Description- Google may be the default choice for the global community today. Still, numerous other Google search alternatives with better features and privacy policies are fast finding their footing in the digital space.
Table of content
– Why you should be concerned about the Google search engine
– 10 alternative search engines
– How to choose the right search engine
– Conclusion
Today, for most people, searching anything on the internet has become synonymous with a Google search. But did you know that while Google may hold a massive stance, occupying a 69.03% US search market share, there are other Google alternatives that better respect your privacy and are pre-loaded with numerous features?
Why you should be concerned about Google
Google, unfortunately, has always made the headline for debates on user data tracking and usage. A comprehensive analysis of Google’s privacy policy states its expansive and far-reaching data collection feature – data that Google tracks for itself and third-party usage.
In 2009, Google made the news for a Google Docs bug that leaked data of 0.5% of its users. While 0.5% may seem like an insignificant number, if you do the math, 0.5% of Google’s 1 billion users is 500,000 people!
The Chrome browser is a giant cluster of tracking algorithms. These algorithms link every browser activity to your Google account, which means that Google has the ability to track you from multiple sources based on your Chrome browsing footprints.
Perhaps this is why alternative search engines are getting so popular these days. Users are increasingly getting concerned about their data, as well as looking for additional features. On this note, here are 10 Google search alternatives that are gaining traction.
When it comes to data privacy, DuckDuckGo is one of the safest search engines today. With its outright claim of “helping those tired of being tracked,” it has a policy of no data tracking and storing. Bundled with tracker blockers and encryption enforcers, the browsing experience on DuckDuckGo is much safer with better data protection.
Its assurance of complete transparency reflects in its revenue information disclosed on the home page. DuckDuckGo can be used as an extension on Chrome, or you can download the app to browse privately. iOS users can directly set it as their default search engine on Safari or use the Chrome extension.
Bing has a host of features that sets it apart. Compared to Google, a Bing search provides more autocomplete suggestions, better video search options with bigger thumbnails, advanced layout options for images to be searched in landscaper and portrait modes, and release dates and health information of movie/video games.
Additionally, when it comes to website ranking – optimizing your website for organic searches and pumping up rankings through SEO tweaks – there are significant differences between Bing and Google. For instance, the temp 302 redirect may cause issues with Google, but it doesn’t with Bing. Bing also relies more on conventional ways of analyzing page content, such as emphasizing metadata scrutiny and anchor text usage.
It correctly self-identifies as an answers engine with a ton of functionality that will make a marketer’s day! It emphasizes on data and numbers. Additionally, its ability to conjure deeper insights sets it apart. Through extensive access and analysis of expert data & customized algorithms, WolframAlpha conducts better analysis, curates accurate answers, and builds exceptional reports.
If you’re looking for an alternative search engine that will nail your market research, WolframAlpha is your trusted ally. Get better keywords, upload your files for analysis and computation, turn data into visual cues for presentations, get localized data to target geographies, and finally, compare project results and different campaign performances – all in one place!
Google may have outpaced Yahoo!, but the pioneer remains one of the top three search engines in the world. What works in its favor is the well-rounded user experience that Yahoo! provides with email, online shopping, news, games, etc., on one single page. And that makes sense as it’s recognized as a web portal rather than a search engine.
According to Compete.com, Yahoo! ranks highest in terms of customer satisfaction when pitted against Google and Bing. It gets the highest number of clicks on search results. This means Yahoo! searches are answered with better results, prompting customers to click rather than scouring page after page.
Startpage calls itself the world’s most private search engine. Given the tall claim, it does attract a crowd of users looking to protect their digital search footprints. With the option to browse and search for information anonymously and without getting tracked, this Google search alternative option ranks higher among peers looking to prioritize data security. Founded in 2006, Startpage ensures that you never leave behind any search history. This means no re-targeted ads based on searches, decreased digital footprint, lesser information emitted to Big Tech, and thorough peace of mind.
You can also use Startpage as a Chrome extension if you’re more familiar with this browser. Using the extension does not compromise on its features in any way. You can still enjoy the same level of online privacy.
This Paris-based alternative search engine is a frontrunner in the category of privacy protection. With a neutral approach to searching and sourcing information, Qwant believes in preserving the digital ecosystem with higher protection of users’ search data.
As a credible competitor of various US-based search engines, Qwant is yet to reach other countries. However, it has indeed started its journey with a bang. The site doesn’t use cookies or any other method of tracking data. It is purely crafted to elicit search results without breaching privacy.
The predominant search engine of China, Baidu, has a huge customer base by default. Except for the content written in Mandarin, the look and feel of Baidu are pretty similar to Google. However, it is heavily censored with numerous blocked sites.
While Baidu may be the only advertising option for companies in China, it may also benefit the non-Chinese populace. This search engine offers a relatively lower cost-per-click, and its success may soon spill over international borders.
True to its tagline of “unfiltered private search,” the Russian search engine, Gibiru, takes privacy protection to the next level. Routing search queries through a proxy IP address ensures that users will not deposit their IP address with the host search engine; thereby, protecting their digital identity. Combining their search engine with an owned Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows users to search anonymously. And its HTTPS 256-bit encryption further enhances secrecy.
It’s known that Google is renowned for favoring sites and censoring data. For instance, in 2018, Google earned a bad rep for censoring various cryptocurrency websites just as crypto was becoming the global buzzword. Gibiru, on the other hand, gives users access to all search results without any censorship. This enables surfing through uncensored news sources and other information without any prejudices.
Ecosia has something extremely different for its users with a unique offering that goes beyond getting fantastic search results. The eco-friendly search engine has pledged to make the world a greener place with every search. This is achieved by planting trees and restoring and protecting biodiversity hotspots through the surplus income obtained from searches.
While the noble intent is Ecosia’s USP, this does not mean that it compromises the quality of results. Using a combination of Bing-like and its own algorithm, Ecosia yields a series of accurate and wide-ranging results.
Placing greater security on search results, Blumble does a deep dive into the security and quality of the websites that the search garners. For instance, Blumble assesses everything, from the location of the website to its age. Plus, the website doesn’t keep track of the search results on the browser; thereby, reducing data tracking and user profiling.
If you’re worried about the quality and security of the website that pops up on the search result list, then Blumble is the best search engine to consider.
How to choose the right search engine
The first factor to consider when looking for an alternative search engine to Google is the level of security the website offers. The higher the security of the website, the lesser the chances of user profiling.
Second, look for additional features, such as better data computation, coding facilities, and multiple viewing options. This especially becomes important for users who use search engines for specific purposes on an everyday basis, such as marketers, designers, and programmers.
Last, keep a tab on the search engines that are currently the favorite of the digital natives. Google may be holding the top spot now, but this might change given the persistent allegations of data tracking and selling levied on the search engine giant.
Conclusion
We’re living in the era of massive data gathering and sharing, and users must seriously consider securing their digital identities. The knack to click yes on the terms and conditions page without reading through it can often lead to users missing the fine prints. And information exchange has become so commonplace that not many may think twice about the ramifications of personal data getting passed on to the wrong hands. This list of alternative search engines gives users a chance to explore beyond Google in a much secure way.
