Travel Toolkit: 2024 Top alternatives To Google Search
Get better search results by not being dependent on Google Search. Even though Google is the most popular search engine used by a vast majority of people around the globe, its popularity doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the perfect option for everyone, or the only good choice available. In fact, there are many other search engines out there that might be a better fit for your specific needs.
For instance, some search engines prioritize user privacy much more than Google’s search engine. It’s no secret that Google has gained a reputation for tracking user activity and collecting data to be used for advertising. This might be a concern for some people, while others may not mind as much. It really depends on your personal preferences.
There are also alternative search engines that focus specifically on protecting children from potentially harmful information online. Additionally, some search engines even donate a portion of their profits to worthy causes, such as planting trees. Here is the list for the top alternatives to Google search.
Well-Known Google Alternatives
Microsoft Bing
Many of you are familiar with Microsoft Bing search engine. Right now it’s in a distance 2nd place. Layout is similar to Google but with more imagery. The best feature of using Bing is that you gain Microsoft points when you use it and redeem discounts for real products.
Bing does collect user data for advertisement purposes just like Google search. For privacy focused users, this isn’t an ideal choice but for everyone else looking for an awesome Google search alternative, Bing is a worthy alternative.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is perhaps the most well known search engine focused on Privacy. It has grown from a privacy focused search engine to a product portfolio that also includes a web browser for desktop and mobile devices (the DuckDuckGo web browser is highly recommended for those who are looking for browsing in enhanced-supercharged incognito mode).
DuckDuckGo recently was under hot water for saying they are a privacy focused search engine but security researchers discovered a hidden tracking agreement with Microsoft. The tracking agreement was removed after but this left a bad taste in some users’ mouths and the trust has been damaged. Still DuckDuckGo is easily one of the top alternatives to Google search now that is fully transparent your data is not collected.
Yahoo!
At one point, Yahoo! was a search engine that rivaled Google in terms of user usage and popularity but now it’s a shell of its past. Its market share is around 1% to 2% globally now. Yahoo is still one of the top alternatives to Google search for your searching needs. Yahoo now uses Microsoft Bing to power its search results in case you noticed the similarity with the results you’re getting back when using Yahoo vs Bing.
Privacy Focused Google Alternatives
Brave
Brave is a company that is known for privacy and its web browser and search engine is highly recommended as a great Google alternative. It’s completely independent from Bing or Google.
Tip: Brave web browser is one of the best web browsers available. It is powered by Chromium, the same engine that powers Google’s chrome but with no tracking and your data is kept safe from advertiser and tracking.
Startpage
Startpage is a privacy focused search engine, much like DuckDuckGo but with no history of scandals regarding privacy. Startpage uses Google search engine for search results but doesn’t collect any of your data. Those who like the results when using Google should check out this browser, it could be one that fulfills your searching needs. This search engine blocks all 3rd party trackers so you can search in complete privacy. Startpage is easily made it to the list as one of the top alternatives to Google search.
Qwant
Qwant is a privacy focused search engine based in the European nation of France. It claims not to track any user surfing habits or behaviors. Nor does it collect user data. Qwant uses Microsoft Bing for its search results.
Mojeek
Mojeek is a search engine based in the United Kingdom. It is unique among the list because its one of the few web browsers that doesn’t use either Google or Bing search engine but instead built their own search engine in house. It is a privacy focused web browser that doesn’t track user habits or collect user data.
OneSearch
OneSearch is a search engine that is privacy focused. It is made by Yahoo and claims they do not track any user habits or collect user data. There is also keyword encryption when searching. This is a search engine worth looking into if you like using Yahoo but want a more enhanced privacy focused flavor.
Eco Friendly Google Alternatives
Ecosia
Founded in 2009, Ecosia search engine takes a unique twist on search engines by donating a portion of their profit into planting trees. There is even a counter that shows how many trees were planted. Ecosia uses the Bing search engine and is a great browser to use for those looking to give back to the Earth.
giveWater
giveWater is a search engine that gives back to the community by using a portion of their profit to assist those around the world with getting clean water. They use their global partners to distribute water to those areas in need. giveWater search engine is powered by Bing.
Specialized Google Alternatives
Swisscows
Swisscows is a family focused search engine is great for families with kids. This search engine by default filter the results for any explicit materials that are not appropriate for young children. The search engine is based in Switzerland, a country known to have strict policy regarding user privacy.
Kiddle
If you love Google search results but want a version that was made for children, Kiddle is worth taking a look. It’s a modified version of Google but with age appropriate results. Parents will feel safe knowing that their children won’t be seeing anything that is deemed inappropriate for kids. Kiddle is an easy recommendation to those looking to avoid any dangerous content. For kid friendly browsing, Kiddle is one of the top alternatives to Google search that you should definitely check out.
Openverse
If you are a blogger or work with digital media content, then you must take a look at Openverse. Openverse is a search engine that helps users get free stock photos, images and audio that are freely available to use. Sounds like a Search engine that everyone should bookmark.
JustWatch
For all movie and tv show lovers, JustWatch is a godsend. This search engine allows you to search any title and then it will tell you where you can watch it. On the train or in the office, sometimes your coworker recommends a show to watch but you have no idea where to stream it. JustWatch will give you all the streaming services available to watch a specific show or tv series. JustWatch also makes great recommendations on what movie or TV series are hot and popular at the moment.
Key Takeaways
If you are wondering what is out there besides Google, this article provides the top alternatives to Google search that fulfill search needs. Google isn’t the only game in town and there are worthy alternatives for you to try out. Search engines play an important role in our lives, they are our window to the world for getting the best health advice, insightful travel tips and everything in between. As I continue my research and discover even more compelling alternatives to Google, you can be sure that they’ll be added here for your reference.
