13-Best Alternative Search Engines Instead of Google!

Dennis Waiguru

1. Bing.com

Bing, owned by Microsoft, evolved from earlier Microsoft search engines like MSN Search and Live Search. It offers a range of search services covering web, video, image, and maps, all built using ASP.NET. The transition from Live Search to Bing was announced by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in May 2009. Bing introduced features like search suggestions and the 'Explore pane' for related searches.

It powers Yahoo! Search under a deal with Yahoo!. Microsoft embraced open-source technology in 2016 by releasing the BitFunnel search engine indexing algorithm and Bing components. In February 2023, Microsoft launched Bing Chat, integrating an AI chatbot based on GPT-4, resulting in 100 million active users within a month.

As of 2023, Bing ranks as the second-largest search engine globally with a 12% query volume, behind Google's 79%. Other competitors include Baidu with 5% and Yahoo! Search with 2%, largely powered by Bing.

2. You.com

You.com, an AI-powered search engine, was developed by Richard Socher, an expert in language technology who previously worked at Salesforce. This platform offers two modes: personal and private. In the personal mode, users have control over the sources of information. Conversely, the private mode ensures that searches remain unrecorded. Additionally, You.com provides a Chrome Extension and an AI-powered image creation tool, along with YouWrite, an AI assistant for writing. As an open search platform, developers can create new applications, contributing to the enhancement of the internet experience for all users.

3. Yep.com

Ahrefs has developed a new search engine called Yep that focuses on user privacy and supports content creators. Unlike other search engines, Yep does not track users or sell their information. Instead, it distributes 90% of its advertising revenue to content publishers based on the impact of their content.

Yep considers websites, brands, individuals, and publishers as creators and plans to make revenue reports transparent. The search engine uses AhrefsBot to collect website data and update its index every 15 to 30 minutes. Yep's unique selling point is its revenue-sharing model, where it shares 90% of its advertising revenue with content publishers, creating a fairer web for creators.

4. Openverse

Openverse is an ideal platform for discovering freely available content without concerns about copyright infringement. While Google provides numerous search results, Openverse distinguishes itself by emphasizing free media such as images, music, and videos. It proves especially valuable for individuals seeking resources for their projects while aiming to avoid potential legal issues associated with utilizing someone else's work.

5. Yahoo.com

According to Oberlo, Yahoo! had a 1.08% market share of the global search engine market in 2024. Yahoo offers more than just search services; it also provides email, news, finance, and various other features. With a history spanning over two decades, Yahoo has continually explored new initiatives. While there have been recent hints about revitalizing its search offerings, the specifics of this endeavor remain undisclosed.

6. Ecosia

Ecosia stands out due to its unique approach of using ad revenue to fund tree planting initiatives. Unlike other search engines driven by profit, Ecosia directs 100% of its profits towards environmental causes. It collaborates with Bing from Microsoft to display search results and ads. Additionally, users can conveniently install a browser extension to access Ecosia's services effortlessly.

7. Aol

As of February 2024, AOL has a market share of 0.08% in the United States, making it one of the first search engines on the internet. AOL is one of the top 10 search engines, with a market share of nearly 0.05%. AOL receives 339 million visits per month, making it one of the top 30 visited websites in the United States.

It gets its search results from Google and Bing.AOL focuses more on curated content like news and entertainment, as well as its own and other websites' content.It uses some user data for ads, but it's not as detailed as Google's. AOL focuses more on general groups of people instead of individual details.

8. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo has a 0.63% share of the global search engine market, making it the 10th most popular search engine in the world. Its market share has increased since 2013, when it held 0.01% of the global market. As of January 2024, DuckDuckGo had a global market share of 0.54%, with a slightly higher share in the United States.?

DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine, unlike Google, it doesn't gather personal data for tailored results or ads. Its privacy stance extends to not displaying personalized ads, ensuring more confidential searches. DuckDuckGo Lite, designed for phones, is a lightweight version, just 33KBs, showing only the search bar and logo for faster, resource-efficient browsing. Ideal for low-resource or slow internet situations, it's also favored by users valuing privacy.

9. Startpage.com

Startpage is a search engine that compiles search results from various sources such as Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate Google's search results but prefer to avoid search tracking.

In addition to its core functionality, Startpage provides supplementary features like a URL generator, proxy service, and HTTPS support, all aimed at safeguarding user privacy. The URL generator is particularly useful as it operates without storing cookies, thereby maintaining your privacy.

10. Swisscows.com

Swisscows is different from other search engines because it's made for families and uses special technology to understand what you're looking for.It uses Bing for regular searches but has its own system for German searches. Swisscows is big on privacy and doesn't keep any of your information.

It uses smart technology to figure out what you mean when you ask a question.And the more you use it, the better it gets at giving you the right answers.

11. Gibiru.com

Gibiru is a privacy-focused search engine that offers an alternative to mainstream platforms. It prioritizes user anonymity and delivers uncensored search results, avoiding tracking or storing user data. Gibiru aims to provide unrestricted access to information without logging searches or IP addresses.

It sustains itself through commissions rather than selling user data to advertisers. Additionally, it offers privacy-enhancing tips like using VPNs and cookie blocking. Gibiru appeals to users seeking a private and unbiased search experience amidst rising concerns over data privacy.

12. Brave.com

In 2023, Brave Search achieved full independence from other search engines such as Bing. Now, it operates using its own index, prioritizing privacy in search results presentation. Brave Search has experienced rapid growth, reaching 24.57 million daily users by January 2024. This indicates a growing preference for search engines that prioritize user data protection.

In addition to its focus on privacy, Brave Search offers various attractive features such as free video calls, offline playlists, and customizable news feeds. It integrates additional security measures like IPFS and Tor to enhance user privacy during searches. Moreover, users can utilize a cryptocurrency wallet within the Brave ecosystem.

Brave emphasizes user safety by providing ad options that don't track user activity. They report a user base of over 65 million per month, attracted by the browser's speed and security features.

13. Perplexity

Perplexity Search Engine is a search platform designed to provide users with a unique and diverse search experience. It focuses on presenting search results that challenge conventional thinking and encourage exploration of new ideas and concepts. The engine aims to stimulate curiosity and intellectual growth by offering results that may provoke thought or inspire creativity. Perplexity Search Engine is intended for users who seek more than just straightforward answers and wish to engage with complex and intriguing content.