Is DuckDuckGo safe?

Our pick

Yes. DuckDuckGo is a legitimate tool and Plainweb's pick for: Pick a search engine. Private search, no profile.

Open DuckDuckGo

Report card

Site checked 15 Oct 2026

Free
Secure connection (HTTPS)
Homepage contacts no ad networks
No known trackers on the homepage

Works on: Web, Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone · Free

Where it shows up

Pick a search engine Our pick

Alternatives

Startpage

Good

Google results without the tracking.

Free Web No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

Kagi

Good

Paid search with no ads. You are the customer.

Paid Web No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

Google Search

Good

The biggest index, the most ads and tracking.

Free Web No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

All DuckDuckGo alternatives

Questions

Does DuckDuckGo show ads or track you?: Its homepage loaded no ad networks and no known trackers in our automated check on 15 Oct 2026.
Is DuckDuckGo free?: Yes, DuckDuckGo is free.