20 Alternative Search Engines you Never Thought that Exists
Google is not the only search engine that exists, there are many alternative search engines already exists. Some of them are not in service though.
Table of Contents
A search engine is an online tool or software program that searches and indexes the internet to find relevant information based on user queries. When a user types a query into the search engine, it scans its database and returns a list of results that match the query.
The history of search engines dates back to the early days of the internet. The first search engine was created in 1990, called Archie, which indexed file names in public FTP (File Transfer Protocol) sites to create a searchable database. The first search engine to index the entire web was called WebCrawler, launched in 1994, which allowed users to search for web pages using keywords.
In the mid-1990s, search engines such as Yahoo and AltaVista emerged, offering more advanced search features such as indexing web pages based on their content and using algorithms to rank search results. In 1998, Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, offering a more efficient and accurate search engine using a unique algorithm called PageRank, which ranked web pages based on their authority and relevance.
Over time, Google became the dominant search engine and has continued to refine its algorithm to provide more personalized and accurate search results. Other search engines have also emerged, such as Bing (launched in 2009) and DuckDuckGo (launched in 2008), offering different features such as privacy-focused search or a focus on visual search.
A list of 20 Alternative Search Engines
1. Bing
Bing is a web search engine owned and operated by Microsoft. Here is some information about Bing:
- Launch year: June 2009.
- Headquartered: Redmond, Washington, United States.
- Ownership: Microsoft Corporation.
- Market share: As of February 2023, Bing holds approximately 3% of the global search engine market share.
- Domain URL: bing.com
Features
- Quick and efficient search results.
- Search filters for refining search results.
- Bing visual search allows users to search for information using images.
- Bing translator allows users to translate web pages to different languages.
- Bing rewards program allows users to earn rewards for using the search engine.
Pros
- Bing’s search engine results page is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
- Bing has a rewards program that incentivizes users to continue using the search engine.
- Bing’s image search feature is highly regarded and provides high-quality images.
Cons
- Bing has a smaller search engine market share compared to its main competitor, Google.
- Bing’s search results are not always as accurate as Google’s search results.
- Bing’s advertising is not as targeted as Google’s advertising.
2. Yahoo!
Yahoo! is a search engine and web services company that was launched in 1994 by Jerry Yang and David Filo. The company is based in Sunnyvale, California, USA, and was once one of the most popular search engines in the world.
- Ownership: Owned by Verizon Media, a subsidiary of Verizon Communications.
- Market share: Yahoo! has a global market share of less than 1% as of 2021, according to StatCounter.
- Domain : yahoo.com
Features
Yahoo! is a search engine and web services company that was launched in 1994 by Jerry Yang and David Filo. The company is based in Sunnyvale, California, USA, and was once one of the most popular search engines in the world.
Pros
- Offers a range of web services in addition to search engine functionality
- Has a long history and brand recognition
- Offers unique features like Yahoo Answers, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo News
Cons
- Has lost significant market share to competitors like Google and Bing
- Has been the victim of high-profile data breaches in the past
- Some users may find the cluttered homepage and advertising overwhelming.
3. Yandex
Yandex is a popular search engine and technology company that primarily serves Russia and several other countries, including Turkey and Belarus. It was launched in 1997 by Arkady Volozh and Ilya Segalovich and is headquartered in Moscow, Russia. Yandex is one of the leading technology companies in Russia, offering a range of services, including search, email, maps, and advertising.
Here are some key facts about Yandex:
- Yandex was launched in 1997, and it is headquartered in Moscow, Russia.
- The company was founded by Arkady Volozh and Ilya Segalovich.
- Yandex is primarily used in Russia, but it also serves several other countries, including Turkey and Belarus.
- As of September 2021, Yandex has a global market share of around 0.56%.
- The domain URL for Yandex is yandex.com.
Features
- Advanced search capabilities, including image and voice search.
- Personalized search results based on the user’s location and search history.
- Integration with popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
- Online maps and route planning tools.
- A range of other services, including email, online shopping, and cloud storage.
Pros
- Offers advanced search capabilities, including image and voice search.
- Personalized search results can help users find more relevant information.
- Offers a range of other services beyond search, including email, online shopping, and cloud storage.
Cons
- Yandex is primarily used in Russia, so it may not be the best choice for users outside of Russia and other countries it serves.
- Some users may have privacy concerns about using a search engine that is based in Russia.
- The user interface and search results may not be as polished as those of more popular search engines like Google.
4. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that prioritizes privacy and does not track users. It was launched in 2008 and is located in Paoli, Pennsylvania, USA. The company was founded by Gabriel Weinberg.
As of March 2023, DuckDuckGo has a global market share of approximately 1.16%. The domain URL for DuckDuckGo is www.duckduckgo.com.
Features
- Privacy: DuckDuckGo does not track users or collect personal information.
- Search results: It provides instant answers and sources information from a wide range of sources.
- Bangs: It offers a unique feature called Bangs, which allows users to search directly within other websites by using a keyword shortcut.
- Simplified interface: The interface is clean and straightforward, with no ads or distractions.
- App integrations: DuckDuckGo has integrations with several popular apps, including Apple Maps, Yelp, and Wikipedia.
Pros
- Privacy: DuckDuckGo prioritizes user privacy, making it an excellent option for those concerned about online tracking and data collection.
- Search results: The search engine provides instant answers and sources information from a wide range of sources, making it a reliable search engine.
- Simplified interface: The clean and straightforward interface makes it easy to use without distractions.
Cons
- Limited market share: With a market share of only 1.16%, DuckDuckGo may not be as effective as other search engines for finding certain types of information.
- Limited advertising options: For businesses looking to advertise their products or services, the options are limited compared to larger search engines like Google.
5. Baidu
Baidu is a Chinese search engine that was launched in 2000. It is the largest search engine in China, with over 70% of the market share. Here is some more information about Baidu:
- Launch date: January 1, 2000
- Location: Beijing, China
- Owner: Robin Li
- Global market share: 0.42% (as of February 2023)
- Domain: baidu.com
Features
Baidu offers web search, image search, video search, news search, map search, and more.
It also has a range of other services, including online encyclopedia, online discussion forum, and music streaming. For Chinese nation Baidu is the best alternative search engines.
Pros
- Baidu is the most popular search engine in China, making it a valuable tool for businesses and individuals looking to reach the Chinese market.
- Baidu has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for Chinese language users.
- Baidu offers a wide range of services beyond search, making it a one-stop-shop for Chinese internet users.
Cons
- Baidu has been criticized for censoring search results and suppressing information that the Chinese government deems sensitive or controversial.
- Baidu has faced criticism for allowing misleading and fake information to appear in its search results.
- Baidu’s search algorithms are less sophisticated than those of Google, which can lead to less relevant search results for some queries.
6. Ask.com
Ask.com, formerly known as Ask Jeeves, is a question-answering and web search engine that was launched in 1996. It is located in Oakland, California, United States. The search engine was originally founded by David Warthen and Garrett Gruener, and was later acquired by IAC, a media and internet company, in 2005.
Features
- Web search: Users can enter keywords to search for information on the internet.
- Image search: Users can search for images on the internet.
- Video search: Users can search for videos on the internet.
- News search: Users can search for news articles on the internet.
- Q&A community: Ask.com has a community of users who can ask and answer questions on a variety of topics.
Pros
- User-friendly interface: Ask.com has a simple and easy-to-use interface, which makes it easy for users to search for information.
- Q&A community: The Q&A community on Ask.com can be a helpful resource for users who are looking for answers to specific questions.
- Privacy protection: Ask.com has a strong focus on user privacy, and does not collect or store personal information.
Cons
- Limited search results: Ask.com does not have as extensive a search index as some other search engines, which can result in limited search results.
- Less popular: Ask.com has a relatively small market share compared to other search engines, which means that it may not be as well-known or widely used.
- Advertisements: Ask.com displays advertisements on its search results pages, which can be distracting for some users.
7. AOL Search
AOL Search was a search engine launched by AOL Inc. in 1999. AOL is headquartered in New York City, USA. At its peak, AOL Search had a significant market share but has since been overshadowed by other search engines.
As of March 2023, AOL Search has been discontinued and is no longer available. The domain name aol.com redirects to the AOL homepage, which offers news, email, and other online services.
Features
- AOL Search offered basic search functionality, including web search, image search, video search, and news search.
- Users could also filter search results by type, date, and other criteria.
- AOL Search was integrated into the AOL portal, making it easy for AOL users to access search functionality from their homepage.
Pros
- Integration with the AOL portal made it easy for AOL users to access search functionality.
- AOL Search offered a simple and straightforward search experience.
Cons
- AOL Search was never able to compete with larger search engines such as Google and Bing.
- The discontinuation of AOL Search suggests that it was no longer able to sustain a viable user base.
8. Excite
Excite is a web portal and search engine that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Here’s some information about Excite:
- Excite was launched in 1995
- Excite was based in Redwood City, California, USA
- Excite was founded by a group of Stanford University students, but later became a publicly traded company. It went through several acquisitions and mergers over the years, eventually becoming part of the Excite@Home network.
- At its peak, Excite was one of the most popular search engines on the web, with a market share of around 20% in 1997. However, its popularity declined in the early 2000s as other search engines such as Google became more dominant.
- The original domain for Excite was excite.com, which is still in use today.
Features
Excite offered a range of features in addition to its search engine, including email, news, weather, and a customizable start page. It also had a “channel” system that allowed users to browse content in specific categories such as sports or entertainment.
Pros
- Excite was one of the earliest search engines on the web, and was popular in the early days of the internet.
- It offered a range of features beyond search, which made it a popular destination for users.
Cons
- Excite’s popularity declined in the early 2000s as other search engines such as Google became more dominant.
- The company went through several acquisitions and mergers, which may have led to a lack of focus on its core search product.
9. Dogpile
Dogpile is a metasearch engine that fetches results from multiple search engines and directories and presents them to the user in a single page. It was launched in 1996 by Aaron Flin, and it is currently owned by System1 LLC, an advertising company.
Some key information about Dogpile includes:
- Launch date: 1996
- Location: United States
- Owner: System1 LLC
- Global market share: less than 0.1% (as of 2021)
- Domain: dogpile.com
Features
- Metasearch engine that aggregates results from multiple search engines and directories, including Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and Ask
- Offers image and video search options
- Provides a search bar browser extension called “Dogpile Toolbar” for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox
Pros
- Provides results from multiple search engines in one place, allowing users to save time
- Offers a clean and simple interface that is easy to use
- Allows users to filter results by various criteria, such as date, source, or format
- Offers a browser extension for convenient access to the search engine
Cons
- Has a very small market share compared to other search engines, which may result in limited coverage of certain search topics
- Lacks some features that other search engines have, such as personalized recommendations or natural language search
- Relies on other search engines for its results, which may lead to inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the information presented
10. StartPage
StartPage is a private search engine that provides anonymous search results while respecting the privacy of its users. It was launched in 1998 and is located in the Netherlands. StartPage is owned by System1, an advertising company that owns other privacy-oriented search engines such as the privacy-focused search engine, Ixquick. StartPage has a very small global market share, less than 0.1%. Their domain name is startpage.com
Features
- Private Search: StartPage search is powered by Google but offers private search results that don’t track you.
- Proxy: StartPage offers a proxy feature that allows users to visit websites while keeping their identity anonymous.
- No Logging: StartPage doesn’t collect any personal information from its users.
- SSL Encryption: All connections to StartPage are encrypted using SSL to ensure user privacy.
- Results from Multiple Search Engines: StartPage also provides search results from other search engines like Yahoo! and Bing.
Pros
- Privacy: StartPage offers anonymous search results without tracking or collecting user data.
- Search Results: StartPage offers quality search results powered by Google and other search engines.
- User Interface: The StartPage user interface is easy to use and navigate.
Cons
- Limited Features: StartPage lacks some features that other search engines offer, such as advanced search options.
- Small Market Share: StartPage has a very small market share, making it less popular than other search engines.
- Advertising: StartPage displays advertisements, although they claim to only show non-personalized ads.
11. WolframAlpha
WolframAlpha is a computational knowledge engine that provides answers to factual queries through data and algorithms. It was launched in May 2009 by British physicist and mathematician Stephen Wolfram, who is also the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research, Inc. The company is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, USA.
Here are some key details about WolframAlpha:
- Launch date: May 2009
- Location: Champaign, Illinois, USA
- Owner: Wolfram Research, Inc.
- Global market share: Not publicly available
- Domain: wolframalpha.com
Features
- Provides answers to factual queries using computational algorithms and curated data
- Covers various topics including mathematics, science, engineering, geography, history, linguistics, and more
- Offers results in various formats including text, images, and charts
- Provides step-by-step solutions to mathematical problems
- Offers a Pro version for advanced features and capabilities
Pros
- Provides reliable and accurate answers to factual queries
- Offers a wide range of topics and areas of knowledge
- Offers unique capabilities such as step-by-step solutions to mathematical problems
- Provides a Pro version for advanced users and professionals
Cons
- May not be as useful for subjective or opinion-based queries
- Limited social or collaborative features
- Some users may prefer more traditional search engines for general web searches
12. Gibiru
Gibiru is a private search engine that prioritizes user privacy and anonymity. Here’s some information about it:
- Launched in 2009.
- Headquartered in Wyoming, USA.
- The ownership of Gibiru is not publicly known.
- Gibiru’s market share is not publicly disclosed.
- The domain URL for Gibiru is www.gibiru.com
Features
- Private search: Gibiru doesn’t track or record user data or searches.
- Uncensored results: Gibiru claims to provide uncensored search results.
- Proxy service: Gibiru offers a proxy service to help users browse the web more anonymously.
Pros
- Emphasizes user privacy and anonymity.
- Offers a proxy service to help users browse the web more anonymously.
- Claims to provide uncensored search results.
Cons
- Small search engine with limited resources and results.
- Some users may prefer search engines with more features or a larger index of pages.
13. Swisscows
Swisscows is a private search engine that focuses on privacy and security. It was launched in 2014 by Hulbee AG, a technology company based in Switzerland. The search engine is located in Switzerland and it claims to respect user privacy and does not store any personal information. Swisscows domain name is www.swisscows.com
Features
- Privacy and security: Swisscows does not collect or store any personal information from users. It also encrypts all search queries and website connections.
- Family-friendly: Swisscows uses a filtering system to exclude inappropriate content from search results.
- Semantic search: Swisscows uses semantic technology to better understand user queries and provide more accurate search results.
- No advertisements: Swisscows does not display any ads in search results, making it a cleaner and less distracting search experience.
- Various search categories: Swisscows offers search categories such as web, images, videos, news, and more.
Pros
- Focus on privacy and security
- Semantic search provides more accurate results
- Family-friendly filtering system
- No ads in search results
Cons
- Limited market share and search capabilities compared to larger search engines
- Some users may find the search categories limited or restrictive
- Some users may prefer to see ads in search results to support their preferred websites or content creators.
14. Qwant
Qwant is a privacy-focused search engine that was launched in 2013. It is headquartered in Paris, France, and was founded by Eric Leandri and Jean-Manuel Rozan. Below are some of the key information about Qwant:
- Global market share: According to Statcounter, as of February 2023, Qwant’s global market share is less than 1%.
- Domain URL: qwant.com
Features
- Privacy: Qwant is designed to prioritize user privacy and security by not collecting any personal data or search history. It also uses encryption to protect user data.
- Search results: Qwant provides search results from various sources, including web pages, images, videos, and social media platforms, among others.
- Filters: Qwant allows users to filter their search results by various categories, such as news, images, videos, music, and more.
- User interface: Qwant has a simple and user-friendly interface, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
Pros
- Privacy-focused: Qwant’s focus on user privacy and security is a major advantage for users who are concerned about their personal data and search history.
- User-friendly interface: Qwant’s simple and easy-to-use interface makes it a good choice for those who prefer a straightforward search experience.
- Multi-language support: Qwant supports multiple languages, making it accessible to users in various countries.
Cons
- Limited market share: Qwant’s limited global market share means that it may not provide as comprehensive search results as other search engines that have a larger user base.
- Limited features: Qwant’s features are relatively basic compared to other search engines, which may not be suitable for users who need more advanced search options.
- Limited brand awareness: Qwant is not as well-known as some of the other search engines on the market, which may make it harder for users to discover and adopt.
15. Ecosia
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its revenue. It was launched in 2009 by Christian Kroll and is based in Berlin, Germany. Here is more information about Ecosia:
- Founder: Christian Kroll
- Launch Year: 2009
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Ownership: Ecosia is a social business and not owned by any individual or group
- Market Share: Ecosia has a small global market share, estimated to be less than 1%
- Domain URL: www.ecosia.org
Features
- Ecosia is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn’t store users’ search history or sell their data to advertisers
- Ecosia uses Bing’s search results, but it has its own algorithm to ensure privacy and unbiased results
- Ecosia also has a browser extension, which allows users to search directly from their browser’s search bar
- Ecosia uses its revenue to plant trees around the world, supporting reforestation and combatting climate change
Pros
- Ecosia’s business model supports environmental conservation, making it a unique option for users who care about sustainability
- Ecosia’s privacy policy is transparent, and it doesn’t track users’ personal information
- Ecosia’s search results are unbiased and fair, and the engine takes steps to avoid spreading misinformation
- Ecosia has a clean and user-friendly interface
Cons
- Ecosia’s search results can be less comprehensive than other search engines due to its limited market share
- Some users may find the tree planting feature distracting or unnecessary
- Ecosia’s business model is still reliant on search advertising, which may still raise some privacy concerns
16. Lycos
Lycos is a search engine that was one of the pioneers of the internet search industry. It was founded in 1994 and is currently headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. Lycos was originally created as a research project by a group of students at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but was later developed into a commercial search engine. Here is some more information about Lycos:
- Launch date: 1994
- Location: Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Founder(s): Michael Loren Mauldin
- Global market share: Less than 0.01%
- Domain URL: www.lycos.com
Features
- Lycos provides web search, image search, video search, news search, and shopping search.
- It also offers a variety of other services, including email, web hosting, and online games.
Pros
- Lycos has a long history and established brand name.
- It offers a wide range of services beyond just web search.
- Lycos has a clean and user-friendly interface.
Cons
- Lycos has a very small market share and is not a popular search engine.
- Its search results are not as accurate or comprehensive as other search engines.
- Lycos has been plagued by security issues in the past.
17. WebCrawler
WebCrawler is a search engine that provides users with relevant results to their queries. It was one of the first search engines to index entire pages, as opposed to just titles and headers. Here are the key details about WebCrawler:
- Launch Date: WebCrawler was launched in 1994, making it one of the oldest search engines on the web.
- Location: The company was originally based in Santa Monica, California, but it has since moved to Silicon Valley in California.
- Owner/Founder: WebCrawler was created by Brian Pinkerton while he was a student at the University of Washington. It was later acquired by AOL in 1995 and then sold to Excite in 1997.
- Global Market Share: As of March 2023, WebCrawler has a very small global market share and is not among the top search engines in terms of usage.
- Domain URL: The domain URL for WebCrawler is www.webcrawler.com.
Features
- WebCrawler crawls and indexes web pages, providing users with relevant search results.
- It has a clean, simple interface that is easy to use.
- The search engine allows users to filter their results by various categories, including images, videos, news, and shopping.
Pros
- WebCrawler was one of the first search engines to index entire web pages, making it an important part of the history of the web.
- It has a simple and straightforward interface that is easy to use.
Cons
- WebCrawler has a very small global market share and is not among the top search engines in terms of usage.
- It may not have as comprehensive results as some of the more popular search engines.
18. Info.com
Info.com is a metasearch engine that provides search results by aggregating content from various search engines and directories.
- Info.com was launched in 2004.
- The company is based in San Mateo, California, USA.
- Info.com is owned by InfoSpace Holdings LLC, which is a subsidiary of Blucora Inc., a technology-based financial solutions provider.
- Info.com does not have a significant global market share and is not ranked among the top search engines.
- The domain URL for Info.com is www.info.com
Features
- nfo.com uses metasearch technology to aggregate results from multiple search engines and directories.
- Users can refine their search results by filtering them by content type, source, and date.
- Info.com also provides a browser extension that allows users to search from their browser’s search bar.
Pros
- Provides search results from multiple sources, giving users a broader range of results to choose from.
- Offers filters to refine search results, making it easier for users to find the information they need.
- Browser extension makes it easy to search directly from the browser’s search bar.
Cons
- Info.com does not have a significant market share, so it may not provide the same level of coverage as more popular search engines.
- Because it aggregates content from multiple sources, search results may not always be consistent or comprehensive.
19. Ixquick
Ixquick is a privacy-focused search engine that provides anonymous searches and doesn’t track user data.
- Ixquick was launched in 1998, and it merged with another privacy-focused search engine, StartPage, in 2016.
- Ixquick is located in the Netherlands.
- Ixquick was founded by David Bodnick and is currently owned by Surfboard Holding BV.
- Ixquick has a very small global market share, less than 0.01%.
- The domain URL for Ixquick is www.ixquick.com
20. Mojeek
Mojeek is a search engine that was launched in 2004. It is located in the United Kingdom and was founded by Marc Smith. Mojeek differentiates itself from other search engines by providing a search service that is free from user tracking and profiling. As of 2021, Mojeek’s global market share is less than 0.01%. Mojeek’s domain URL is www.mojeek.com
Features
- User privacy: Mojeek does not track user search history or create user profiles.
- Independent search results: Mojeek does not use results from other search engines, and instead has its own index of websites.
- Family friendly: Mojeek filters out adult content from its search results by default.
- No targeted advertising: Mojeek does not display targeted ads based on user search history.
Pros
- User privacy is a top priority, making it an ideal search engine for those who value privacy and do not want their search data tracked.
- Independent search results provide a unique perspective on the web that is not influenced by other search engines.
- Family-friendly search results are beneficial for parents or users who want to avoid adult content.
- No targeted advertising means that users are not subjected to ads based on their search history.
Cons
- Mojeek’s search index is smaller than other search engines, which may result in less comprehensive search results.
- Due to its small market share, Mojeek may not have the same level of resources to invest in improving search algorithms and features compared to larger search engines.
- Mojeek’s lack of targeted advertising may result in less revenue for the search engine, which could limit its ability to invest in growth and development.
Conclusion
Note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other search engines available that are not included here.
Learning about these lesser-known search engines can broaden our perspective and understanding of the search engine landscape beyond just Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Each search engine has its unique features and advantages that can benefit different types of users and businesses. As an SEO agency with years of experience, we have worked with a variety of search engines and can provide valuable insights and strategies to help businesses boost their visibility across multiple search engines.
If you want to expand your reach and increase your online presence across various search engines, our agency is here to help. Our SEO services can help your website rank higher and generate more traffic, regardless of the search engine. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed online.