Six search engines worth trying now that Google is overhauling its iconic search box

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Six search engines worth trying now that Google is overhauling its iconic search box

Google’s search box has been a fixture of the internet for over 25 years, but the company is now fundamentally reshaping it around conversational AI. At Google I/O 2026, the company announced what it calls the biggest upgrade to Search since its debut, inviting users to interact with AI agents and automatically receive notifications about topics like a favorite band’s tour dates. For many users, however, this shift is unwelcome. The announcement has prompted a wave of interest in alternative search engines, as people seek options that prioritize privacy, simplicity, or ad-free experiences over AI-generated summaries.

Why users are looking beyond Google

Google’s new AI mode is now optional at the start of a search, but even users who decline it may still encounter AI Overviews with a built-in chat box for follow-up questions. Once that chat box opens, the experience resembles ChatGPT more than the familiar Google search results page. This change comes after a rocky rollout of AI Overviews in 2024, when the system famously suggested users stare at the sun. The integration of AI agents into everyday search has left many feeling that Google is prioritizing AI adoption over user preference. Additionally, a U.S. District Court ruled in 2024 that Google illegally maintained a monopoly in online search, further eroding trust. For those ready to explore alternatives, several options now offer distinct trade-offs in privacy, cost, and features.

Kagi: Ad-free search for a monthly fee

Kagi takes a straightforward approach: it charges users a subscription fee instead of showing ads. For $5 per month (or $10 for unlimited searches), users get an ad-free search experience without AI Overviews. Kagi also allows customization through “lenses” that filter results by category, such as an academic lens for journal articles. Its AI-powered “Quick Answer” feature is optional, giving users control over whether they see AI-generated summaries. This model appeals to those who want a clean, private search experience and are willing to pay for it.

DuckDuckGo: Privacy-focused and free

DuckDuckGo remains a popular free alternative. It makes money through ads, but unlike Google, it does not track users’ search or browsing history. Instead, ads are based on the topic of the current search. DuckDuckGo’s interface is familiar to Google users, and it offers an optional AI-generated answer feature that can be completely disabled in settings. For users who want privacy without paying, DuckDuckGo is a solid choice.

Startpage: Google results without the tracking

Startpage acts as a privacy proxy for Google. It strips personal data like IP addresses from user queries before sending them to Google’s search index, then returns the results. This gives users Google-quality search results without Google knowing who they are. The trade-off is that it still relies on Google’s infrastructure. Startpage also allows users to turn off AI features entirely.

&udm=14: A clever workaround for AI-free Google

For users who want Google’s results but not its AI Overviews, the search engine &udm=14 automatically appends a parameter to every Google search that disables AI summaries. It is essentially a wrapper around Google that strips out the AI layer. The developer has made the code available on GitHub for those who want to run their own version. It is not a privacy tool, but it is a simple solution for avoiding AI-generated content in search results.

Brave: Browser and search with customizable results

Brave offers both a browser and a search engine. The browser is built on Chromium, so it supports Chrome extensions. Brave Search allows users to apply third-party “Goggles” that curate results, such as filtering for tech blogs or excluding specific sites like Pinterest. Users can also toggle AI features on and off. This flexibility appeals to users who want control over their search results without switching browsers entirely.

Ecosia: Search that plants trees

Ecosia combines search with environmental action. It donates about 80% of its ad revenue to tree-planting initiatives worldwide. The company publishes monthly financial reports and works with local communities on reforestation projects, aiming to avoid greenwashing. Like Brave, Ecosia’s browser is built on Chromium and supports Chrome extensions. For users who want their searches to have a tangible environmental impact, Ecosia offers a compelling option.

What this means for the future of search

The rise of AI-driven search is not limited to Google. Microsoft’s Bing has integrated ChatGPT, and other platforms are experimenting with conversational interfaces. However, the backlash against Google’s changes highlights a growing demand for user-controlled, privacy-respecting, and simpler search experiences. The alternatives listed here represent different philosophies: subscription-based privacy, ad-supported anonymity, environmental activism, and technical workarounds. Each has its own trade-offs, but all offer a way to search without the AI-first approach that Google is now championing.

FAQs

Q1: Are these alternative search engines completely free?
DuckDuckGo, Startpage, &udm=14, Brave, and Ecosia are free to use. Kagi requires a monthly subscription starting at $5.

Q2: Do these alternatives track my search history?
DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Kagi do not track users. Brave and Ecosia have privacy-focused policies but may collect minimal anonymized data. &udm=14 passes queries directly to Google without additional tracking.

Q3: Can I disable AI features on these search engines?
Yes. DuckDuckGo, Startpage, Brave, and Kagi all allow users to turn off AI-generated answers or summaries. &udm=14 is specifically designed to remove AI Overviews from Google results.

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