Using Google is convenient because it’s undoubtedly the best search engine but comes with downsides. It’s no secret that Google is collecting detailed information on users. Then, they sell it to third-parties and use it to rake in cash with their products and services. And that’s not limited to the homepage or services, since the tech giant also deploys cookies and trackers that follow you elsewhere. You’ll also encounter Google on smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, and devices such as Chromecast. So, there’s no escaping them unless you pick a Google alternative, which requires a habit adjustment. Determined to do it? Let’s get into the best private search engines.
Why are private search engines important?
Today, the internet and its netizens have become more aware of certain issues, mostly pertaining to online privacy. They have understood the importance of data and started shifting towards applications and web products that can ensure their data privacy. This is why, when offered the chance to be forgotten, many people opted for it to become a law.
Thus, when search engines, which play a huge role in everyone’s online journey, started offering private browsing, many flocked to them. Despite the fact that almost 92% of the world uses Google search when asked, almost 74% of Americans were in favor of laws that can enhance their privacy. However, till we have such laws in place, we have to rely on certain private search engines, to safeguard our online privacy.
We will not go into the debate of how and why traditional search engines misuse their data. Or how they also offer private browsing features such as the Chrome Incognito Mode. Although to be fair, an incognito mode is not actually private as explained in the video. Thus, let us examine a few reasons why private search engines are important.
1. Enhance privacy
It suffices to say that private search engines do improve your online privacy. They neither track your searches nor keep a record of them, making it impossible for third parties to interfere. By default, there is no record of your personal data with these search engines, which can help you down the line too.
2. Unbiased search results
Since no data is recorded, the results are often unbiased as they can’t be manipulated based on your personalized input. There is also no motivation for anyone to favor something particular, as they do not know whether it will even be effective or not.
3. No personalized ads
Have you become tired of seeing an ad for cat food just because, in a moment of weakness, you searched for cute cat pictures? If you do not want to be bombarded with non-stop ads that seem to read your mind, then simply switch to a private search engine. Now you can look at as many cat pictures as you want.
4. Say no to online profiling
Search engines also share your data with other platforms, which is then used to create your online profile. This profile is very helpful for third parties. But if you would like to keep your data private, the only way is to stop using traditional search engines in favor of private ones.
5. Against digital monopoly
As per the data, Google reigns supreme in the search engine market. It has inadvertently led to the creation of a monopoly. It can be pretty dangerous as Google can become too powerful, not that it isn’t already. And the only way to overcome this is by having alternatives available.
6. Presents an alternate view on things
Typically speaking, when you search for something online, the data is stored and used the next time you look for similar things. It can lead to you only seeing things that already reflect your beliefs or interests. If you want a wider perspective on a topic or an opposing point of view, then it is paramount that the result is not tainted with bias.
What are the best private search engines?
As you have already seen, it is vital to use a private search engine. After comparing several search engines out there, I came up with a list. These are the most private search engines on the internet:
1. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-oriented search engine that doesn’t log or store your data. As proof, they don’t even know how many users they have. The search engine shows private ads, but only as sponsored links, unlike most search engines. Also, there are no built-in trackers and the results are only based on the topic you’re searching for. Yes, search results aren’t as precise as Google’s, but at least no one is manipulating them. DuckDuckGo also offers a Chrome extension to aid your privacy and offers apps for Android and iOS that can block Google’s trackers.
2. Qwant
If you’re a news lover but don’t want to compromise your privacy, use Qwant. It’s one of the high-grade private search engines and mixes fun with functionality. On the home page, you can spot the latest news alongside sponsored links (with banners) from the get-go. The user experience is almost as rich as Google’s too. That’s because search results will web resources such as links, social media feeds, news sites, videos, maps, music, and images. And, like DuckDuckGo, you can select a country to show results for, pick main sources, and use the relevance filters.
3. Swisscows
Swisscows is one of the leading private search engines that’s also ad-free and funded by user donations. Obviously, it’s based in Switzerland, but displays results in 8 languages thanks to its partnership with Bing. Don’t let that scare you – the country is renowned for strict privacy laws after all. Also, the service uses semantic technology to predict the best-suited results instead of user data, which it never stores nor tracks its users. Finally, Swisscows is known as one of the best child-friendly search engines thanks to its advanced adult content filters.
4. SearchEncrypt
SearchEncrypt wins the “best search engine for privacy with encryption“ title. And not only that, but it utilizes local encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFC), which is present when using a VPN. SearchEncrypt combines results from multiple other search engines. Luckily, it promises to delete search queries after you’re done and not to keep tabs or store logs. You can also search for ad-free videos and look at maps, images, and news. Besides the home page, you can also use SearchEncrypt through their Chrome extension.
5. SearX
SearX is a non-profit metasearch engine, that shows no ads, allows you to remove trackers, and is generally, among the best privacy-focused search engines overall. The main site also allows you to enable proxy on an on-need basis, and it would be wise to enable HTTPS rewrite addon in the Plugins tab. Also, it’d be smart to install a SearX app for Android or an add-on for Firefox. Some people also choose to run their own instance of SearX. This is effective but lacks the privacy of clustering your search results with hundreds of thousands of others.
6. MetaGer
MetaGer is an open-source search engine designed for privacy, operated by SuMa-eV, a non-profit organization. It serves results in 3 languages, English, German, and Spanish, and uses its own crawlers and indexers, but mainly combines results for Yahoo and Bing. The search engine also comes with a built-in proxy service, allowing you to easily switch to anonymous browsing. For TOR users, MetaGer also operates a .onion site, and you can filter searches by date, language, or presence of adult content. MetaGer also has an Android app and a Firefox add-on.
7. Mojeek
Mojeek is an independent privacy-based search engine funded by investors who believe in the cause. Unlike the rest of the engines for searching privately, Mojeek does not rely on any other search engines and uses its own crawlers and indexers. So, there’s no worry about trackers or even seeing ads, and you get to avoid the Big Tech altogether. Additionally, they store no logs, whether IP address, location, or search history. Perhaps most importantly, Mojeek is possibly the oldest search engine with a no-tracking policy, dating back to March 2006.
8. Disconnect Search
Disconnect Search is a top private search engine that uses DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, and Bing for assistance with results. This is a win-win situation because while it fetches search results from other search engines, you get to submit each query anonymously. After all, they don’t log or keep any data logs. Furthermore, the results are listed in the same order and appearance as the native search engine, so time for adjustment is unnecessary. Disconnect Search also has a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app for Mac and iOS with built-in anti-tracking and hacking features.
9. Ecosia
Ecosia is the top privacy-tailored search engine that works toward a good cause. By using it, you help Ecosia plant more trees in third-world countries. They also publish their financial reports regularly making it clear they’re funding other organizations/charities. Moreover, they run their servers on 100% renewable energy. Ecosia does this through sponsored ads and by combining Bing’s search results. We didn’t observe any trackers, Ecosia encrypts all searches, and doesn’t sell data to advertisers. However, they logged a little bit of data, but only for the improvement of service.
10. Gibiru
Gibiru is among the longest-running search engines alongside Mojeek – it was founded in 2009. Nonetheless, it’s a service people are very reluctant to use. This is mainly due to an outdated interface, and its connections to Google. Let us assure you, that Gibiru only uses Google’s algorithm for the speed and precision of search results. While doing so, it eliminates the tracking and privacy-invading parts while adding encryption. They also offer apps for Android and iOS and a 14-day free trial for Ambit VPN. This lets you stay incognito on all devices.
Comparing private search engines
The following table compares the various private search engines based on a few features:
| Search Engine | Privacy | User Tracking | Search Result Quality | PlatformSupported | Revenue Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuckDuckGo | Very Strong | Minimal | Very Good | Web and Mobile | Advertising |
| Qwant | Strong | Minimal | Good | Web and Mobile | Advertising |
| Swisscows | Very Strong | Minimal | Good | Web and Mobile | Subscription |
| SearchEncrypt | Very Strong | Minimal | Good | Web | – |
| SearX | Very Strong | Nome | Varies | Web | Open-Source |
| MetaGer | Strong | None | Very Good | Web | Open-Source |
| Mojeek | Strong | None | Very Good | Web | Subscription |
| Disconnect Search | Strong | None | Good | Web | – |
| Ecosia | Strong | Minimal | Varies | Web | Donations |
| Gibiru | Strong | Minimal | Good | Web | – |