pick for individuals that want to minimize their carbon footprint on the earth.
The search engine has a built-in proxy that helps hide your IP address so that no one can determine your location. It is also an open-source software allowing you to make changes to it and even share without any obligations to make payments.
When running searches on this particular engine, you’ll notice adverts popping up alongside your search results. That is one of the ways the company raises money to keep the tool up and running.
The good news is that you can opt out of the ads if you decide to join as a member of the non-profit organization called SUMA-EV. That is the organization responsible for running the MetaGer search engine.
Also Read: Best TinEye Alternatives
10. Presearch
The next DuckDuckGo alternative you might want to check out is Presearch. It is unique because it embraces blockchain technology.
It comes with its own cryptocurrency called PRE. If you decide to use this particular search engine, you’ll be able to earn the cryptocurrency every time you run searches.
Presearch is a decentralized search engine that does not collect any user data that can be used to create a unique profile. It is compatible with most web browsers and will therefore present little to no problem to users of the various web browsers.
Explore: Best PimEyes Alternatives
Final Word
In my book, the best alternative to DuckDuckGo is Ecosia. The search engine returns relevant results fast. It is also big on privacy which is why every time you use it, you can be sure that no one is monitoring your activity.
Ecosia also scores high when it comes to giving back to society. The company that runs this search engine donates 80% of its profits toward tree planting causes, which is an excellent way to ensure the earth remains habitable for both humans and animals.
