7 Best Google Search Alternatives I Use Daily

Although Google is so widely used that people often say they’ll “Google it”instead of simply searching, there are numerous worthy alternatives that can sometimes outperform it. If you’re eager to explore viable options beyond Google Search, take a look at our top picks.

1. DuckDuckGo

With a name that stands out, DuckDuckGo has emphasized user privacy since its launch. By aggregating results from various sources, including Microsoft’s Bing and its own web crawler, the search engine allows for tailored and customizable search outcomes. In addition to its commitment to privacy, DuckDuckGo features a clean and organized results page that prioritizes quality above all else.

I particularly value its ad-free experience and the increased relevance of search results, with my queries yielding significantly more outcomes compared to Google. For instance, my search for “DuckDuckGo” retrieved just seven results on Google, in contrast to 14 on DuckDuckGo. Plus, I don’t have to concern myself about prior searches influencing the current result, a common issue with Google’s personalized settings. For those interested in AI, DuckDuckGo features a built-in AI chat option as well.

2. Bing by Microsoft

Despite Windows dominating the operating system market, Microsoft Bing remains lesser-known but stands strong as one of the best alternatives to Google Search. Notably, various other search engines utilize Bing’s search results. Unlike Google’s stark minimalist design, Bing impresses with eye-catching background images, enhancing the overall aesthetic of its results page while still delivering superior results.

While privacy is not Bing’s primary focus, its customization options are user-friendly. Users can earn points by logging in, which can be redeemed for rewards, or use it freely without an account. Additionally, Microsoft Copilot integration is a built-in feature, although it’s optional.

3. Startpage

Startpage enables you to enjoy both Google and Bing results without compromising your privacy. Essentially, it allows you to search Google confidentially—your queries are sent to Google and Bing while keeping your identity secret, and once the search concludes, the information is deleted, ensuring your anonymity.

The only stored information consists of your preferences, which are saved in a single cookie that you can erase at will. Startpage provides you with a personalized URL to save your preferences, allowing you to set it as your default search engine while avoiding cookies. For additional privacy, you can use the Anonymous View to browse sites from the search results without revealing your identity.

4. Brave

Brave has not only emerged as one of the leading alternatives to Google Search but also as a competitor to Chrome. Already a fan of the Brave browser, I preferred DuckDuckGo for search until Brave released its own search engine that operates independently of Google, thus fitting perfectly with my need for privacy.

A particularly enjoyable feature is Goggles, which lets you filter results based on specific content preferences, such as avoiding political topics or social media networks. You can even create personalized Goggles, though I find the standard options sufficient for my needs.

5. Qwant

Upon discovering Qwant, I was delighted to find it also offers a Junior version aimed at providing a safer search experience for children. This alternative, rooted in Europe, prioritizes user privacy and operates under the principle that users are individuals, not products.

Qwant does its own indexing while leveraging APIs from popular search engines to enhance your results. My experience with Qwant has revealed results that evoke the simplicity of older Google versions before extensive user profiling and ad targeting became commonplace, providing a refreshing alternative to today’s Google.

6. Gibiru

Gibiru stands out as the most straightforward option among Google search alternatives. With no advertisements or snippets cluttering your experience, it focuses solely on search results. Plus, it guarantees that users are not tracked. If you prefer a minimalist approach that strips away distractions, Gibiru is an excellent choice, providing four filtering options: Web, Images, Videos, and News.

I appreciate Gibiru’s filtering options, including All Results or Censored; however, the Censored option can sometimes inaccurately exclude relevant results. For instance, during a search for “Gibiru search engine,” a page from Gibiru about the mobile app was omitted. Nonetheless, the All Results option generally provides a satisfactory user experience, offering a refreshing break from more cluttered search engines.

7. My little one

While most search engines typically categorize results into Web, Images, and News, Mojeek introduces unique categories like Substack and Emotions. I find the Emotions search particularly fun; you enter a term and select an emotional filter, allowing Mojeek to analyze webpages based on the emotional tone you desire.

If you enjoy Substack newsletters, Mojeek lets you limit your results to these specifically. All of this happens without tracking, as everything is hosted within an environmentally-friendly data center in the UK, while the company remains dedicated to delivering unbiased results. While its interface is more streamlined than Google’s, it still offers AI-generated summaries akin to larger competitors.

Regardless of the method you choose for searching, remember that Google isn’t your only option. In fact, you can find alternatives to many Google services, including Google Analytics. Simply adjust your default search engine within your preferred web browser, and you’re ready to go. If you face issues with resets, consider exploring these solutions.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.

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