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Choose a search engine by weighing its stated handling of queries and identifiers, available account controls, and how well its results serve your own searches. Then set it as your browser’s default. That change controls where address-bar searches go; it does not, by itself, stop tracking on websites you visit afterward.
What a default search engine does—and does not do
Your browser’s default search engine receives searches you enter in the address bar. Changing that setting changes the provider to which those searches are sent. It is a routing choice, not a complete privacy shield: the search provider’s practices still matter, and the destination site can collect information separately after you click a result.
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Private or incognito windows do not make searches invisible to the search provider. If you want a different provider in private windows, check whether your browser offers a separate setting for that mode.
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Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Compare providers on the things that affect your privacy
- Queries and identifiers: Read what the provider says it retains, and whether it associates searches with an IP address, account, browser, or device. Policies describe providers’ stated practices, not independent guarantees.
- Account and personalization controls: Check whether signing in changes how activity may be saved or used, and whether you can review or pause history and personalization.
- Suggestions and optional features: Suggestions, feedback tools, fallback providers, AI features, and optional data contribution may involve additional processing. Check the settings and policy for each feature you plan to use.
- Useful results: Try ordinary searches that reflect your needs—local places, technical questions, and obscure topics. Quality can vary by query and geography; the available sources do not establish a universal ranking.
- What happens after a click: Search privacy does not control all tracking by advertisers or destination websites. Treat ad clicks and redirects as a separate consideration.
- Setup: Confirm that your browser supports the provider as a default and offers the settings you want, such as separate choices for private windows.
What Google, DuckDuckGo, and Brave say about search data
The following is a comparison of provider disclosures, not an independent audit. Read the linked policies for their current wording and feature-specific details.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Magicmoon 2-Pack 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Monitor
- Compatible Model(s): Magicmoon brand filter only for 24 inch -diagonally measured - widescreen monitor - aspect ratio 16:9 - filter size: width: 20 15/16", Height: 11 13/16" (531mm x 298mm)
- Superior Privacy: The computer privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (the angle is about 30 to 60 degree), but bright when looking directly at it. To change the privacy level - simply adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy Filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 to 495 nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in open work spaces
- Includes Two Options: Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed
| Provider | Stated handling and controls | Practical qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search | Google says collection and use depend on how its services are used and how privacy controls are managed. It may store information with unique identifiers tied to a browser, app, or device even when a person is signed out. Depending on settings, Search and other service activity may be saved in account history. Google identifies history and personalization controls, Privacy Checkup, and ad settings as available controls. Google Privacy Policy | These controls affect account saving or use for personalization; they are not a blanket guarantee that Google processes no search-related information. The policy was marked effective October 1, 2026. |
| DuckDuckGo | DuckDuckGo says it does not save or share search history and does not save IP addresses alongside searches. It says the device sends information such as IP address, browser type, and language, used temporarily to deliver content and for security; anonymous queries may be retained to improve its indexes. It says search ads are based on the results page being viewed, rather than an individual profile. DuckDuckGo Privacy Policy | These are the company’s stated practices. DuckDuckGo distinguishes its search engine from its browser and extensions: using only the search engine does not protect visits to other websites. DuckDuckGo privacy help |
| Brave Search | Brave says it collects and stores de-identified query data, including the plain-text query, device platform, operating system, country, language, and date. It says it does not store additional data that could link a query to an individual, device, or IP address, and does not group queries by originating user, device, or IP. Brave Search privacy notice | Brave Search offers optional Google Fallback Mixing. If enabled, Brave anonymously checks Google and mixes results; consider that additional provider when deciding whether to enable it. |
How to choose for your own searches
- Read the relevant policy sections. Look for query retention, IP or device identifiers, account history, personalization, and the handling of optional features. Focus on the provider and features you will actually use.
- Review account and suggestion settings. Decide whether you want to sign in, save search history, personalize results, or enable suggestions. Settings can affect how activity is stored or processed.
- Run a small personal trial. Use ordinary, non-sensitive searches that reflect your real needs, including local, technical, and less common questions. Compare whether the results are useful rather than assuming one provider is best for everyone.
- Choose a default and verify it. Search from the address bar and confirm the expected provider receives the search. If you also want a different provider in private windows, check that mode separately.
- Revisit the choice when features or policies change. Providers’ disclosures and browser interfaces can change; check the current policy and settings when enabling a new feature or if your priorities shift.
Set the default in Brave
Brave Help Center instructions, last updated February 4, 2025, give this route: Menu > Settings > Search Engine. The exact labels may change with later versions, and other browsers use different paths.
- Open the Brave menu and select Settings.
- Open Search Engine.
- Choose the provider for normal windows. If the option is available and desired, set a separate provider for private windows.
- Review the search-suggestion setting. Suggestions are optional; decide whether you want them enabled.
- Review the Web Discovery Project option separately. Brave’s instructions describe it as an opt-in for data contribution.
- Test a search from the address bar to confirm the setting. See the Brave Help Center instructions for the provider’s current guidance.
Why ad clicks are a separate privacy question
A 2023 paper by Chouaki, Goga, Haddadi, and Snyder, published in the Proceedings of the ACM Internet Measurement Conference, reported redirectors on 100% of the Google, DuckDuckGo, and Startpage ad clicks tested in its measurement. The authors also reported that unique IDs were passed to advertisers in most measured ad clicks across the studied services. Those findings describe the paper’s tested systems and methodology, not a current rate for every ad, query, user, or browser. They are a reason to assess ad-click paths separately—not evidence that every search engine behaves identically in every situation. Read the paper and authors.
Rank #2
Sale
SightPro 24 Inch 16:9 Computer Privacy Screen Filter for Monitor - Privacy Shield and Anti-Glare Protector
- 【Privacy Filter Dimensions】- Width: 20 15/16" (532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (299 mm), Diagonal: 24" (609.6 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Screen Filter is engineered to be compatible with HP, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Acer, ASUS, ViewSonic, and other monitor brands. Please verify your computer screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your computer screen's diagonal size.
- 【Two Attachment Options】- Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed.
- 【Superior Privacy and Anti Glare】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your computer screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
Regardless of your default, a click takes you beyond the search page. The advertiser, redirects, and destination site may have their own data practices; choosing a search engine does not determine what those parties collect.
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Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 2
Best Value
Peslv 2-Pack 27 Inch 16:9 Computer Monitor Privacy Screen, WxH:598 * 337mm
- 【PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】- Width: 23 9/16" (598 mm), Height: 13 1/4" (337 mm), Diagonal: 27" (685.8 mm) - Peslv Dark 27 inch Privacy Screen Filter is engineered to be compatible with 27in Dell, HP, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Acer, ASUS, Toshiba, ViewSonic, Aoc, Sceptre, PHILIPS, ViewSonic and other brands monitors with 16:9 aspect ratio. Please verify your computer screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It is not recommended to select a size based solely on the diagonal.
- 【HIGH-CLASS PRIVACY ABLE】Peslv collected suggestions from more than 2000 computer users and performed 22188 anti-peep angle corrections on the micro-blind optical technology to ensure that any line of sight beyond +-30° facing the screen will be shielded. With a Peslv computer privacy screen 27 inch, Protect the privacy of your computer monitor screen and no longer leak any confidential data.
- 【2 MOUNTING OPTIONS FOR EASY INSTALLATION】The Peslv 27 inch privacy screen for monitor supply 2 installation options, Various installation options, are Compatible with both 27" computer monitors with raised bezels and full-screen 27" computer monitors without raised bezels, and convenient installation allows you to complete the installation in 10 seconds. NOTE: Monitors without raised bezels are only available with mounting option 2.
- 【EXCLUSIVE DOUBLE-SIDED TECHNOLOGY】27-inch monitor privacy filter has a double-sided surface technology developed by Peslv. Matte or Glossy. With the matte surface facing outward, you can experience the advanced AG anti-glare technology from Germany while maintaining a 30-degree privacy angle, softening the strong light outdoors, and making the screen content clearly visible. With the glossy side facing outward, you can get a super anti-peeping effect with a privacy angle of 26 degrees.
- 【PROTECT SCREEN ALSO EYES】Filtering optical materials imported from Japan can reduce 92% of blue light and 98% of UV light, and filter all harmful light emitted from the screen to protect your eyes. The high-transparent and reinforced built-in protective layer not only presents high-definition picture quality but also protects your screen from scratches. Hurry up and place an order, own a privacy screen for a computer monitor 27 inch, and protect your monitor screen and your eyes.
Rank #4
Sale
Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 24 Inch 16:9 Aspect Ratio Monitor
- Privacy Screen Filter Size: If the visible area of your display has the following dimension: Width x Height (Exclude Frame/Arrow 1 to 3 mm errors): 20 15/16" x 11 13/16" (532 mm x 299 mm), then this filter is good for you. Very Important to double check your screen's Width and Height excluding frame before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size
- Left and Right Privacy: Not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of distance. The privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (left and right 30 to 180 degree), but clear when looking directly at it. To change the privacy levels, simply adjust your monitor's brightness level accordingly
- Matte and Glossy Sides: It's a reversible privacy screen filter, giving you the flexibility to choose glossy or matte finish. The matte side will have less glare, however the glossy side will have stronger privacy
- Perfect for Open Workspaces: Ensure your working space is bright and well lit. Privacy screens do not work in dimly lit areas
- Two Installation Option: Option 1 uses clear double side adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to take out the privacy screen filter easily as needed
Rank #3
![[2 Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41SBKw3J4ML._SL160_.jpg)
[2 Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor
- 【24 PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】 Width: 20 15/16" (20.9 inches/532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (11.8 inches/299 mm) - 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Mamol computer privacy filters are designed to be perfectly compatible with HP, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, LG, ViewSonic and other brands of monitors. Please check the width and height dimensions of your computer screen before ordering. If you have any questions about the dimensions, please contact us.
- 【ENHANCED PRIVACY PROTECTION】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy filter keeps your electronic information confidential, making it excellent for use in high traffic areas. the computer privacy screen 24 inch is designed with advanced microlouver technology to block visibility at around 30 degrees and black out screens completely near 60 degrees.
- 【EYES PROTECTION】 This blackout privacy screen greatly reduces eye strain and minimizes potential hazards to vision. It filters 99.9% of UV rays and suppresses 98% of blue light. As a reversible 24-inch privacy screen filter: The glossy side of the protector provides extra clarity and greater privacy, and the matte side minimizes glare and distracting reflections. Satisfy your different daily uses as needed.
- 【BETTER HD CLARTIY】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy screen Shield adds an extra layer of AR Ultra HD light transmission compared to others. It maintains the high definition of the screen without sacrificing too much screen brightness. It won't reduce the brightness and cause eye fatigue because of the privacy screen installed on the screen.
- 【ANTI SCRATCH & WASHABLE 】Our privacy anti-glare Monitor film has a surface enhancement layer to protect the privacy filter from scratches and fingerprints. It is washable and reusable. Even after prolonged use, you will get a brand new privacy screen for your desktop computer monitor after cleaning. Very Durable!
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