Google has reigned supreme on the web for years, but did you know that there are a multitude of other search engines, some more respectful of privacy, others with unique features or an ethical mission?
If you're curious about alternatives to Google, whether to preserve your data, encourage social initiatives or simply vary your information sources, this article is for you.
Why look for an alternative to Google?
Google is powerful, fast and offers relevant results, but there are several reasons why you might want to explore other options:
- Privacy policy : Google collects an enormous amount of data on its users.
- Diversity of results : Some engines offer a different or less personalized perspective.
- Ethical initiatives : Some engines finance environmental or social projects.
- Less advertising Less sponsored ads at the top of results.
Let's take a look at 10 interesting alternatives to Google.
1. DuckDuckGo - The king of privacy
DuckDuckGo doesn't track your activity, doesn't create user profiles, and displays the same results for everyone. It's the most popular alternative for those who want to remain discreet on the web.
✅ Privacy respected
✅ Clear results without tracking
❌ Fewer localized results
2. Qwant - The European engine
Developed in France, Qwant aims to be neutral and ethical. It does not trace its users and respects the RGPD. The interface is intuitive, with results classified by category (web, news, social networks...).
✅ European origin
✅ Privacy policy
❌ Less relevant for ultra-specific searches
3. Startpage - Google without tracking
Startpage uses Google results, but anonymizes your queries. You benefit from Google's power... without giving it your data.
✅ Google results
✅ No data stored
❌ Interface a bit austere
4. Ecosia - The engine that plants trees
Every search on Ecosia helps fund reforestation. The company donates 80 % of its profits to ecological projects.
✅ Positive environmental impact
✅ Pleasant interface
❌ Results sometimes less precise
5. Brave Search - The engine from the creators of Brave
Independent of Google or Bing, Brave Search offers results based on its own index. It respects privacy and is transparent about its algorithms.
✅ Independent
✅ Privacy respected
❌ Still young, results sometimes limited
6. Mojeek - The independent 100 %
Mojeek is one of the few engines to have its own search index (and not just a Google or Bing overlay). It focuses on total neutrality and confidentiality.
✅ Independent index
✅ No tracking
❌ Weaker results than the giants
7. You.com - The AI-assisted engine
You.com relies on artificial intelligence to provide personalized results, classified by source (websites, Reddit, scientific articles...). It also includes an integrated AI chatbot.
✅ Intelligent and useful AI
✅ Visual classification of results
❌ Still in development
8. Swisscows - The family engine
Based in Switzerland, this engine focuses on safety and morality: no adult content, no tracking. It is often recommended for families and schools.
✅ Safe for all
✅ Privacy policy
❌ Less useful for technical research
9. Searx - Decentralized open source
Searx is an open source metasearch engine. It collects no data and can be self-hosted. Perfect for power users.
✅ Open source
✅ Customizable
❌ Less user-friendly for the general public
10. Neeva (ex) - RIP, but honorable mention
Neeva was an ad-free search engine founded by former Google employees. It closed in 2023, but its initiative inspired new ethical search projects.
So should you leave Google?
Not necessarily. But testing other engines can help you :
- Discover new perspectives
- Reduce your digital footprint
- Supporting committed projects
Why not use several engines to suit your needs? Google for ultra-precise searches, Ecosia for simple everyday searches, DuckDuckGo for those times when you value your privacy.
In a nutshell
Engine | Privacy policy | Independent | Bonus |
---|---|---|---|
DuckDuckGo | ✅ | ❌ | No tracking |
Qwant | ✅ | ❌ | European |
Startpage | ✅ | ❌ | Google results |
Ecosia | ❌ | ❌ | Tree plant 🌱 |
Brave Search | ✅ | ✅ | Transparent |
Mojeek | ✅ | ✅ | 100% independent |
You.com | ❌ | ✅ | Integrated AI |
Swisscows | ✅ | ❌ | Safe for children |
Searx | ✅ | ✅ | Open source |
Neeva | ✅ | ✅ | Closed but innovative |