A growing number of alternative search engines are gaining traction for good reason, more than you might expect. While Google is the main search engine for many and dominates the global search engine market, it’s not the only player in town. From privacy-first platforms like DuckDuckGo to AI-powered engines like You.com, today’s users have a growing list of smart, reliable, and innovative options. Whether you’re fed up with being tracked, are looking for cleaner results, or just want to support ethical tech, these alternatives offer fresh takes on how we find information online.
At V Digital Services, we’re not just keeping up with these changes, we’re leading the way. With decades of experience in SEO and digital strategy, we help businesses optimize not only for Google but for the entire search landscape. Especially in local markets, where Local SEO is key, understanding alternative search engines can give your brand a real competitive edge. Contact us today and let us expand your digital reach.
This post will cover why users are looking for other search engines in the first place, from privacy concerns to performance preferences. Then we’ll break down the best alternative search engines, including what makes each one unique, and who they’re best suited for.
Why Look for an Alternative Search Engine?
Searching the internet should be simple, not a trade-off between convenience and privacy. But for many of us, mainstream search engines have become more about data collection than delivering clean, honest results. That’s exactly why alternative search engines are gaining traction. They give us back a bit of control. They strip away the noise. And in many cases, they just work better for people with specific needs.
One of the biggest reasons people jump ship from Google or Microsoft Bing is privacy. Mainstream engines track everything: your searches, clicks, location, and even how long you hover on a result. That data feeds personalized ads and algorithmic profiles, which can feel intrusive. It’s not just about annoying ads; it’s about being watched. For those wary of big tech’s grip on our digital behavior and who want to protect their private data, switching to a search engine that doesn’t log your every move, like DuckDuckGo or Startpage, feels like a breath of fresh air.
But it’s not just about privacy. Sometimes, you need specialized or niche results that mainstream platforms bury under a mountain of SEO-optimized fluff. Let’s say you’re a researcher, a developer, or someone digging into ethical sourcing or academic content. Engines like WolframAlpha (a computational knowledge engine), Semantic Scholar, or even GitHub’s code search tools might serve you better. And if you’re multilingual or searching in a language other than English, alternatives like Yandex or Swisscows can return more relevant, localized content that U.S.-based engines tend to overlook. In short, not all searches are created equal, and not all engines are equipped to handle them well.
Lastly, there’s the matter of features. Alternative engines often come with surprising advantages: faster loading times, fewer (or zero) ads, and the ability to customize how your results appear. Some are even open-source and community-driven, which not only fosters transparency but also allows users to influence development. For example, Searx lets you fine-tune which engines it pulls from and how your results are ranked. That level of control simply isn’t possible with Google.
18 Best Search Engine Alternatives to Google
With help from our SEO experts, we’ve assembled a list of the best alternative search engines you should know about right now. There’s something for every search user, from the giants of global search to charity, privacy-first, and format-focused search engines.
1. Bing
With around 7% of the U.S. market, Bing can’t exactly be considered a close second to Google. However, certain features make Bing stand out from the competition. When paired with its highly effective series of key functionalities, Bing’s innovative design makes it one to watch.
From the moment you arrive on the homepage for Bing, you’ll notice that its design is far more image-centric. Images and videos dominate the page, and the Bing image search feature is impressively advanced (even more so than Google).
Some of its key features include:
- Machine-learning predictions for elections, sports scores, and similar metrics.
- Object-detection intelligence incorporated into the image search function.
- The option to save searches in “collections” for later reference.
- The Bing Reward program, which awards users with credits.
- Bing Chat, a generative AI tool.
2. Yahoo
Many of us can remember when Yahoo was at the top of the search game, but now it holds just 3.5% of the market. That being said, don’t assume that Yahoo isn’t worth your time. It still maintains a secure spot as America’s third-largest search engine. It is often a go-to option for users searching for news, sports, and finance information and services.
3. DuckDuckGo
You may have already heard of DuckDuckGo, largely because it is considered one of the best options for those searching for a private, unbiased search engine. The site doesn’t collect any personal information or search data, a feature that has fueled a considerable surge in popularity. It also doesn’t track search history and filters out low-quality content.
One of our favorite DuckDuckGo features is the “Bang” search, a function that lets you search on other platforms (Amazon, Wikipedia, eBay, etc.) with just a single click. Many users debate the benefits of DuckDuckGo vs Google, with there being a large number of web searchers who prefer one over the other.
4. Startpage.com
Promising to be the world’s most private search engine, Startpage.com boasts a third-party audit from the European Private Seal. Their “no-logs” policy means that the site does not store searchers’ IP addresses or use tracking cookies. As a result, Startpage.com can genuinely say that they have no idea who a given searcher may be, so you have the ultimate privacy without sacrificing quality search results.
5. Qwant
Like Startpage.com, Qwant’s search policy states that the site doesn’t utilize cookies that allow recognition or tracking. The search engine doesn’t use common tracking devices, they don’t store searches or history, and search queries are kept anonymous and separate from IP addresses.
Qwant can be a highly reliable alternative for Google, especially because its indexing engine teams up with Bing to provide excellent results (without affecting privacy). Plus, since Qwant is based in Paris, where privacy protection laws are far stricter than those in the U.S., you can be confident that your privacy is a priority.
6. Swisscows
Don’t let the humorous name of this Google alternative fool you; Swisscows is a European-based search engine with a solid reputation as a privacy-first site. Since it is self-described as an innovative, private search tool dedicated to family-friendly content, the website doesn’t store your data in any way. For parents who worry about allowing their children to browse the Internet, Swisscows can offer wonderful peace of mind.
7. Search Encrypt
There appear to be many similarities between Search Encrypt and Google, but it’s their differences that really count. Search Encrypt is set up to promote convenient searching while safeguarding your privacy by implementing highly innovative technology.
The website detects searches that are likely to be tracked and/or associated with your personal information, intercepting those queries and redirecting them to their security-enhanced platform. Essentially, Search Encrypt helps stop information collection and sharing in its tracks and then takes you straight to an alternative option.
8. giveWater
Equitable access to clean water is a very real issue in many parts of the world. By using giveWater, specifically installing its browser extension and clicking on platform ads, search users can help make a difference. Here’s how it works: when you search the internet using giveWater.com, paid search ads generate income for giveWater. Furthermore, giveWater distributes a portion of the profits from those ads to their charitable partners, who donate these funds to provide for clean water and sanitation.
9. Ekoru
With just a few clicks on Ekoru, you can contribute to the efforts to clean and restore our world’s oceans. According to the search engine, every search query raises funds for organizations such as Big Blue Ocean Cleanup and Operation Posidonia. It’s also an ethically-conscious search engine, using hydroelectricity to power all of its servers.
In addition, Ekoru is also considered a more private alternative to Google. All data is encrypted, and none of your data is stored, giving users even more reasons to try out this eco-friendly search engine.
10. Ecosia
Ecosia is a small, relatively new, environmentally-conscious search engine, but it’s beginning to flourish. The site’s revenue is used to plant trees around the world (100 million trees have been planted so far!), and the company is dedicated to supporting positive environmental efforts as a whole.
It generates search results powered by Bing so that you can look forward to a first-class search experience with all the bells and whistles. It’s yet another privacy-centered search engine, so you can reap a fair share of benefits while still giving back.
11. Mojeek
Mojeek is one of the few search engines with its own crawler and search index, meaning it doesn’t rely on any big tech backend. That alone makes it a rarity. Adding to that, its zero-tracking policy and commitment to unbiased results make it a serious contender for users who want full independence in their search experience. If you’re researching sensitive topics or just value a search engine that isn’t swayed by trends or user history, Mojeek is one to explore.
12. Yandex
Yandex is Russia’s leading search engine and offers unique strengths in image and video search. Its search algorithm differs significantly from Google’s, which can sometimes lead to surprisingly different (and sometimes better) results, especially for non-English queries. If you’re doing research in Russian or just want to broaden your search beyond the usual filters, Yandex is a powerful tool to add to your roster.
13. You.com
You.com takes search to the next level by integrating AI apps directly into the results. You can get summaries, write code, check facts, and even generate content, all without leaving the search page. It’s modular, customizable, and constantly evolving. Great for developers, multitaskers, or anyone who wants more than just blue links. It feels more like a productivity platform than a traditional search engine, and that’s what makes it exciting.
Format-Specific Alternative Search Engines
The odds are pretty good that you’ve recently used Google to search for images, videos, learning materials, and even podcasts. Even though Google can serve up relevant results for those items, format-specific search websites could also do it better.
14. YouTube (Videos)
You know (and probably love) YouTube, as do millions of other people around the world. It’s the second-largest search engine out there and a major player in the world of social media and video sharing.
Sure, you could use Google to search for and locate YouTube videos. However, going directly to YouTube is a smart way to find the right content quickly.
15. Unsplash (Images)
Are you hunting for free-use images to use in your next blog post, social media marketing article, or something similar? The cost of stock photos can add up, but not everyone can afford a professional photoshoot every time they need new images.
Instead, use Unsplash to search for copyright-free images, no strings attached.
16. Slideshare (Slideshow Presentations)
SlideShare is a platform where thousands of slide decks are uploaded and shared, covering a broad range of topics. Many people use SlideShare to find slideshows related to conferences or other professional development sessions they attended, while others regularly search the site for educational content of other sorts.
17. Creative Commons Search (Images)
Another excellent alternative to Google Image Search is Creative Commons Search, where you can locate images that you can modify, reuse, and share in a myriad of ways. It’s organized impeccably well, which can save you a considerable amount of time.
18. Listen Notes (Podcasts)
Google isn’t intended to be a podcast search engine – but Listen Notes is. Podcasts have seen a meteoric rise in popularity, and Listen Notes is serving a key role in helping users find new podcasts to add to their queue.
How to Choose the Right Search Engine Alternative for You
Choosing the right search engine alternative isn’t about ditching Google just for the sake of it, it’s about finding a tool that truly aligns with your priorities. You need to start by identifying what matters most to you. If privacy is at the top of your list, search engines like DuckDuckGo or Startpage offer strong no-tracking policies. Then, if you want a more curated experience with fewer commercial results, consider something like DuckDuckGo. For professionals researching niche topics, tools like Brave Search, which utilizes its own web index, offer more precise or data-driven insights.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to try a few and compare the results side-by-side, it can be a little eye-opening. You might find that some engines give you less fluff, more substance. And once you land on one that feels right, make it your default search engine. A simple change like that can make your everyday search experience more efficient and less frustrating.
Learn More about Alternative Search Engines with VDS
Whether privacy is your top priority, you’re looking for ad-free experiences, or you just want a search engine that aligns with your personal values, there’s an alternative out there for you. People switch from Google to other search alternatives for several reasons: from growing concerns about data tracking and surveillance to the need for specialized search tools and diverse features like open-source platforms or eco-conscious choices. Search engines like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Brave offer strong privacy. Others, like Ecosia and Mojeek, appeal to those with ethical or independent values. And platforms like You.com and NeevaAI are carving out space with AI-driven results and customization.
Ultimately, working with an experienced SEO strategist is often the best bet for businesses and brands that want to make measurable progress towards their marketing goals. Regardless of the type or size of your business, ensuring that people can find you online will never stop being a top priority – and that’s where V Digital Services comes in.
Our full-service digital marketing agency has teams dedicated to every aspect of advertising, including search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, and more. We can develop a targeted digital strategy to expand your reach online, including SEO for search engine alternatives. So, you don’t need to become an SEO expert because we have an entire team of talented strategists at the ready. Get more information about how your SEO strategy should be shifting for alternative search when you contact V Digital Services today!
FAQ
Still curious about alternative search engines? You’re not alone! Here are quick answers to the most common questions people ask when switching away from Google or Bing.
Are Alternative Search Engines Really Safe?
Yes, most are safe, as long as you choose reputable options like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, or Brave. Always review a search engine’s privacy policy before using it.
Can I Use Multiple Search Engines at Once?
Absolutely! Many people switch between engines depending on their needs—using one for privacy, another for shopping, and a third for research. You can even install browser extensions or use metasearch tools to query multiple engines at once.
Do These Search Engines Offer Browser Extensions?
Yes, many alternative search engines offer browser extensions to make switching easier and enhance privacy while you browse. For example, DuckDuckGo’s extension blocks trackers and enforces HTTPS, while Startpage and Ecosia have add-ons that set them as your default search. These tools are a quick way to make privacy your default without changing your entire browser setup.
Will I Get Worse Results Than Google?
It depends. Some alternatives use Google’s results (like Startpage), while others rely on their own indexes (like Mojeek or Brave). You might notice differences in depth or relevance, but many users find the trade-off worth it for more privacy or fewer ads.
How Do These Search Engines Make Money if They Don’t Use Ads?
Some do use non-tracking ads, while others rely on affiliate links, donations, or premium services. For example, Ecosia earns money through search ads but reinvests profits into tree planting, and Neeva (before its acquisition) ran on a subscription model. The key is transparency—many alternative engines are upfront about how they stay afloat.
Do These Search Engines Work on Mobile?
Absolutely. Many have mobile apps or can be set as your default search engine in mobile browsers.
