Since its introduction to the world, DuckDuckGo has been slowly gaining popularity, even among non-privacy advocates. The company recently claimed it had surpassed 3 billion searches per month — no small feat for a service competing against Google, which processes more than 8.5 billion searches per day.
DuckDuckGo’s appeal extends beyond everyday browsing; it’s often used by individuals exploring the Dark Web. While the search engine itself doesn’t index .onion sites, it offers a more private browsing experience for users researching topics related to privacy, cybersecurity, or the Tor network.
What is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a search engine like Google, Bing, and Yahoo, but with a strong focus on privacy. Unlike mainstream search engines, DuckDuckGo does not track, store, or share personal data. Searches are not linked to user profiles, and the platform avoids personalized tracking that fuels targeted advertising.
For those accessing the Dark Web, DuckDuckGo provides a safer alternative for conducting research without exposing their search history to corporate surveillance. While it doesn’t index Dark Web pages directly, some users configure Tor Browser to use DuckDuckGo as the default search engine for added privacy on the surface web before navigating to .onion sites.
What you search for is your own business, which is why we simply don’t store it.
DuckDuckGo
Why Use DuckDuckgo?
Given the popularity and power of Google Search, you may wonder why to consider an alternative like DuckDuckGo. There’s a lot to love about DuckDuckGo, especially if privacy on the Internet concerns you.
1. DuckDuckGo is Safe and Secure
DuckDuckGo automatically applies encryption to all searches, so your search terms are never exposed to their servers or anyone else’s. It also blocks hidden trackers that follow you around the Internet to collect information about what you do online.
Even Edward Snowden (a former National Security Agency contractor who leaked government documents), recommends DuckDuckGo.
For those researching privacy tools, cybersecurity, or the Tor network, DuckDuckGo provides a safer way to search the surface web before diving into the Dark Web.
2. DuckDuckGo Tracks Less Than Google
With DuckDuckGo, you can search the web without compromising your privacy. Google knows a lot about you. It knows where you are (by tracking your phone’s GPS signal) or any device’s location tag.
It knows what you’ve searched for and which links you click. It also likely knows your name, address, and credit card numbers. On other search engines and sites, it’s pretty common for personal information to be linked with searches. For example:
- Your name and searches are linked if you’re logged in (e.g., Google Web Search and YouTube)
- Your IP address and searches are linked if you’re not logged in (e.g., Google Web Search)
- Your email address and searches are linked if you’ve subscribed to a site’s newsletter or mailing list (e.g., CNN)
This linking of information can enable tracking your activity across multiple sites over time, including private browsing modes where cookies are deleted after every session (e.g., Google).
3. DuckDuckGo Doesn’t Filter Results Based on Your Searches
Unlike Google, DuckDuckGo does not personalize search results based on your past queries. This means you’re less likely to be stuck in a “filter bubble” where your results are shaped by previous searches, location, or browsing behavior.
This can be particularly useful when researching privacy tools, security techniques, or controversial topics that may be buried or suppressed in personalized search results elsewhere. Instead of relying on a single index, DuckDuckGo pulls results from various sources like Wikipedia, Bing, and Yahoo to provide broader, less-biased information.
Common Myths About DuckDuckGo
Since DuckDuckGo positions itself as a privacy-friendly alternative to Google, many misconceptions have formed around what it does and doesn’t do. Here are some common myths:
1. “DuckDuckGo is Completely Anonymous”
While DuckDuckGo does not track users, it does not make you fully anonymous. Your ISP can still see your activity unless you’re using Tor or a VPN. DuckDuckGo protects search privacy, but true anonymity requires additional tools.
2. “DuckDuckGo is a Dark Web Search Engine”
DuckDuckGo does not index or display .onion sites. Some users mistakenly assume that because it’s privacy-focused, it can be used to browse the Dark Web. In reality, it’s a private search engine for surface web content.
3. “DuckDuckGo Doesn’t Show Relevant Results”
Because DuckDuckGo does not personalize search results, some people feel it delivers less relevant content than Google. However, it aggregates results from multiple sources (Wikipedia, Bing, Yahoo) rather than relying on a single index, making it less biased than Google’s personalized search model.
DuckDuckGo vs. Incognito Mode
How Does DuckDuckGo Compare to Using Incognito Mode?
Most modern browsers offer an incognito or private browsing mode, which prevents local tracking by not storing history, cookies, or cached files. However, this does little to stop external tracking from search engines, websites, or ISPs.
Even in incognito mode, Google and other search engines can still log your searches, track your IP address, and profile your activity based on browser fingerprints. Websites can still collect data on your visits, and your ISP can monitor the sites you access unless you’re using additional tools like a VPN or the Tor network.
DuckDuckGo, on the other hand, ensures that all searches remain private – regardless of whether you’re in incognito mode or not. If you’re browsing the Dark Web through Tor, using DuckDuckGo as your search engine provides an added layer of security and ensures your surface web searches do not compromise your anonymity.
How to Use DuckDuckGo on the Dark Web?
DuckDuckGo plays an important role in private browsing – especially when combined with the Tor Browser.
1. Setting DuckDuckGo as Your Default Search Engine in Tor
By default, the Tor Browser comes pre-configured with DuckDuckGo as one of its search options. To set it as your primary search engine:
- Open Tor Browser and go to settings.
- Navigate to Search Settings and select DuckDuckGo as your default engine.
- Now, all searches from the address bar will go through DuckDuckGo, providing a more private way to look up information before accessing .onion sites.
This setup ensures that your searches are not logged or personalized, reducing the risk of tracking even before you enter the Dark Web.
2. What DuckDuckGo Can and Cannot Do on the Dark Web
- Can: Provide private searches on the surface web without tracking you.
- Cannot: Index or display .onion websites directly in search results.
To find .onion sites, you’ll need Dark Web-specific search engines:
- Ahmia (ahmia.fi) – One of the most well-known .onion search engines, accessible from both Tor and the surface web.
- NotEvil – A Google-like search engine for the Dark Web.
- Haystak – A premium Dark Web search engine with over 1.5 billion indexed pages.
- Get on the Dark Web – That’s us! Shameless plug.
While DuckDuckGo is useful for privacy-conscious searches, those looking for Dark Web content should rely on dedicated .onion search engines
Does DuckDuckGo Have a .onion Version?
Yes. DuckDuckGo offers a Tor-friendly .onion version, allowing users to access it directly through the Tor network. This provides extra security since all searches remain encrypted within Tor.
DuckDuckGo Onion Address:
duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onionHow to Access DuckDuckGo’s Onion Site
To use DuckDuckGo in Tor, simply enter its official .onion address in the Tor Browser:
This version functions the same as the standard DuckDuckGo search engine but runs within the Tor network, preventing ISPs or third parties from detecting its use.
Why Use DuckDuckGo’s .onion Site?
- Extra security: Traffic remains within the Tor network.
- Protection from exit nodes: No need to route searches through potentially compromised Tor exit nodes.
- Bypassing censorship: If DuckDuckGo is blocked in your country, the .onion version can still be accessed via Tor.
For users who want both privacy and convenience, using the .onion version of DuckDuckGo in Tor is a safer way to conduct private searches before visiting Dark Web sites.
Final Thoughts
Just because any service is great or ultra-convenient doesn’t mean it’s always the most suitable. The essential thing to remember here is that you have a choice. You may want to consider using some or all of the tools and services discussed here depending on your needs.
Is DuckDuckGo Enough for Private Browsing?
DuckDuckGo is one of the best privacy-focused search engines, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for those looking for complete anonymity.
When DuckDuckGo is Enough:
- If you want private searches without Google tracking.
- If you’re looking for neutral, unbiased search results free from personalization.
- If you want to limit tracking across websites.
When You Need More Than DuckDuckGo:
- If you want full anonymity (use Tor and a VPN).
- If you need access to Dark Web sites (use Ahmia or another .onion search engine).
- If you want to encrypt all internet traffic (use a privacy-focused browser like Brave or Mullvad).
DuckDuckGo is an excellent first step toward a more private browsing experience, but for those exploring the Dark Web, it should be used alongside Tor, a VPN, and additional security tools to stay truly anonymous.