If you are looking for more private experience searching the web, do not use Google search and Microsoft Bing as they are known to collect huge amounts of data from you to their advantage. Consider using the following search engines to have a more private experience.
Note: Some of the ones I listed do use Google and Bing in order to provide you search results. While not ideal, many do try to collect and retain as little information as possible, so a profile cannot be created. This is still better than what Google and Bing do.
1.) DuckDuckGo
Probably one of the most popular Google search alternatives. DuckDuckGo is a U.S.-based search engine that focuses on privacy and claims no tracking, searches, or browsing history. They do serve ads, but they are not targeted but instead based on search results, further protecting your privacy. To power their search engine, they use Microsoft Bing, which is owned by a non-privacy-focused company, with their partnership receiving controversy in May 2022.
You can add DuckDuckGo as your default search engine, or you can download the browser on your device. They also have a browser extension as well.
Note: Tor, a web browser that focuses on privacy and bypasses censorship, uses DuckDuckGo for its search engine.
2.) Mojeek
A U.K.-based search engine created in 2004, Mojeek became the first search engine to have a no-tracking policy, so they are committed to being privacy-focused. They are an independent and alternative search, meaning they created their own engine with the hopes of giving you different results.
You can add Mojeek to your desktop, iOS, and Android as your default browser.
3.) Startpage
Created in 2006, Startpage is a Netherlands-based search engine that claims to be the most private search engine. They do not track browsing history, ad targeting, or online profiling. They do not collect IP addresses or disclose or sell any information. They use Google and Bing engines to produce results, but all without seeking private information.
Note: Startpage had found themselves in hot water in 2019 and 2020 when it was revealed that System 1, a U.S. adversting company bought a controlling share of Startpage. A lack of transperancy and communication from Startpage is what lead many to be angry with the situation. Startpage has since cleared it up, but it's something to to be aware of.
4.) Brave Search
Another U.S.-based search engine, Brave Search, was created in 2021 by the same developers as Brave Browser. Brave uses its own index, so they do not rely on Google or Bing. It does not track users, their searches, or their clicks. It is the default search engine for the Brave Browser in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and you can set it as the default engine in other browsers as well.
5.) Swisscows
Created in 2014 and based in Switzerland, Swisscows is another search engine that uses Bing to produce search results but uses its own index. What's different about them is that they are a family-friendly engine, so no explicit or adult contact will come up. They claim no tracking, can be used anonymously, and do not store any data. However, they do collect IP addresses, but state that they anonymize it and delete it after 7 days.
You can add Swisscows as your default engine and they have a mobile that you can download.
6.) Qwant
Based in France, Qwant was created in 2013 to focus on user privacy. They claim to use an independent engine and index as well, but they still seem to rely on Bing as well. They do not track user data or search history, nor do they store or sell personal data. And they do not place cookies when searching as well. However, be aware that they do collect and share certain data such as IP addresses with their partners.
You can add Qwant to your browser, and you can download their mobile app as well.
7.) SearXNG
SearXNG is an open source and community driven metasearch engine. Because its code is open and relies on the community and not a company to produce results, this allows SearXNG the opportunity to be more privacy focused. It does not store or collect information, track your activities, or share information to any third-parties.
You can add SearXNG to your browser or if you are tech-savvy, you can even run your own server.
8.) Stract
Another open source option, Stract is an independent and open search that aims to protect your privacy by not storing any personal information. They state that they do not collect IP addresses, store any fingerprinting info, and do not share any information with third parties.
They note on their “About” page that this project is funded by a grant that they received from NLet and additional financial support from the European Commission’s Next Generation Internet program. They state in the future that they plan to serve ads to match your current searches and offer a subscription plan to opt out of it.
Note: I couldn’t find a way to make it a default search, so you will have to go to the URL to access the engine.
9.) MetaGer
A open source project created by SUMA-EV, Associate for Free Access Knowledge, a non-profit, is an open source search engine based in Germany. They have a regular search and an ad-free search, which allows you to have further control over your privacy. While the ad version does collect your IP address and share it with Microsoft and Yahoo, they do not retain the address for longer than 96 hours. Using a reputable VPN can mask your true IP, so it won't be too much of a concern.
MetaGer also has a Tor option for those who want additional privacy. You can download their plugin to use as a search engine and the app to use on your phone.
Make sure you do your own research and see which search engine is best for you. If you know of any other privacy-focused engines, feel free to leave them in the comments.
Until Next Time,
Monique 💻