They log your IP address, searches, location, and the web client and OS you use.
As a result, youre bombarded with targeted ads.
Luckily, there are alternatives that can help keep your online activity and identity safewhile navigating the web.
These search engines deliver the same experience without tracking you.
Plus, they each offer something unique.
Short on Time?
Plus, it hides your real IP address and replaces it with one from a region of your choosing.
Whether youre using a private search engine or browsing the results,a VPN will protect your privacy.
Best Private Search Engines That Won’t Track You 2025 Guide
1.
During testing, search results were consistently relevant.
you could filter out results from specific countries or search by location.
Its interface is straightforward and features 80+ different languages.
Simply opt for mask icon next to your search results to use this mode.
However,Startpage has passed independent (EuroPrise organization) audits of its privacy and data-handling practices.
Its overseen the plantation of over 210 million trees across 35+ countries.
Ecosia uses its own algorithm with Microsoft Bing and Google to increase your chances of getting refined answers.
However,this search engine doesnt compile any cross-platform data.
Personalized advertising and search results are strictly opt-in only; you are opted out by default.
Like most search engines,it makes money by targeting you with ads based on your search terms.
However, these funds go towards reforestation and other climate-impact areas.
There is even a math input tool and an extended keyboard to simplify entering complex equations.
However, Pro users can also generate practice problems, use advanced calculators, and get customer support.
Discounted plans are available for students.
It even has different modes, like reverse image or random search.
The one downside is that WolframAlpha collects more personal information than other private engines.
It claims to do this to provide some of its advanced features.
Theres even an extension for Chrome, and you could customize this search tool to your liking.
To use !Bang, pop in an exclamation mark to the left of your search query.
The feature has existed since 2008 and has thousands of bangs already.
it’s possible for you to even submit your own bangs.
I appreciate that this is outlined in its detailed and transparent privacy policy.
Like Startpage,DuckDuckGo offers an excellent user experience with an intuitive interface.
you might do this inSettingsor on the search results page.
choose your current region to reveal a dropdown where you could scroll to whichever country you prefer.
you’re free to also opt to get news stories on the homepage.
An association with Microsoft doesnt exactly scream user privacy first to me.
However, the provider filters out native advertising from results.
It also has its own web app, built off the open-source Chromium Web core.
This makes integration with other services, like VPNs, a hassle-free process.
Aside from that, the web client comes with a password management feature and ad-blocking capability.
This is a great option since you have to pay for Premium to get ad blocking with Brave Search.
I also like theAnwer with AIoption that allows Brave to answer your main queryin a helpful, conversational style.
This means you might get the information you need without searching through results pages or clicking lots of links.
So, its great for privacy and safe browsing.
It also doesn’t use cookies or other tracking technologies and states it won’t create user profiles.
Swisscows is adamant that we do not know who you are.
So,your IP, internet tool, and equipment info remain private.
The interface is simple, too its similar to Googles homepage but with a few more options.
you’ve got the option to even view cached versions of the websites you intend to visit.
For the less tech-savvy, its easy to customize from the main search page.
The one downside is thatSearX occasionally gets blocked by search engines like Google.
When this happens, youll only see an error or a very limited set of results.
Plus, it doesnt use cookies or store your real IP.
It keeps some logs for up to 96 hours, which are then auto-deleted.
MetaGer is supported by user contributions; you will see a prominent Donate button on your results pages.
Ads appear at the top, butyou can enjoy an ad-free experience by signing up for a MetaGer membership.
In that case, youll get the latest heart-rated news stories.
To do this, open Mojeek and clickEmotionon the top right corner of the screen.
Next, choose your emoji.
Unlike DuckDuckGo and SearX, Mojeek has its own crawlers it doesnt depend on popular search engines for results.
So, its a great option if you want to avoid anything provided by mainstream search engines.
However, keep in mind that results might be less extensive as Mojeeks algorithms arent that powerful yet.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, and various online window extensions.
They use this to build detailed user profiles for targeted advertising, regardless of your privacy.
These engines integrate with advertising and analytics services and prioritize data collection to understand and exploit your behavior.
While some data might be logged, its typically only used to improve the service and search experience.
Furthermore, theres sometimes an assumption that alternative browsers are only for tech geeks and computer programmers.
Private search engines help you keep your personal details hidden while you search.
They are definitely more private than mainstream engines like Google and Bing.
Luckily,there are ways to enhance your privacy online.
Will private search engines store or sell my data?
Usually, no.Some private search engines use your data but only to deliver relevant search results.
Unlike Bing, Yahoo, or Google, they do not trace or track your online activity.
Are US-based private search engines safe?
While DuckDuckGo is technically based in the US, some of its servers are located abroad.
How do private search engines make money?
For example,DuckDuckGo makes money through affiliate programs.
MetaGer and SearX, on the other hand, are supported by donations.
Does incognito mode make my searches safe?
Are privacy-friendly browsers better for Google?
This can lead to a more private but potentially less personalized browsing experience.
By honing in on a niche,you might find a search engine above that better suits your needs.
Whats even better is that these alternative search engines offer far better privacythan their mainstream cousins.
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Visit ExpressVPN
like, comment on how to improve this article.
