Do you want to keep your web searches confidential? If so, you need to use a private search engine. The best private search engines will keep your searches hidden from prying eyes. This is especially important if you’re doing research on sensitive topics or perhaps don’t want to be inundated with ads.
In this quick guide, we will discuss the best private search engines and how they can help keep your information safe and confidential. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your web searches under wraps, keep reading!
What is a private search engine?
Ever wondered why you keep saying the same ad on different websites? That’s Google tracking your search history and using it to personalize the ads you see. A private search engine is a search tool that does not track your IP address or search history. This means that your searches are not tied to your personal identity, which makes it much more difficult for anyone to spy on your online activity.
Unlike major search engines like Google, private search engines do not store your personal information or use it to target you with ads. This makes them a much more secure option if you’re looking to keep your web searches confidential.
How does a private web search engine work?
A search engine that’s private works by encrypting your searches and redirecting them through a series of private proxies. This makes it impossible for anyone to track your IP address or see what you’re searching for.
In addition, most of these search engines that are private do not store your search history on their servers. This means that even if someone were to hack into the search engine, they would not be able to see what you have been searching for.
Private search engines also usually have a strict no-logs policy, which means that they do not track your searches or store them on their servers.
Best private search engines
There are a number of different private search engines available, but not all of them are created equal. In this section, we will discuss some of the best private search engines that you can use to keep your web searches confidential.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is the most popular private web search engine available. It receives about 13 million search queries per day and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine.
As to be expected, DuckDuckGo does not track your IP address or search history, and it has a strict no-logs policy. In addition, it does not store cookies on your computer and blocks third-party trackers by default.
DuckDuckGo also has a number of unique features that make it a great private search engine. For example, it has built-in ad blocking and malware protection. It also gives you the option to encrypt your searches with SSL for even more security.
That said, one thing that’s unusual about DuckDuckGo is that they keep records of their user’s search histories. While they claim that these records are not personally identifiable, it’s still something to be aware of if you’re looking for a truly private search engine. They also admit to generating ad revenue and commission from affiliate links.
Of course, that’s not the same as selling your personal data, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a private search engine that is completely free from any type of advertising. Learn more about DuckDuckGo safety and privacy and our detailed guide.
Startpage Anonymous Search Engine
Startpage was the first private and secure search engine on the market and is still one of the best. It uses Google’s search results but does not track your IP address or store your search history.
Startpage also has a number of features that make it a great choice for privacy-conscious users. For example, it offers an optional proxy service that makes it even more difficult for anyone to track your activity. In addition, Startpage has a strict no-logs policy and is certified by the EU Privacy Seal. This means that it meets the highest standards for privacy and security.
To simplify usage, users can set Startpage as their default search engine in their browser or use it as an extension add-on. This makes it a convenient choice for those who want to keep their web searches private.
Another notable feature that they offer is the “Anonymous View.” This is a special version of their search results that strips away all identifying information. This makes it ideal for researching sensitive topics without worrying about being spied on. To use it, all that you have to do is click the “Anonymous View” button next to the search result that you’re interested in.
As for how they generate revenue, Startpage relies on advertising to support their free search engine. However, they claim that they do not collect any personally identifiable information from their users.
Disconnect Search
Disconnect Search is a relative newcomer to the private search engine market. It was created by the team behind the Disconnect browser extension, which blocks third-party trackers.
Similar to DuckDuckGo, Disconnect Search doesn’t track your searches or store any personal information. It also features a handy “privacy grade” for each site you visit, so you can see at a glance how well that site protects your privacy.
However, one thing that stood out to us about Disconnect Search is that they don’t have any ads or affiliate links. In addition, they have a strict no-logs policy and do not collect any personally identifiable information from their users. That said, they do plan on implementing paid options to start generating revenue in the future. But for now, Disconnect Search is the only private search engine that you can use with no strings attached.
Another thing that we liked about Disconnect Search is that it displays search results in the same style as the browser that it’s used in. So, if you’re using Firefox, the results page will look and feel like Firefox. This is useful since private search engines can feel a bit foreign or unfamiliar to use. But with Disconnect Search, you’ll feel right at home.
If you’re looking for a private search engine that’s completely free to use and doesn’t track your searches, then Disconnect Search is a great option. However, we recommend keeping an eye on their paid options in the future and whether it’ll affect your search privacy.
What is the most private search engine?
When it comes to a safe search engine for privacy, each person has different needs and preferences. Some people may want a search engine that does not track their searches, while others may be more concerned with keeping their searches confidential.
That said, even the best private search engines may have some data collection practices in place. That’s why we recommend taking a close look at each search engine’s privacy policy before using it. More importantly, it’s important to take precautions such as using a VPN as those policies can change over time.
A great option is ClearVPN, which will encrypt your traffic and route it through a secure server. That way, even if the private search engine you’re using is compromised, your data will be protected. VPNs (Virtual Private Network) are also a good way to improve your online security in general and should be used whenever possible.