While mainstream search engines like Google and Bing dominate the internet, privacy-focused alternatives provide ways to explore the web without tracking users or collecting personal data. Some of these search engines cater to the surface web, while others are designed to index content on the dark web. A few even offer .onion versions, allowing users to browse anonymously through the Tor network.

Here’s a look at various search engines that prioritize anonymity, decentralized access, and privacy-conscious browsing.

Dark Web Search Engines

Ahmia – A Gateway to the Dark Web

Ahmia is a search engine specifically designed to index .onion websites, making it one of the few reliable ways to explore the Tor network. Unlike other darknet search engines, Ahmia filters out illicit content and provides transparency by allowing surface web access to certain indexed sites.

Grams (Defunct) – The "Google of the Dark Web"

Grams was once the go-to search engine for dark web marketplaces, providing users with access to illicit goods and hidden services. Launched in 2014, it mimicked Google's interface but was eventually shut down in 2017 following increased law enforcement scrutiny.

Privacy-Focused Search Engines

Brave Search – A Private Alternative to Google

Developed by the team behind the Brave browser, this search engine operates independently of major tech giants like Google and Bing. It does not track users, ensuring a completely private search experience. Unlike some privacy-focused search engines that rely on Google’s index, Brave Search has its own independent search index.

DuckDuckGo – The Leading Privacy-Oriented Search Engine

A widely used alternative to Google, DuckDuckGo does not track search history or collect personal data. It also provides an .onion version, allowing users to search the web anonymously via the Tor network. DuckDuckGo aggregates search results from various sources while filtering out trackers and ads.

Startpage – Google’s Results Without the Tracking

Startpage acts as a privacy-friendly gateway to Google’s search results. It functions as an anonymous middleman, delivering Google’s search power while stripping away tracking and data collection. This makes it an excellent option for those who want Google-level accuracy without sacrificing privacy.

Decentralized & Open-Source Search Engines

Searx – A Self-Hosted Private Search Engine

Searx is an open-source search engine that allows users to run their own private instances. It aggregates search results from multiple sources while preventing tracking and ads. Because it is decentralized, users have full control over how it operates, and some instances are accessible via the Tor network for added anonymity.

MetaGer – Anonymous Meta-Search Engine

Developed in Germany, MetaGer is a meta-search engine that pulls results from multiple search providers while maintaining user privacy. It does not log search queries and offers a built-in proxy feature to allow users to visit search results anonymously.

Specialized Search Engines

BTDigg – A Peer-to-Peer Torrent Search Engine

BTDigg is a decentralized search engine for BitTorrent files, allowing users to find magnet links without relying on centralized torrent repositories. Unlike conventional torrent websites, BTDigg operates purely as a search tool, without hosting any files directly.