Best search engine
Last updated: June 16, 2021
Here's the best search engine: DuckDuckGo.
Why: DuckDuckGo is a search engine that doesn't track you. As the company puts it, "We don't track you in or out of private browsing mode. Other search engines track your searches even when you're in private browsing mode. We don't track you - period."
Business model: Advertising, though without the surveillance and tracking that Google and others rely on.
Whatever you do, don't use Google for search.
• Web: duckduckgo.com
• iOS app: DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser for iPhone/iPad - this app also functions as a Web browser
• Android app: DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser for Android devices (though we suggest avoiding Android if possible)
Other options
• Mojeek, a UK-based search engine that doesn't track users. Search results come from Mojeek's own index, rather than tapping into another search engine - as detailed in Mojeek's search engine map infographic.
• Qwant, a Paris-based search engine that claims not to track users.
• Ecosia, a search engine that promises to use some of its profits to plant trees. It also claims to follow strict privacy standards.
• Searx, "a free internet metasearch engine which aggregates results from more than 70 search services. Users are neither tracked nor profiled." To search, first click into a specific instance on this list, such as US-based searx.bar.
• Even more options at switching.software, ethical.net, and Restore Privacy (which says more about StartPage.com and why it's no longer recommended here).
• Note (June 16, 2021): We are aware of Neeva, the new "ad-free, private" search engine. Founded by career Google execs, funded by Silicon Valley insiders, and sharing data with Microsoft, Neeva does not inspire confidence. We recommend the options listed above.
Related: Best visual search engines
Best-of
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