10 Private Search Engines to Protect Your Online Privacy
As someone who values online privacy, I know how important it is to use a private search engine. By using a private search engine, you can protect your search history, browsing data, and personal information from being tracked and sold to advertisers. In this article, I'll be sharing with you the top 10 private search engines available today, as well as their pros and cons.
Why use a private search engine?
When you use a search engine like Google or Bing, your search history and browsing data are collected and used to create a profile of you. This profile is then sold to advertisers who use it to show you targeted ads. Not only is this an invasion of your privacy, but it can also be annoying to be constantly bombarded with ads for things you've searched for.
Private search engines, on the other hand, don't collect your search history or browsing data. This means that you can search the web without worrying about your personal information being tracked and sold to advertisers. Private search engines also use encryption to protect your search queries and keep them private.
Top 10 private search engines
Here are the top 10 private search engines available today:
1. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is one of the most widely used private search engines nowadays. It doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. DuckDuckGo also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as a built-in ad blocker and the ability to force websites to use encryption.
2. StartPage
StartPage is another popular private search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses Google's search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, but it does so anonymously. StartPage also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to view websites anonymously and the option to disable cookies.
3. Hulbee
Among the various search engines available, Hulbee is one of the top 10 alternative search engines for Google in 2018 and is known for its privacy protection and efficacy.
When you use Hulbee.com for searching, neither your IP address nor any other personally identifiable information is recorded by the servers. You can also be protected against other forms of privacy-invading advertising. For example, you can avoid cookies, geo-targeting, and even those annoying government demands. Unless anything severe is at stake, Hulbee.com will not share the information with any government.
4. Swisscows
Swisscows is a private search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
5. WolframAlpha
WolframAlpha is a unique private search engine that focuses on providing you with factual information. It doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. WolframAlpha is great for finding answers to complex questions, such as mathematical equations and scientific queries.
6. Disconnect
Disconnect is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
7. Gibiru
Gibiru is a private search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
8. Peekier
Peekier is a private search engine that uses a unique interface to display search results. It doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. Peekier also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
9. Brave.com search
Brave.com search is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
10. Bing (with Tor)
While Bing isn't typically thought of as a private search engine, it can be made private by using it with the Tor browser. Tor is a free browser that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. By using Bing with Tor, you can search the web privately and securely.
Comparison of the best private search engines
While all of the private search engines listed above offer great privacy-focused features, some are better than others in certain areas. Here's a comparison of the best private search engines:
Best search engine for privacy: DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is the best search engine for privacy, as it doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. It also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as a built-in ad blocker and the ability to force websites to use encryption.
Best private search engine for using Google's search algorithm: StartPage
StartPage is the best private search engine for using Google's search algorithm, as it provides you with relevant search results without tracking your search history or browsing data. It also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to view websites anonymously and the option to disable cookies.
Best privacy search engine for unique search queries: WolframAlpha
WolframAlpha is the best privacy search engine for unique search queries, as it focuses on providing you with factual information rather than web pages. It doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries.
Best private search engine for using its search algorithm: Qwant
Qwant is the best private search engine for using its search algorithm, as it provides you with relevant search results without tracking your search history or browsing data. It also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
Brave.com search engine review
Brave.com is a privacy-focused web browser that includes its private search engine. The Brave.com search engine doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. It also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
One of the unique features of Brave.com is its built-in ad blocker, which blocks ads and trackers by default. This means that you can browse the web without being bombarded with ads for things you've searched for. Brave.com also includes a feature called Brave Rewards, which allows you to earn cryptocurrency for viewing ads.
Overall, Brave.com is a great option for anyone who values online privacy and wants a browser and search engine that are both private and secure.
DuckDuckGo search engine review
DuckDuckGo is one of the most popular private search engines accessible today. It doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. DuckDuckGo also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as a built-in ad blocker and the ability to force websites to use encryption.
One of the unique features of DuckDuckGo is its Instant Answers feature, which provides you with quick answers to your search queries. For example, if you search for "weather", DuckDuckGo will provide you with the current weather in your location. This can be a great time-saver if you're looking for quick answers.
Overall, DuckDuckGo is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that is both easy to use and offers a range of privacy-focused features.
StartPage search engine review
StartPage is another popular private search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses Google's search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, but it does so anonymously. StartPage also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to view websites anonymously and the option to disable cookies.
One of the unique features of StartPage is its Proxy Browsing feature, which allows you to view websites anonymously. This means that websites won't be able to track your IP address or location. StartPage also includes a feature called "Anonymous View", which allows you to view websites privately without leaving any trace of your visit.
Overall, StartPage is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that provides relevant search results and a range of privacy-focused features.
Qwant search engine review
Qwant is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
One of the unique features of Qwant is its "Quick Search" feature, which allows you to search for multiple things at once. For example, if you search for "New York weather football", Qwant will provide you with the current weather in New York and football-related news. This can be a great time-saver if you're looking for multiple pieces of information.
Overall, Qwant is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that offers a range of privacy-focused features and a unique search experience.
Swisscows search engine review
Swisscows is a private search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
One of the unique features of Swisscows is its "Semantic Map" feature, which provides you with related search terms and topics. For example, if you search for "climate change", Swisscows will provide you with related topics such as "global warming" and "carbon dioxide". This can be a great way to explore a topic in more depth.
Overall, Swisscows is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that provides relevant search results and a unique search experience.
WolframAlpha search engine review
WolframAlpha is a unique private search engine that focuses on providing you with factual information. It doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. WolframAlpha is great for finding answers to complex questions, such as mathematical equations and scientific queries.
One of the unique features of WolframAlpha is its "Personal Analytics" feature, which allows you to input your data and receive insights about yourself. For example, if you input your age, weight, and height, WolframAlpha will provide you with your body mass index and other health-related insights.
Overall, WolframAlpha is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that provides factual information and a unique search experience.
Disconnect search engine review
Disconnect is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
One of the unique features of Disconnect is its "Privacy Icons" feature, which provides you with information about how a website uses your data. For example, if you visit a website, Disconnect will display a privacy icon that tells you whether the website uses cookies or collects your personal information.
Overall, Disconnect is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that provides relevant search results and a range of privacy-focused features.
Gibiru search engine review
Gibiru is a private search engine that doesn't track your search history or browsing data. It uses its search algorithm to provide you with relevant search results, and it also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
One of the unique features of Gibiru is its "Uncensored News" feature, which provides you with news articles that aren't censored by mainstream media outlets. This can be a great way to stay informed about topics that may be censored by mainstream media.
Overall, Gibiru is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that provides relevant search results and a unique search experience.
Peekier search engine review
Peekier is a private search engine that uses a unique interface to display search results. It doesn't track your search history or browsing data, and it uses encryption to protect your search queries. Peekier also offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as the ability to use a VPN and the option to disable cookies.
One of the unique features of Peekier is its "Preview" feature, which allows you to preview a website before clicking on it. This can be a great way to quickly determine whether a website is relevant to your search query.
Overall, Peekier is a great option for anyone who wants a private search engine that provides a unique search experience and a range of privacy-focused features.
Conclusion and final thoughts on private search engines
In conclusion, using a private search engine is an important step in protecting your online privacy. By using a private search engine, you can search the web without worrying about your personal information being tracked and sold to advertisers. The top 10 private search engines listed above are all great options, and each offers a unique search experience and a range of privacy-focused features.
If you're looking for the best search engine for privacy, DuckDuckGo is the clear winner. If you're looking for a private search engine that uses Google's search algorithm, StartPage is the best option. And if you're looking for a private search engine that focuses on providing factual information, WolframAlpha is the way to go.
No matter which private search engine you choose, you can rest assured that your online privacy is protected. So why not give one of these private search engines a try today? You may be surprised at how much more secure and private your online experience can be.
Protect your online privacy today by switching to a private search engine. Try one of the top 10 private search engines listed above and experience the benefits of a more private and secure online experience.