This means your data is still vulnerable to interception by third parties.
TRY EXPRESSVPN
What Is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo doesnt store or share your search history and personal information or associate searches with IP addresses.
Read the next section to learn what a VPN does.
How Is DuckDuck Go Different From a VPN?
When you connect to a VPN server, it replaces your IP address with one from your server location.
This also means that a VPN can access local sites and services from any location.
DuckDuckGo doesnt encrypt your traffic or mask your IP address.
Also, the sites and apps you visit can see your general location.
When Should You Use DuckDuckGo Vs. a VPN?
DuckDuckGo and VPNs enhance your online privacy but are best used in different situations.
DuckDuckGo is ideal for protecting your privacy while browsing and searching the web.
A VPN provides broader protection by encrypting all of your internet traffic and hiding your IP address.
DuckDuckGo VPN Is It Any Good?
There are other issues, too.
Its thefastest VPN on the market.
Its proprietary Lightway protocol outpaces the WireGuard protocol, which DuckDuckGo VPN uses.
This makes it even harder for trackers to follow you across the web.
It also lacks extension support, so you wont be able to use your favorite ad blockers.
PIA fills this need by having thebest VPN ad blockerout there: MACE.
This provider has a really good split-tunneling feature, which DuckDuckGos VPN lacks.
Split-tunneling lets you choose which traffic uses the VPN tunnel and which uses your regular internet connection.
PIAs split-tunneling works with apps and websites (most VPNs only split-tunnel apps).
Plus, its really good for streaming, as it accesses 30+ sites.
This means youll never accidentally go online without protection.
Youll also get an ad blocker (called Content Blocker) on Android.
I also took into account other factors, like ease of use, streaming support, and more.
To hide your online activities from your internet provider, get agood VPN.
Does the DuckDuckGo internet tool have a built-in VPN?
The free DuckDuckGo web app doesnt come with a VPN.
Instead, you should get a good standalone VPN, likeExpressVPN, because it provides much better value.
Can I use DuckDuckGos App Tracking Protection with a VPN?
Should I use a VPN if I already use DuckDuckGo?
Yes, if you value your privacy and security.
A VPN covers these gaps.
Best VPNs for DuckDuckGo in 2025 Final Score:
