What it does
DuckDuckGo offers a web search engine that it says does not track search history. Its help documentation also explains how it provides localized results without tying a precise location to a search history.
DuckDuckGo Search can be used without installing the DuckDuckGo browser. The company says it does not build a personal search history, while its local-results help explains the location processing behind nearby results.
By default, it derives an approximate location from the request’s IP address and says it then discards that address. If you select Use Location, the browser’s more precise location stays on the device and a randomized nearby location is sent for local searches. You can instead set a location on the map. Directions are an exception: DuckDuckGo says it uses the exact location to generate the route, without saving it on its servers. These search controls do not govern websites opened from results.
Strengths
- The search service can be considered independently of DuckDuckGo’s browser.
- Official help explains the privacy approach to localized results.
Best for
- People who want to change their everyday web search provider
Sources
- About DuckDuckGo (Oct 26, 2026)
- How DuckDuckGo Keeps Your Local Search Results Anonymous - DuckDuckGo Help Pages (Oct 26, 2026)