Adding DuckDuckGo as your default search engine in Chrome is easy and provides some great privacy benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at what DuckDuckGo is, the benefits of using it, how to add it to Chrome, and what changes you can expect after making the switch.
What is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is an internet search engine that emphasizes protecting searchers’ privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results. DuckDuckGo distinguishes itself from other search engines by not profiling its users and by intentionally showing all users the same search results for a given search term.
Here are some key things to know about DuckDuckGo:
- It was launched in 2008 and is based in Paoli, Pennsylvania.
- It is the second most popular search engine after Google in the United States, with around 5 billion searches per month.
- It doesn’t store users’ personal information like IP addresses and doesn’t create personalized search results based on browsing history.
- It primarily makes money by serving non-tracking ads related to search keywords, not by profiling users.
In summary, DuckDuckGo positions itself as a privacy-focused alternative to search engines like Google that collect massive amounts of user data. It aims to give users a more private, unbiased, and clutter-free search experience.
Benefits of Using DuckDuckGo
Here are some of the top benefits of switching your default search engine to DuckDuckGo:
Improved Privacy
DuckDuckGo does not store your search history or create a personalized profile of you based on your searches. This prevents the tracking issues associated with search engines like Google, where your search history can be used to target ads and other content towards you across the internet.
Unbiased Search Results
With Google, your search results are shaped by your location, past searches, and other personalized factors. DuckDuckGo shows all users the same search results for a given term, avoiding the “filter bubble” effect of personalized search.
Clutter-Free Interface
DuckDuckGo’s search interface contains significantly less clutter than Google and other search engines. There are no suggested content boxes or other elements that can distract you or take up space.
Bang Syntax for Instant Answers
DuckDuckGo lets you quickly search directly on specific sites using “bangs.” For example, typing !w DuckDuckGo will take you directly to the DuckDuckGo Wikipedia page. There are thousands of !bang shortcuts you can use.
Doesn’t Store Your Data
DuckDuckGo doesn’t store your personal information like search history, IP address, or location. This gives you confidence your data isn’t being collected behind the scenes or shared with third parties.
In summary, the privacy, unbiased results, clean interface, and useful shortcuts make DuckDuckGo an excellent Google alternative worth trying.
How to Add DuckDuckGo to Chrome
It only takes a minute to change your default search engine to DuckDuckGo on Chrome. Here are the steps:
- Open the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner to open Settings.
- Click “Settings” at the bottom of the menu that appears.
- Scroll down and click “Search engine” under “Default search engine.”
- Select “DuckDuckGo” from the options.
- Close out of the Settings tab and you are all set!
Now whenever you search directly from the Chrome address bar or search widget, your queries will go through DuckDuckGo instead of Google. It only takes a few clicks to switch back if you ever want to revert to Google.
What Changes Can I Expect After Switching to DuckDuckGo?
Here are some of the changes you’ll notice after setting DuckDuckGo as your default search engine in Chrome:
Different Look and Feel
The DuckDuckGo results page has its own clean, distinctive look. It places the search bar and buttons at the top rather than the bottom. Results are in a bold, easy-to-scan format. The overall aesthetic is less cluttered than Google.
No Personalized Results
Google shapes search results based on your location, past search history, and other personal factors. With DuckDuckGo, you’ll see the same generic results as any other user searching that term. This removes bias from the results you see.
More Privacy Protection
When you search on DuckDuckGo, your search data is not stored or linked to you. This prevents the privacy issues that can come with search engines tracking your activity over time. You can search freely without worrying your data is being collected.
!bang Commands
DuckDuckGo supports !bang commands that let you quickly navigate to other sites. For example, !w will take you right to the Wikipedia page for your query. There are thousands of !bang shortcuts you’ll discover for loads of popular sites.
Some Google Features May Be Missing
DuckDuckGo aims to provide an uncluttered search experience, so some Google features like suggested/related searches, reminders, and other extras may not be present. The focus is purely on organic search results.
It may take a little adjustment at first if you’re used to Google’s look and feel. But many users find DuckDuckGo to be a refreshing, simplified search experience once you get used to it.
DuckDuckGo vs Google: Key Differences
Here is a table summarizing some of the key differences between DuckDuckGo and Google when set as the default search engine:
| Feature | DuckDuckGo | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Doesn’t store personal info or search history | Stores user data and profiles based on activity |
| Personalization | Shows all users the same results | Customizes results based on user info |
| Interface | Clean, minimalist design | More crowded with extra modules |
| !bang Commands | Supported | Not supported |
| Suggested Searches | Not shown | Dynamically generated |
As this table illustrates, the biggest differences come down to privacy, personalization, and the overall search experience.
Conclusion
Switching your Chrome default search engine to DuckDuckGo provides some great privacy benefits and gives you a decluttered search experience. It only takes a few seconds to change the setting, and you may be surprised how quickly you adjust to DuckDuckGo’s distinctive look and feel.
The lack of personalization means your search results may be less tailored to your location and habits. But many users find this to be a positive, reducing bias and giving more objective results. Others appreciate the added privacy protections from a search engine that doesn’t store your personal information.
Overall, setting DuckDuckGo as the default on Chrome is worth trying if you want to enhance your privacy while using an alternative search engine. At the very least, you may discover some useful !bang shortcuts for getting quick access to your favorite sites.