What are the best private search engines? | Brave Browser (2024)

When you hear “search engine,” you probably think Google. As the most widely used option on the market, “Google” has become a verb—the brand is synonymous with the function. But while Google’s search enginecan deliver very good results, it’s not at all good on user privacy.

Google is an advertising company. Its browser (Chrome) and search engine are just tools to collect your data, sell highly targeted ad space, and rake in massive profits. If you’re logged into Google, and you watch a video on YouTube, Google records it. If you use Google Maps to chart your route home, Google records it. And of course, if you search for something on google.com, Google records what you search and what you click.

With Google, the real product is you.

If you’re uncomfortable with this level of surveillance, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are search engines that don’t track you. In this article, we’ll give a rundown on some of the most popular private search alternatives.

What is a private (“no-tracking”) search engine?

A private (or “no-tracking”) search engine can deliver high-quality results without the threat of Big Tech’s surveillance, and they work in a few different ways. Some still use Google or Microsoft Bing as their core index, but build in extra privacy protections. Other options “proxy” your searches, meaning Google / Bing only see queries coming from a single server that’s not associated with you. Still others use a totally independent index of the Web, and skip Big Tech altogether.

Regardless of the method, private search engines can give search results without exposing your identity or tracking you online.

The top private search engines: a comparitive guide

While the answer may not be the same for every person, we’ve compiled a list to guide you in the right direction.

1. Brave Search

Brave Search doesn’t track you, your searches, or your clicks. And, unlike other search engines on this list, Brave serves results from an independent index of the Web. While other alternative options do offer some privacy, most still get their results from Big Tech—if Google or Bing stopped working, these other options would, too.

Brave Search doesn’t censor results, and it’s transparent about its ranking. Simply visit search.brave.com from any browser to get started.

Note: You can set Brave Search as your default search engine in the Brave browser or most other major browsers at https://search.brave.com/settings.

2. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo (DDG) is a popular privacy search engine. Like Brave, DDG doesn’t build user profiles, so it will always show the same search results to all users. And it prevents online tracking of searches or clicks.

However, DDG depends on Yahoo! and Microsoft Bing for its search results. So if there’s unsatisfactory results in Bing, those will appear in DDG as well.

3. Yahoo! Search

Yahoo! is a multifaceted platform, delivering search along with resources like Yahoo! Finance. Yahoo is also known to be slightly more private than Google or Bing.

4. Startpage

Startpage taps into Google’s search index, so their results look similar to Google. (This is unique, in that most other no-tracking search engines on this list are either independent or rely on Bing.) And while Startpage uses Google’s results, it doesn’t participate in extensive data collection. Specifically, Startpage adheres to more stringent European privacy standards.

By using Startpage, you can also customize your search criteria and results. Startpage does show ads, but they’re generated based on your search query rather than a user profile.

5. WolframAlpha

The WolframAlpha search engine (or self-titled “computational knowledge engine”) is unique because it claims not to collect user data or develop user profiles. Instead, the platform utilizes its own structured data sets, advanced algorithms, and natural language processes to deliver search results.

6. Ecosia

Ecosia is built on the Bing search engine but redirects search-based ad revenue to a social cause. Specifically, 80% of the money from search ads goes towards planting new trees and supporting reforestation efforts. While many support this approach, it’s important to note that search results remain tied to Bing, meaning there may still be concerns about how Microsoft is handling your data.

7. Qwant

Qwant is a privacy focused, French search engine. It prevents the creation of user-specific profiles, instead allowing those searching with Qwant to register to create a profile that generates customized ads. While this may seem counterintuitive for a private browsing experience, Qwant uses this mechanism to deliver safe, anonymous, private browsing while supporting a personalized ad experience similar to Google.

8. Gibiru

Unlike other private browsers, Gibiru uses an encrypted connection to search Google for you, scrubbing Google’s trackers. With Gibiru, you see anonymous Google search results by using a proxy mechanism.

9. Swisscows

As its name suggests, Swisscows is based in Switzerland. Its platform infrastructure is all located inside Switzerland, so it’s subject to the same EU privacy laws that govern Startpage. Swisscows uses a proprietary Web crawler to generate search results.

10. Gigablast

Gigablast uses an internal index of webpages to perform searches, which means it doesn’t repackage results from popular platforms like Google or Bing.

Search engines and your browser

Like browsers, search engines can track your search history. For the best privacy, you’ll want to use a fully integrated solution like Brave that offers both private search within a privacy-first browser. Brave Shields block third-party trackers and ads, while built-in Brave Search taps into an independent index to generate results. Even if you don’t use the Brave browser, you can still access Brave Search from any browser by visiting search.brave.com.

What are the best private search engines? | Brave Browser (2024)

FAQs

What are the best private search engines? | Brave Browser? ›

Is there a truly private browser? There is a truly private browser called Tor, which is open source and free. Tor encrypts a user's web activity and their device's IP address three times so that it's hidden from their ISP.

Which search engine is best for privacy? ›

Here are some of the top private search engines to help you browse undetected.
  • DuckDuckGo. Serving more than 80 million people in 2020, DuckDuckGo (DDG) is one of the most popular private search engines on the market. ...
  • Startpage. ...
  • Searx. ...
  • Qwant. ...
  • Swisscows. ...
  • MetaGer. ...
  • Mojeek. ...
  • Disconnect Search.
Feb 22, 2023

What is the safest and most private search engine? ›

The top private search engines: a comparitive guide
  1. Brave Search. Brave Search doesn't track you, your searches, or your clicks. ...
  2. DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo (DDG) is a popular privacy search engine. ...
  3. 3. Yahoo! Search. ...
  4. Startpage. ...
  5. WolframAlpha. ...
  6. Ecosia. ...
  7. Qwant. ...
  8. Gibiru.
Feb 24, 2023

Is there a truly private browser? ›

Is there a truly private browser? There is a truly private browser called Tor, which is open source and free. Tor encrypts a user's web activity and their device's IP address three times so that it's hidden from their ISP.

What is the most honest search engine? ›

Duckduckgo

Unlike the other search engines, Duckduckgo values the privacy of users as they don't track or store personal search information. The search engine allows you to look up for everything ranging from images, maps, and videos.

What is more private than DuckDuckGo? ›

SearchEncrypt offers better default privacy than the more popular DuckDuckGo. You can also use SearchEncrypt to search for news, find maps, or browse for privacy-friendly videos (you can watch them directly on the search engine with no annoying ads). It is available as Google Chrome extension, too.

What is the most insecure search engine? ›

And this is the scary part of Shodan. That is one of the reasons why vice.com calls it the most dangerous search engine in the world. Shodan is able to find from a smartphone to a refrigerator, a security camera system, and even a nuclear plant. Shodan is a specialist in scanning the internet of things.

How do I search completely private? ›

To browse the web privately, you can use private browsing, sign out of your account, change your custom results settings, or delete past activity. If you want to search the web without saving your search activity to your account, you can use private browsing mode in a browser (like Chrome or Safari).

Can you be tracked with DuckDuckGo? ›

Unlike other mainstream search engines, DuckDuckGo doesn't store your personal info, follow you around with ads, or track you online.

What browser hides your IP address? ›

You can hide your IP address by either using the Tor browser, a proxy server, or a free VPN. You can also join a public Wi-Fi network.

Can anyone track you on private browser? ›

Private browsing only prevents your web browser from saving your browsing history. This means anyone else who uses your computer will not be able to see your online activity. Unfortunately, it doesn't guarantee security—your activity can still be tracked by websites.

Can police track private browsers? ›

Can Private Browsing be tracked by the police? Yes. The police can get a warrant to make your internet service provider give up your connection logs. Since Private Browsing Mode doesn't hide anything from the ISP, they will see what IPs you were connected to and when.

What search engine has no political bias? ›

Search engines like StartPage, DuckDuckGo, Swisscows, Qwant, Infinity Search, Gibiru, and BoardReader do not censor data and give you unbiased, and unfiltered search results.

What is a better search than Google? ›

Choosing the best Google alternative for your browsing needs

Use DuckDuckGo if you're concerned about privacy. It won't collect or store any of your personal data. Try Bing if you want to earn points for your searches. You'll earn Microsoft Rewards points that you can redeem for prizes.

Which is considered as the top 1 best search engine in the world? ›

1. Google. With over 86% of the search market share, one hardly needs to introduce readers to Google.

What is the downside of DuckDuckGo? ›

While using DuckDuckGo, your traffic is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and IP address discovery. Even if you change your default search engine, your internet service provider (ISP) will still be able to see what you're doing online and may share that information with third parties.

What is the popular private search engine? ›

Comparison Of Some Top Secure Search Engine
NameBest ForFees
DuckDuckGoNo tracking searchFree
SearXDecentralized Internet SurfingFree
QwantPrivacy Prioritizing SearchFree
SwisscowsSafe family friendly Search experienceFree
1 more row
Apr 27, 2023

Is DuckDuckGo 100% private? ›

DuckDuckGo search is completely anonymous, in line with our strict privacy policy. Each time you search on DuckDuckGo, you have a blank search history, as if you've never been there before. We simply don't store anything that can tie searches to you personally.

Which is the safest browser for banking? ›

Google Chrome is a very intuitive internet browser. It is relatively easy to use and secure. Additionally, Google Chrome comes with built-in transparency protection. The safe browsing features warn users when they run into phishing or malware sites.

What do most people use private browser for? ›

People tend to use private browsing to protect their personal data or browsing activity from other users of their devices. Private browsing is also an easy way to log out of websites when using someone else's device – provided you close the browser window at the end of your browsing session.

What is the least secure browser? ›

Microsoft Edge

According to a study done by researchers at Trinity College, Yandex and Edge are the two worst browsers for security. The study also found that Edge sends users' hardware ID, IP address, and location to back-end servers which over time can reveal your identity.

What is the safest way to search? ›

Privacy protection for your Search history

Google Search is the safer way to search. Every day Search blocks 40 billion spammy sites from search results so you can search safely, and proactively protects you by encrypting all of your searches.

What is the most conservative search engine? ›

DuckDuckGo

There's a reason we put DuckDuckGo #1 in the list of best conservative search engines. The BIGGEST reason millions of people use DuckDuckGo is that it doesn't track you. It doesn't collect or share any personal information about its users.

What is the safest search engine for Safari? ›

DuckDuckGo is a built-in option, so if this is the one you want, then you're in luck. Go to Settings > Safari > Search Engine, and select DuckDuckGo.

What is better than Incognito? ›

A VPN is better than incognito mode because it encrypts all of your web activity data and device IP address from everyone except the VPN provider itself, including your internet service provider (ISP).

Can someone see my Internet history if I use their WiFi? ›

Can Someone See My Internet History On Their WIFI? Yes. The WiFi owner has access to the admin panel from the WiFi router, meaning they can see the browsing information performed on their WiFi network. In addition, routers see log information, including when and what you did on your computer.

How can I see what has been viewed in private browsing? ›

How to see incognito history
  1. Find “Command prompt” using the Windows search bar, and choose the “Run as administrator” option.
  2. Type “ipconfig /displaydns” in the “Command prompt” window and press “Enter.”
  3. You'll see the list of domains you've recently visited on any browser, including the incognito sessions.
Sep 18, 2022

Is brave really private? ›

Browser-native solutions are still much more reliable and secure. By contrast, Brave is a truly private browser that blocks all third-party ads and trackers by default, and upgrades your Internet security to HTTPS whenever possible.

Why should I use DuckDuckGo instead of Google? ›

DuckDuckGo is fairly safe and offers much more privacy than mainstream browsers. First of all, DuckDuckGo's main appeal is your search privacy. This means that DuckDuckGo doesn't collect user data and track your search history. Unlike Google, it doesn't associate what you look for online with your IP address.

Is there a safer browser than DuckDuckGo? ›

Both Brave and DuckDuckGo are worth using. But, Brave offers an enhanced user experience. It boasts more privacy protection features than DDG, including a built-in ad blocker and tracker blocking. It is also more user-friendly.

Is it illegal to use the Tor browser? ›

Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.

Is Edge more private than Chrome? ›

Let's get this out of the way first: neither Chrome nor Edge is the most secure or private browser on the market. If privacy is your priority, browsers like Tor, Brave, and Firefox are better choices. But Edge and Chrome do have some useful security features. Edge's privacy settings are easier to understand and manage.

How do I stop IP address tracking? ›

6 Ways to Hide Your IP Address
  1. Get a VPN Software. ...
  2. Use a Proxy – Slower than VPN. ...
  3. Use TOR – FREE. ...
  4. Use Mobile Network – Slow and not encrypted. ...
  5. Connect to Public Wi-Fi – Not Secure. ...
  6. Call Your Internet Service Provider. ...
  7. Hide Your Location. ...
  8. Circumvent IP restrictions.
Apr 19, 2023

Can your phone provider see your private browser? ›

Browsing in incognito or private mode on your phone allows you to surf online without leaving any trace of your search history on that specific device. However, it doesn't block third parties like your internet service provider or network administrator from seeing what websites you've visited.

Can my wife see my private browsing? ›

Yes, they can. Unfortunately, Incognito mode doesn't hide your activity from your Wi-Fi provider. All it does is stop browsers and sites from storing cookies during that session. To make sure no one sees your online activities, use CyberGhost VPN.

What are the disadvantages of incognito mode? ›

What Is The Disadvantage of Incognito Mode? The biggest disadvantage of incognito mode is that your IP address, identity, and browsing activity are still visible to third parties. As a result, it's not a good choice if you're trying to avoid being tracked online.

Can the FBI track incognito? ›

Incognito mode doesn't stop web tracking. Your ISP, your employer, the websites you visit, search engines, the government, and other third-party snoopers can still track your browsing even if you use incognito mode.

Can you get in trouble for Googling illegal things? ›

Using a search engine to search for illegal internet activity is a crime, and police can use your search behavior, search history, and social network to establish intent or conspiracy to commit a worse offense like possession of child p*rnography or even murder.

Can police see your deleted search history? ›

Can police recover deleted internet history? Yes, simply by contacting your internet service provider. They are obligated by law to store records of your online activity. The only exception is that your provider could have already deleted the data if the history is older than the data retention period.

What search engine does the government use? ›

Search.gov is a search engine built by the government, for the government. Available to federal agencies, we currently support over 300 million searches a year for about 2,200 websites, across one third of federal domains.

What search engines don't want? ›

Explanation : The items that the search engines don't want are: keyword stuffing, buying links, and poor user experience (too many ads and high bounce rates). Q .

Is DuckDuckGo an unbiased search engine? ›

DuckDuckGo does not store or track user data, which goes a long way when it comes to ensuring your online privacy. And since they don't have any of your data, they can't personalize your search results, which means they stay pure and without user bias.

Which is the best search engine for privacy? ›

Here are some of the top private search engines to help you browse undetected.
  • DuckDuckGo. Serving more than 80 million people in 2020, DuckDuckGo (DDG) is one of the most popular private search engines on the market. ...
  • Startpage. ...
  • Searx. ...
  • Qwant. ...
  • Swisscows. ...
  • MetaGer. ...
  • Mojeek. ...
  • Disconnect Search.
Feb 22, 2023

Which search engine is used most in USA? ›

Search Engines Market Share in United States
  • Google90.55%
  • Bing5.38%
  • Yahoo1.87%
  • DuckDuckGo1.23%
  • Ecosia.org0.07%
  • Other0.90%

Which is the most search engine in USA? ›

google.com ranked number 1 and is the most visited Search Engines website in United States in March 2023, followed by duckduckgo.com as the runner up, and bing.com ranking at 3rd place as the leaders of the Search Engines websites in United States.

Is Google or Safari better for privacy? ›

While Chrome has a slight edge when it comes to keeping abreast of security threats, Safari has a much better track record of being more transparent than Google when it comes to a private browsing experience. Verdict: When it comes to user privacy, Safari wins hands-down.

Is DuckDuckGo a private browser? ›

DuckDuckGo search is completely anonymous, in line with our strict privacy policy. Each time you search on DuckDuckGo, you have a blank search history, as if you've never been there before. We simply don't store anything that can tie searches to you personally.

What search engine is not monitored? ›

DuckDuckGo is very popular with privacy enthusiasts and is the default search engine in the Tor browser. The US-based service has its own crawler (called DuckDuckBot), but also pulls information from over 400 other sources. These include Bing, Oath (previously Yahoo), and Wikipedia.

Is Firefox more private than Safari? ›

If you choose to use Safari, you're in safe hands as long as you're using an Apple device. But Safari only works on Apple devices, whereas Firefox works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux. So no matter what operating system you choose, Firefox has you covered with our security and privacy protections.

Is Safari browser really private? ›

Control privacy and security settings for Safari

Hide IP address: Safari automatically protects your IP address from known trackers. For eligible iCloud+ subscribers, your IP address is protected from trackers and websites as you browse in Safari. If this option is off, your IP address isn't hidden.

Why should I use Chrome instead of Safari? ›

Chrome, as you might guess, is certainly a better fit if you have Android devices or use Windows operating system (there's no Safari for Windows). It also works seamlessly with Chromecast so you can easily stream anything from your computer to your TV.

What is the downside to DuckDuckGo? ›

While using DuckDuckGo, your traffic is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and IP address discovery. Even if you change your default search engine, your internet service provider (ISP) will still be able to see what you're doing online and may share that information with third parties.

What is the safest browser? ›

Chrome may be the most secure browser on the internet, but t's also one of the worst for user privacy. Google Chrome is available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.

What type of people use DuckDuckGo? ›

Data shows the people using DuckDuckGo are those who already know about the search engine, with 93% of its traffic coming from direct visits. Only 1.5% of its traffic comes from organic search.

How much does DuckDuckGo cost per month? ›

DuckDuckGo is free to use. The company relies on ad revenue to make money but doesn't sell your information to advertisers or collect data in order to perform targeted advertising. Currently, every DuckDuckGo product, including the search engine, app, and extension, is free to use, and ads are relatively unintrusive.

Why is DuckDuckGo not popular? ›

This lack of data means that DuckDuckGo often can't provide as accurate results as Google can. In addition, DuckDuckGo's decision to not collect user data also means that it has less ability to customize results to individual users. As a result, many people find that Google provides a better overall experience.

What is the most unsafe search engine? ›

Shodan has been described as the most dangerous search engine in the world.

How do I browse without being tracked? ›

To browse the web privately, you can use private browsing, sign out of your account, change your custom results settings, or delete past activity. If you want to search the web without saving your search activity to your account, you can use private browsing mode in a browser (like Chrome or Safari).

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