If You Want To Abandon Google Search, Try These 5 Alternative Search Engines Now
Google announced it in May Google I/O developer conference that it was taking steps towards it integrating Google Search with its advanced AI tools. But if you don’t like the direction of Google Search, there are other search engines that you can try for free.
There are a number of search engines that have certain advantages over Google, such as more privacy. But the main drawback of some of these engines may not be extensive. That means you may have to look at other results on these other search engines compared to Google. I found it helpful to be more specific about my search queries when using these other engines.
It’s also important to note that even if you use these search engines within Google’s Chrome browser, you may not get the full benefit of some of these engines. Here are five other free search engines that you can use instead of Google Search.
Courage
Brave is a privacy-focused search engine that blocks trackers, and uses Google as a fallback option. That means if your Brave search doesn’t return many results, you can let the search engine anonymously scan Google for the same query.
Brave also offers other features, such as a VPN, a crypto wallet and its own AI assistant named Leo. And Brave said your use of AI is private and secure as well. You don’t even need to create or sign in to an account to use Leo.
You can try Brave for free.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is another search engine that focuses on privacy, and presents itself as the anti-Google. Although Google collects and stores data from you to create personalized search results, DuckDuckGo does not track your activity and blocks third-party trackers.
Over the past few years, DuckDuckGo has also expanded the free tools it offers to people. It now offers tools like the Anti-Tracking App for Android users, its VPN — which our experts say is the best for general privacy and streaming — and an AI tool called DuckAssist.
You can try DuckDuckGo for free.
Ecosia
This private, Berlin-based search engine is also a green option. Ecosia writes online that it has planted more than 250 million trees and produces more than enough clean energy to power all AI searches and queries. The company also writes online that all of its profits go to climate action.
However, Ecosia writes in its privacy policy that it uses Google and Microsoft Bing to provide you with results. CNBC reported in 2024 that Ecosia and Paris-based search engine Qwant collaborated to create a European search index to reduce dependence on US companies.
You can try Ecosia for free.
Quant
This French-based search engine writes online that it does not store your search data or sell your personal information, making it a great alternative to Google. In addition to search, Qwant also offers a feature called Qwant Junior, an online script aimed at helping children between the ages of 6 and 12 explore the internet safely.
You should know that Qwant has integrated AI into its engine with what it calls Flash Answers. But you can disable it in your Settings menu without jumping through hoops. Historically, Qwant has used the Bing search API, which allows companies to access Bing’s search infrastructure. But according to CNBC, the company partnered with Berlin-based search engine Ecosia in 2024 to create a European search index to reduce dependence on US companies.
You can try Qwant for free.
First page
Startpage is a search engine that is also a search aggregator. That means it works with other companies like Google and Microsoft Bing to bring you search results.
Outside of those partnerships, Startpage said it does not share your personal information with its partners and sends your search requests anonymously. Startpage said it also does not use tracking cookies, and does not review or access cookies you may have on other websites. Think of Startpage as a way to use Google and Bing without holding your data.
You can try Startpage for free.
To find out more about other search engines, here’s what you need to know about DuckDuckGo and Brave Search.
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