Top 10 best private search engines in 2026

1. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is one of the most popular private search engines on the market, with over 100 million daily searches on average. All DuckDuckGo searches are private, so they’re not tracked or sold to other companies. 

The search engine still displays some sponsored results, but they’re not targeted to you based on your past online activity. You can also customize your search preferences with Safe Search and AI image filters. 

In the past, DuckDuckGo’s platform was unable to block Microsoft tracking scripts on some websites. However, DuckDuckGo addressed this vulnerability in 2023, so trackers no longer load. DuckDuckGo maintains a partnership with Microsoft to handle sponsored results, plus some of its results are sourced from Bing. 

The platform has browser extensions available for Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera, or you can search through the website. DuckDuckGo also has a web browser available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. 

DuckDuckGo’s web browser offers a variety of additional privacy features. It blocks activity trackers on third-party websites and in your email. It also blocks most targeted ads, including YouTube ads. 

Key features: 

• Browser extension and web browser availability across multiple platforms.
• Private search with no tracking.
• Automatic blocking of targeted ads and third-party trackers.
• Built-in private AI assistant and password manager.

Benefits:

• Easy download and use across a variety of devices.
• Free browser and web extension.
• No search tracking and simple browsing history deletion.
• Blocking of most ads for a streamlined browsing experience.
• Highly customizable search settings, including AI image blocking.

Disadvantages: 

• Presence of some sponsored search results.
• Slower performance compared to top competitors.
• Past issues with blocking Microsoft trackers.

2. Brave Search

Brave is a privacy-focused search engine and web browser. Unlike some of the other top private search engines, Brave uses a proprietary search algorithm, rather than sourcing results from Bing. The web browser is built on Chromium, so you’ll get the speed of the Chrome browser without any of Google’s tracking features. 

Brave never tracks your searches, and the browser’s Brave Shield feature blocks ads and trackers automatically. Brave’s Leo AI is a chatbot that can answer questions for you, but never stores or shares your conversations. You can also add VPN coverage with a paid monthly subscription. 

Brave’s search engine also includes advanced customization features to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. You can use the Goggles feature to create your own search filters or use filters that others have created. 

When Brave first launched, it was a cryptocurrency-focused browser, and you can still earn crypto tokens through the Brave Rewards program. With this program, you can enable ads in your browser and earn BAT tokens each time you see one. You can choose which ad types you’d like to see, and the ads are never targeted based on your profile. 

Key features:

• Private search engine using a proprietary algorithm.
• Chromium-based web browser with built-in ad blocker.
• Advanced browser features such as video calling and an AI chatbot.
• Custom search filters through Goggles.
• Optional Brave Rewards program.

Benefits:

• Fast performance due to Chromium-based architecture.
• Highly customizable browser and search engine.
• No data storage or tracking, with automatic ad blocking.

Disadvantages:

• Password storage limited to the local device, not the cloud.
• Limited and sometimes inaccurate AI search features.

3. Startpage

Startpage is a popular private search engine that markets itself as an alternative to Google. It is based in the Netherlands and is owned by System1, a US-based holding company. Startpage pays Google to use its search results, so you’ll get the accuracy that Google is known for. Unlike Google, however, Startpage does not store your searches, collect your IP address, or track your online activity. 

Startpage is a quick and easy way to search the web while keeping your information private. One of Startpage’s standout features is its Anonymous View mode. When you click on a search result, Startpage prevents that website from collecting your data or tracking your activity. This means you won’t see retargeting ads from that site, and you won’t get frustrating dynamic pricing when shopping online. 

Key features: 

• Completely private searches.
• Anonymous View for blocking many third-party website trackers.
• Chrome browser extension availability.

Benefits: 

• Easy use within an existing browser.
• Detailed search results sourced from Google.

Drawbacks: 

• No dedicated web browser.

4. Qwant

Qwant is a French search engine with many helpful privacy features. All Qwant servers are hosted in France and adhere to European privacy laws like the GDPR. Qwant does not store or sell your search data, and it doesn’t tailor results based on user behavior. The search engine does not use any cookies, so your activity will disappear as soon as you leave the site. 

Qwant is completely independent and uses its own search algorithm, so you don’t have to worry about it partnering with big tech companies that could be interested in your data. Qwant divides search results into helpful categories like news, social media, and videos to help you find what you’re looking for. Qwant Junior, a search engine for kids, offers safety features tailored to younger users. 

Key features: 

• Independent search algorithm.
• No storage, tracking, or selling of user data.
• Browser plugin availability for the majority of popular web browsers.
• Mobile app availability for iOS and Android.

Benefits: 

• Simple and easy-to-use interface.
• Compliance with strict European privacy laws.
• Kid-friendly search tool with optional safety features.

Drawbacks: 

• Ads displayed with search results, not based on user activity.
• No built-in ad blocker included.

5. Swisscows

As the name implies, Swisscows is a Switzerland-based search engine with a focus on privacy and safety. Swisscows does not store, share, or sell your data and does not track your activity online. It’s also a family-friendly search engine by default and filters out adult content. Swisscows has a built-in anonymous preview feature for all search results that shows you a screenshot of the webpage and identifies any trackers, so you know what to expect before you visit. 

Swisscows has a unique music search feature, so you can find songs directly from the results page. It also has an AI search feature available for all results that summarizes the page’s content. However, the AI summary is always optional, making it a good solution for people who prefer to avoid AI. 

In addition to the search engine, Swisscows offers a variety of other digital products with a paid subscription. While the Swisscows free version displays ads with results, Swisscows Pro is completely ad free. It also offers Edelcloud secure file storage, Swisscows.email service and TeleGuard messenger for secure communication, and Swisscows VPN. 

Key features:

• Private, family-friendly search engine.
• Availability as a default search engine for most browsers.
• Search filters for video, music, and shopping.
• Secure site preview option.

Benefits: 

• Suitable for users of all ages.
• Compliance with strict European privacy laws.
• Additional security tools available through subscription.

Drawbacks:

• No dedicated app or browser.
• Limited AI features and no result overviews.
• Ads displayed in the free version of search results.

6. Searx/SearXNG

SearXNG is a secure, open-source search aggregator. It’s based on Searx, a similar open-source tool that was available from 2014 to 2023. Unlike other search engines, SearXNG aggregates results from over 200 search services, making it a helpful tool for comprehensive research. 

SearXNG does not track your activity with cookies or user profiles, and all connections are encrypted. It also blocks tracking from HTTPS headers, pixels, and malicious scripts on third-party websites. 

For those who are very serious about privacy, SearXNG is compatible with Tor, an ultra-private web browser. If you have the technical know-how, you can also use SearXNG’s open-source code to create and run your own private setup for even more control. 

Key features: 

• Encrypted and cookie-free searches.
• Blocking of many third-party tracking features.
• Aggregation of results from hundreds of existing search engines.
• Compatibility with Tor.

Benefits: 

• Advanced privacy features enabling anonymous browsing activity.
• Open-source design allowing customization.
• Comprehensive search results from across the web with 58 translation options.

Drawbacks: 

• Less user friendly compared to many other search engines.
• No browser extension or default search tool installation options.

7. Mojeek

Mojeek is a UK-based platform that is one of the best search engines for privacy. It uses its own independent crawlers and search algorithm, rather than relying on big tech companies. The results are ad free, and you can choose to turn off Wikipedia summary overviews if you want. 

Since it’s UK-based, Mojeek adheres to strict privacy regulations like the UK GDPR. It’s also an eco-friendly search platform, with servers hosted at data centers powered with renewable energy. 

Mojeek does not collect your data or track your activity, so all results are completely objective. The Focus dashboard allows you to create custom search filters, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. Another interesting feature Mojeek offers is a search based on your emotions, which you can choose from a list. Mojeek does not include AI-powered chatbots or search overviews, which could be a benefit or a drawback depending on your preferences. 

Key features: 

• Independent search algorithm.
• No tracking, cookies, or ads.
• Custom search filters through the Focus dashboard.
• Emotion-based search functionality.
• Default search option for most browsers, with app availability for Android and iOS.

Benefits: 

• Completely ad-free search experience.
• Creative and customizable search filters.
• Strong focus on privacy and environmental values.

Drawbacks: 

• Less accurate search results compared to some competitors.
• No AI search features.

8. MetaGer

MetaGer is a privacy-focused open-source metasearch engine. It aggregates results from approximately 50 other tools. All searches are encrypted and routed through an anonymous proxy tool for true privacy. It’s also completely ad free. 

To use MetaGer, you’ll need to create a secure key to log in with. As you search, MetaGer won’t collect any of your data or activity. It’s also compatible with Tor for extra privacy. 

Key features: 

• Encrypted search with no activity tracking.
• Browser extension plugin and mobile app availability.

Benefits:

• Encrypted web traffic for improved privacy.
• Completely ad-free search experience.
• Open-source tool with publicly available code.

Drawbacks: 

• Secure login requirement, reducing ease of use compared to other search engines.

9. Gibiru

Gibiru is a private search engine that focuses on providing completely uncensored results. That means you’ll get results that you wouldn’t find on Google. All results are completely unbiased and based on your search keywords, rather than your previous browsing activity. However, Gibiru still uses a modified version of Google’s algorithm, so you’ll get the same detailed search results without the privacy concerns. 

Gibiru doesn’t use cookies, track your IP address, or store your search data. All searches are encrypted. If you want to surf the web on mobile, you can use Gibiru’s Wormhole app to browse without any tracking.

Key features: 

• Encrypted search with no tracking.
• Mobile browsing app availability for iOS and Android.
• Access to results censored on some other platforms.

Benefits:

• Strong privacy policy protecting search history.
• Ability to find results censored on some other platforms.

Drawbacks:

• Ads displayed with search results.

10. Ecosia

Ecosia is an eco-friendly and ethical search engine. While its primary focus is on sustainability, it also has a very strong privacy policy. Ecosia does not create user profiles that could be used for targeted search recommendations and advertisements on third-party sites. It also encrypts all searches and deletes your search data within one week. 

Unlike other search engines on this list, Ecosia does collect your IP address and uses cookies. However, you can opt out of personalized search results and ads on the site, and you won’t see ads on other sites based on your activity. 

The company is a certified B Corp and primarily relies on renewable energy to operate its infrastructure. Its profit also goes towards planting trees around the world. While Ecosia has recently introduced some AI features, they rely on small models that use less energy than competitors. Ecosia is also fully transparent about its finances and how it makes money. 

Key features: 

• Ecosia browser app availability for Windows, iOS, and Android.
• Encrypted searches with no user profiles.
• AI search powered by renewable energy.

Benefits:

• Encrypted and private search with optional personalized recommendations.
• Eco-friendly alternative to Google Search.
• Availability of AI search features.

Drawbacks:

• Collection of IP addresses and cookies, resulting in less privacy than some alternatives.

Other private search engines

Let’s take a look at some other notable options that didn’t make our top 10 list of private search engines. 

Disconnect Search

Disconnect is a digital security and privacy company that makes a wide variety of apps. It’s best known for enterprise-grade privacy tools that are used in business settings. However, it also makes a number of personal privacy tools, including tracker protection, DNS encryption, and VPN options. These products also have a private search feature powered by DuckDuckGo. 

The Disconnect personal protection apps are available for iOS devices, and most require a subscription fee. If you’re only looking for private search functionality, it’s easier to use DuckDuckGo directly. 

Ghostery Private Search

Ghostery is a free private search extension that is compatible with Google Chrome. When you search with Ghostery, you get objective results that aren’t influenced by your recent online activity. Ghostery also does not collect or sell your search history and other personal data. 

One of Ghostery’s most helpful features is its tracker transparency. This tool shows you which websites have trackers enabled before you click on them. Ghostery does display some tracker-free affiliate ads on its search results, but you can disable them if you prefer an ad-free experience. 

YaCy

YaCy is a free software platform you can use to build your own search engine. If you have technical expertise, you can use YaCy to create a search tool that aligns perfectly with your security preferences. Since YaCy is decentralized, you can customize it to get the results you want, without being affected by Google or other big tech companies. 

Which search engine is the most private?

No single search engine is the most private, although some offer higher privacy than others. Choosing the best private search engine depends on your specific goals.

For example, some users want to prevent user profiling and search logging, but still want a user-friendly experience. If that’s the case for you, you might prefer options like DuckDuckGo or Brave Search. However, if your primary goal is complete decentralization and control over the infrastructure you’re using, you might prefer an open-source metasearch tool like SearXNG or MetaGer. 

You’ll also want to consider your ad preferences and whether you want to remove ads from your search results entirely, or whether you’re comfortable with ads as long as they’re not based on user tracking. 

Why should you use a private search engine?

Private search engines don’t track your search queries, so they keep your data anonymous and offer plenty of benefits: 

• You get search results that are based on the keywords you use, rather than your previous browsing activity. 
• The search engine doesn’t sell your data, so you won’t see targeted ads or dynamic pricing as you use the web. Some private search tools even have features that block trackers on third-party websites. 
• You have more control over your web search experience and feel confident knowing where your data goes. 

This level of privacy is different from search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo, which collect your search terms, IP address, and cookies through user agents. These mainstream search engines use your data to display targeted ads and search results as you use the internet, which can feel annoying and creepy. Many of these search engines also aren’t transparent about their data use. Even if you delete your Google history, it is impossible to know exactly what information Google has about you.

What to look for when choosing a private search engine

When choosing a private search engine, focus on a few key features. Also, consider your individual privacy and safety priorities:

• No IP address logging or cookies. Your search engine shouldn’t track information that could reveal your location or browsing history. 
• No stored searches or built user profiles. Private search engines shouldn’t build profiles that could be used to give you targeted search results, ads, or dynamic pricing. 
• Limited ad use. When evaluating search engines, consider whether the search engine puts ads on your search results or not. If they do, the ads should only be based on the search keywords you’re using and not your past online activity. 
• Result sourcing. Check where your search engines source their results from. Some use their own crawlers and algorithms, while others rely on results from Google or Bing. The right choice for you will depend on your priorities because some people want to avoid interacting with major tech companies, while others don’t mind this and prefer the search algorithms they’re already used to. 
• User-friendliness. Consider whether the search engine integrates with the browser and operating system you’re already using, and how easy it is to search the web. Some people don’t mind taking a few extra steps for privacy, while others want to search with just a few clicks. 
• AI features. AI search engines can be helpful when you want to get answers to questions fast. However, some people have concerns about the safety and ethics of AI models. Consider how you feel about AI tools and whether you want a search engine that uses them or not. 

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