DuckDuckGo review
A private browser that blocks trackers, ads and pop-ups
- DuckDuckGo
- Free + paid plans
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Mac, Windows
Does it deserve #6?
Is DuckDuckGo worth it?
Yes. DuckDuckGo scores 8.9/10 and ranks #6 in Privacy & Security. It's best for anyone who wants better privacy without changing how they browse. Skip it if you are deep in Google's ecosystem and rely on Chrome sync. Price: Free browser; optional subscription from $9.99 a month adds a VPN and more.
The verdict
DuckDuckGo is the easiest privacy upgrade you can make. Its browser blocks most third-party trackers before they load, hides cookie pop-ups, blocks YouTube ads and searches without building a profile of you. The Fire Button wipes tabs and data in one tap, and Email Protection strips trackers from newsletters. Duck.ai chat is there if you want it. The paid subscription adds a VPN, personal data removal and identity theft help.
- Tracker blocking before pages load
- Private search built in
- YouTube ad and cookie pop-up blocking
- Fire Button to clear data
- Email Protection with @duck.com addresses
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What's new
- Aug 2026Select text on any page and tap Ask Duck.ai to ask about it
- Jul 2026Copy Clean Link strips extra parameters from links you share
- Jun 2026Built-in blocking of YouTube video ads
Privacy 9.3/10
App Store label: contact info, usage and diagnostics may be collected but are not linked to you. No tracking. Google Play lists no data shared with third parties.
What we like
- Strong protection with zero setup
- Blocks YouTube ads and cookie pop-ups
- Free, with no data linked to you
What could be better
- VPN and data removal need a paid subscription
- No Linux version
Anyone who wants better privacy without changing how they browse
you are deep in Google's ecosystem and rely on Chrome sync
Questions about DuckDuckGo
Is DuckDuckGo worth it in 2026?
Yes. DuckDuckGo scores 8.9/10 and ranks #6 in Privacy & Security. It's best for anyone who wants better privacy without changing how they browse. Skip it if you are deep in Google's ecosystem and rely on Chrome sync. Price: Free browser; optional subscription from $9.99 a month adds a VPN and more.
Is DuckDuckGo free?
Yes, the browser and search are free, and DuckDuckGo says it earns money from search ads that don't track you. An optional subscription adds a VPN, Personal Information Removal and Identity Theft Restoration.
Does DuckDuckGo block YouTube ads?
Yes. The browser blocks YouTube ads, and Duck Player offers a distraction-free theater mode.
What are the best alternatives to DuckDuckGo?
The closest alternatives are Proton VPN, Proton Pass and Malwarebytes. See all of them ranked on our DuckDuckGo alternatives page.
Where does DuckDuckGo rank?
DuckDuckGo ranks #6 of 10 in our Privacy & Security ranking, with an overall score of 8.9 out of 10.