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Best Privacy-focused search engines in 2026

Privacy-focused search engines are for people who want a web search option built around privacy. This list includes services available through the web and, for some tools, Android, iOS, or Windows.

  1. 1

    Ecosia Browser

    by Ecosia Browser
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Ecosia Browser pairs familiar browsing tools with the maker's tree-planting purpose and built-in Ecosia search.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Brave Search

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

    Brave Search offers web and mobile access, with an API and research features among its listed capabilities. Users can start free or choose Search Premium for $3 a month, billed monthly.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $3/mo Visit site
  3. 3

    Qwant

    by Qwant
    Free plan iPhoneAndroid
    6.1 Visit site
  4. 4

    Startpage

    by Startpage
    Free plan
    5.6 Visit site
  5. 5

    Mojeek

    by Mojeek
    Free plan
    5.5 Visit site
  6. 6

    Swisscows

    by Swisscows AG
    Free plan
    5.5 Visit site
  7. 7

    Kagi Search

    Paid AndroidWeb

    Kagi Search offers a trial and paid tiers with different search allowances. Starter has a monthly cap; Professional and Ultimate include unlimited searches at higher listed prices.

    4.9 From $5/mo Visit site
  8. 8

    DuckDuckGo Search

    by DuckDuckGo
    Paid
    4.5 Visit site
  9. 9

    MetaGer

    by SUMA-EV
    Paid
    4.3 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare the price, free-plan limits, supported platform, and any trial terms before choosing. If reading or changing code matters, check the licence for the tool; a free plan does not by itself mean the software is open source.

Questions

Which listed search engines have a free plan?

Free-plan availability is listed for Brave Search, Mojeek, Qwant, Startpage, and Swisscows. DuckDuckGo Search has no pricing details in the supplied facts.

Which option starts at $5 per month?

Kagi Search has a paid plan beginning at $5 per month and does not list a free plan.

What is the MetaGer key credit price?

MetaGer lists a MetaGer key credit priced at €5 as a one-time purchase.

Can I use these services on a phone?

The listed platforms include Android and iOS. Qwant names both iOS and Android support.

Does a free plan mean the code is open source?

No. Check the individual tool's software licence if source-code access or modification is important to you.

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