The 10 Best Search Engines for Privacy in 2025

Have you ever searched for something trivial, only to be relentlessly bombarded with ads related to it? Traditional internet search engines, like Google, Bing and Yahoo, thrive on collecting personal information. They use trackers and activity logs to gather data, which is then sold to advertisers for targeted campaigns. While personalized content can occasionally be helpful, the extensive use of your private data often feels invasive and risky.

There are ways to search the internet without being tracked, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs) or private search engines that don’t log your searches, track your behavior or sell your data to third parties. Explore the top-ranking search engines for privacy to get options that allow you to browse the web freely and securely — without sacrificing your peace of mind.

Best Search Engines for Privacy:

• DuckDuckGo: Best for untracked searching

• Startpage: Best for unprofiled browsing

• Qwant: Best for GDPR-protected searching

• Swisscows: Best for family-friendly browsing

• MetaGer: Best for deep-browsing searches

• Mojeek: Best for independent and unbiased searches

• Ecosia: Best for eco-friendly searching

• Gibiru: Best for censor-free searching

• Brave Search: Best for privacy-conscious users

• Searx: Best for open-source, customizable privacy

What Is a Private Search Engine?

Private search engines help you browse the internet without storing search or user information, making them ideal for privacy. User information includes a variety of data that helps hackers track your identity. Some of that information includes: 

• IP addresses
• User agents
• Unique identifiers (found in cookies)
• Search terms
• Browser fingerprints
• Location information 

From saving search query history to capturing personally identifiable information, you have the right to private internet use. Luckily, there are a number of private search engines available, each offering a different level of privacy based on how the business gathers revenue.

Why Should You Use a Private Search Engine?

Unlike more common search engines like Google, private search engines prioritize user privacy by avoiding the collection of search data or personal information. In contrast, traditional engines often use this data to:

• Track users online
• Analyze user behavior
• Inform targeted ad campaigns
• Enhance personalization on online services 

While these practices may seem harmless — primarily supporting marketing efforts or platform improvement — they also pose risks. Cybercriminals and malware can exploit this data, turning benign information into vulnerabilities.

Even though popular web search engines like Google comply with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by requiring users to opt into data collection, many prefer to bypass these risks entirely. By using private options, you can avoid falling victim to data misuse, tracking or phishing attempts. 

The 10 Best Search Engines for Privacy

Looking for better search engines than Google that prioritize your privacy? Here’s a carefully curated list of search engines designed to protect your data, ensuring your searches stay anonymous while offering a seamless browsing experience.

1. DuckDuckGo 

Best for: Untracked searching

With 6 million monthly downloads, DuckDuckGo (DDG) is one of the most popular private search engines on the market. Accessible from desktop, mobile, browser extension and app, DDG is an anonymous search engine that blocks trackers, allowing users to escape the filter bubble. 

DDG features a proprietary !Bang shortcut that pulls results directly from third-party sites. The engine also generates revenue through private, contextual ads based on search queries — not user profiling. 

Features:

• Offers SSL encryption for secure browsing
• Includes tracker blockers to stop third-party tracking
• Features !Bang shortcuts for faster results from specific sites
• Categorizes search results for easy navigation

Pros: 

• Protects user privacy by not storing search history or building user profiles
• Blocks trackers to ensure anonymity
• Offers additional protections like email and Android app security

Cons:

• May provide less personalized or refined results compared to websites like Google
• Relies on contextual ads for revenue, which, while private, can still feel intrusive to some users

Price: Free

2. Startpage 

Best for: Unprofiled browsing

A great DuckDuckGo alternative, Startpage is an award-winning Netherlands-based private search engine that specializes in blocking third parties from gathering personal data or setting price trackers. Your personal data, such as IP addresses, network settings, browsers, locations or hardware, are removed by the company’s two levels of managed, on-premise servers, resulting in unpersonalized results. 

The engine’s Anonymous View allows you to choose when to browse without being tracked and can block targeted and retargeting ads when turned on. The engine is accessible as a Google Chrome extension, and the company earns revenue through paid contextual advertising. 

Features:

• Provides Anonymous View for private web browsing
• Encrypts connections to ensure secure searches
• Blocks price trackers to prevent dynamic pricing
• Offers unprofiled news results to avoid bias
• Prevents the creation of online profiles by not storing cookies or cache

Pros:

• Protects privacy by not tracking IP addresses, storing cookies or saving search history
• Allows browsing with an encrypted connection to avoid “Your connection is not private” errors
• Blocks trackers to prevent targeted ads and price manipulation

Cons:

• Relies on contextual ads for revenue, which may detract from the user experience
• While robust, search results may lack the refinement of more mainstream engines like Google

Price: Free

3. Qwant 

Best for: GDPR-protected searching

The Qwant search engine was designed to give users a private search experience. Based in France, this search engine provides unpersonalized, algorithm-free results to searches and offers protections that follow GDPR. 

Qwant offers search results in several categories, including a unique, social-media-based visual board. It can be accessed via browser or Chrome extension and set as a default browser. The site does use paid private ads, and its ad targeting and search results are powered by Bing.

Features:

• Offers multi-category search results for better organization
• Includes Qwant Maps for private navigation
• Provides Qwant Junior, a safe search tool for children
• Can be set as a default browser with a Chrome extension
• Offers customizable appearance options to personalize your interface

Pros:

• Protects user privacy by not storing cookies, search history or IP addresses
• Adheres to GDPR standards, ensuring data security for users in countries with the fastest internet and beyond
• Does not use algorithms, providing unbiased search results

Cons:

• Uses contextual paid ads powered by Bing, which may impact user experience
• Search capabilities can be slower compared to larger, algorithm-driven engines

Price: Free

4. Swisscows 

Best for: Family-friendly browsing

Swisscows is a Switzerland-based unblocked search browser that uses a proprietary index and years of search expertise. Its technology was designed to make storing personal information impossible, meaning it does not track cookies or build user profiles. 

Swisscows prides itself on being family-friendly, meaning it’s safe for younger users to browse safely. The engine also offers categorized results, can be added as a VPN Chrome or Firefox extension, integrates with most browsers, is an email provider and uses contextual ads powered by Bing to generate revenue. 

Features:

• Provides categorized search results for better navigation
• Includes anonymous view for private browsing
• Offers TeleGuard messaging for secure communication
• Allows free access to music via its platform
• Supports VPN services with flexible subscription options

Pros:

• Does not store personal data, cookies or cache, ensuring complete anonymity
• Designed with safe, family-friendly filters to block harmful content
• Integrates AI tools like GetDigest for enhanced result suggestions

Cons:

• Relies on contextual ads powered by Bing, which may not appeal to some users
• Advanced features, such as VPN services, require a paid subscription

Price: 

• Free for basic searches
• Swisscows Pro: 38.00 CHF
• Swisscows Platinum: 109.00 CHF

5. MetaGer 

Best for: Deep-browsing searches

MetaGer is a metasearch engine based in Germany that offers full data protection, hides IP addresses and blocks targeted ads. Using an anonymizing proxy to protect users while they browse the SERP, MetaGer prioritizes protection against censorship, providing you with unbiased and unfiltered search results. The engine also provides results crawled from multiple leading search engines. 

Additionally, MetaGer is run by a nonprofit organization committed to sustainability, so all its services run on renewable energy and use transparent algorithms. The engine is accessible through a browser plugin, smartphone apps and Tor hidden service, and offers access to maps without location tracking. 

Features:

• Provides proxy protection for browsing off search result pages
• Offers browser extensions for seamless use across devices
• Includes an ad-free experience for members of SUMA-EV
• Delivers anonymous and unfiltered search results

Pros:

• Hides IP addresses and does not share location information, ensuring full anonymity
• Blocks targeted ads, protecting users from intrusive marketing tactics
• Operates sustainably, using renewable energy for all services

Cons:

• Free version includes ads, which may disrupt the user experience
• Advanced features like ad-free searches require membership in SUMA-EV

Price: Free with ads

6. Mojeek 

Best for: Independent and unbiased searches

Mojeek is an independent, alternative search engine that values users’ rights to privacy and puts users first. Indexing over 5 billion pages with owned crawlers, the engine provides independent and unbiased results in four categories, including an emotion-based category. The browser is also accessible via a smartphone app.

With a company value of “doing what’s right,” Mojeek is committed to sustainability, operating from the U.K.’s award-winning greenest data center. 

Features:

• Provides customized search results tailored to user preferences
• Offers a smartphone app for mobile-friendly browsing
• Prioritizes transparency and unbiased search outcomes

Pros:

• Does not track or sell user data, ensuring complete privacy
• Operates sustainably, leveraging eco-friendly infrastructure

Cons:

• Smaller index size compared to mainstream top-ranking search engines, which may limit search result breadth
• Emotion-based search categories may not appeal to all users

Price: Free

7. Ecosia 

Best for: Eco-friendly searching

Ecosia is a different search engine that combines privacy with sustainability. Based in Germany, Ecosia is known as one of the greenest private search engines — 80% of Ecosia’s profits from ad revenue are donated to planting trees as part of the company’s commitment to being CO2 negative. The company is committed to transparency and regularly shares financial reports and tree-planting campaign updates. 

Ecosia is accessible as a Chrome extension, browser application, search engine and mobile app. The company does not sell private data and does not use external tracking tools to monitor performance data. It generates revenue through click-based advertising.

Features:

• Categorized search results tailored for ease of navigation
• Environmental impact counter to show users their contribution to reforestation
• Transparent financial and impact reporting

Pros:

• Combines private browsing with eco-friendly initiatives
• Does not sell personal data or share location information

Cons:

• Tracks analytics to improve performance, which may not suit users seeking full anonymity
• Results may lack refinement compared to what the other search engines offer

Price: Free

8. Gibiru 

Best for: Censor-free searching

Gibiru is an uncensored private search engine aimed at providing access to information away from the filter bubble and Big Tech censorship. Its no-log search and no IP address or cookie tracking policies prevent it from selling personal data to third parties, meaning no retargeting. 

Gibiru does not extend cookie blocking once you visit outside the SERP. However, the Gibiru Wormhole app for mobile devices acts as a VPN and protects cookies from being stored on Android and Apple devices. The engine is accessible via a browser extension and a downloadable app. The company earns revenue from commission-based plans, not by selling personal data.

Features:

• Categorized search results for easier navigation
• Mobile VPN via the Gibiru Wormhole app to protect your device and prevent cookie storage
• Browser extension for convenient access and privacy protection

Pros:

• No IP tracking, search history storage or personal data selling
• Earns revenue through affiliate advertising, not by selling your data

Cons:

• Cookie blocking is limited to the search engine results page and doesn’t extend beyond it
• May not offer the most personalized search results compared to mainstream engines

Price: Free

9. Brave Search 

Best for: Privacy-conscious users

Brave Search is an independent search engine that is often used as a default engine for the Brave web browser application. Although the engine aims to provide users with web, news, image and video search results directly from their independent index of the web, the platform includes a small percentage of results from third-party APIs that result from big-name search engines like Google or Bing. 

Committed to being independent, transparent and focused on users, Brave provides a browsing experience without tracking behavior, searches or clicks. Brave Search also uses private usage metrics that can be turned off in preferences to monitor and forecast traffic and performance. Additionally, it does not block ads by default but provides users with the option to opt into Brave Rewards, a commission-based program that rewards users for accepting private, targeted ads to earn exchangeable reward points. 

Features:

• Independent search index for unbiased, uncensored results
• Customizable themes and search preferences for a personalized experience
• Ranking transparency, giving users insight into how search results are ordered
• Available as both desktop and mobile browser integrations

Pros:

• No user profiling or data tracking by default
• Customizable tracking preferences for those who want more control
• Transparency in search ranking and algorithm decisions

Cons:

• Relies on a small percentage of results from third-party engines like Google and Bing
• Does not block ads by default, although users can opt into Brave Rewards

Price: Free

10. Searx

Best for: Open-source, customizable privacy

Searx is one of the first open-source search engines on the internet, offering users an alternative to traditional search engines by focusing on privacy and customizability. Searx aggregates search results from multiple engines, including Microsoft Bing, and provides users with a comprehensive overview of web, news and multimedia content without tracking personal data. This allows it to deliver relevant results while keeping user information private.

Searx also integrates seamlessly with Yahoo’s ecosystem, providing access to services such as Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance and Yahoo Mail. It boasts a user-friendly interface and a customizable homepage, giving users the flexibility to personalize their search experience according to their preferences.

Features:

• Aggregates results from multiple search engines, including Microsoft Bing
• Customizable homepage and interface for a personalized search experience
• Integration with Yahoo’s services (news, finance and email) for broader access to information
• Strong multimedia integration, ensuring relevant video, image and web results

Pros:

• Open-source and privacy-focused, with no tracking or profiling
• Ability to aggregate diverse search results for a comprehensive browsing experience
• High level of customizability for users seeking a personalized search experience

Cons:

• May not be as fast or efficient as larger, more commercial search engines like Google or Bing
• Less mainstream than other engines, meaning fewer resources dedicated to improving results

Price: Free 

How to Choose a Private Search Engine

Choosing the right private search engine is crucial for safeguarding your online privacy and enhancing your browsing experience. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting the best engine for your needs:

• Prioritize privacy features: Choose search engines that don’t track your searches, store data or build user profiles. Look for features like anonymous browsing and no cookie tracking to protect yourself from different types of phishing and threats on the dark web.
• Check for ad-free experience: Opt for search engines that limit or eliminate ads. If ads are present, ensure the engine offers the option to opt out, helping you avoid being tracked or compromising your privacy.
• Evaluate search result relevance: Test the search engine’s ability to deliver accurate and relevant results. Make sure it aggregates data from reliable sources without compromising your security or exposing you to different types of cybercrime.
• Consider environmental impact: Select engines that run on renewable energy or support environmental causes, like Ecosia, which funds tree planting with ad revenue. This way, you contribute to sustainability while maintaining privacy.
• Test for usability: Choose an engine that’s user-friendly, with a clean interface and options for customization. A smooth browsing experience will allow you to easily protect your privacy while freeing up your RAM for better performance.

From paid services to completely untracked browsers, you have the opportunity to explore some of the best private search engines with a simple download.

However, private web searching isn’t the only way to stay safe online. Take the extra steps to protect your personal data and devices by downloading a secure VPN service and antivirus software. Combining private search, VPNs and protective scanning will help keep your personal information safe and secure.

Best Search Engines for Privacy FAQ

Below, we address some frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions about choosing a private search engine.

What Are the Best Google Alternatives for Privacy?

Some of the best alternatives to Google for privacy-focused search engines include DuckDuckGo, Startpage and Brave Search. These search engines prioritize your privacy by not tracking searches, building user profiles or selling data to third parties.

Which Are the Most Popular Search Engines Right Now?

The most popular search engines currently include Google, Bing, Yahoo and privacy-focused options like DuckDuckGo, Brave Search and Startpage. While Google remains the dominant player, privacy-conscious users are increasingly opting for alternatives that protect their personal information.

How Do I Find Free Search Engines for Secure Browsing?

Our list above is a great place to start. Engines like DuckDuckGo, MetaGer and Swisscows offer privacy-focused features at no cost. These engines don’t track your searches or store personal data, providing a safer alternative to mainstream engines.

Are Private Search Engines Actually Private?

Private search engines improve privacy, but complete anonymity is hard to achieve. These engines vary in the level of privacy they provide. Search engines using VPNs or encrypted connections offer better security than those that don’t. Always check the privacy policy and terms to understand how your data is handled.