DuckDuckGo
A privacy-first mobile browser with built-in private search, tracker blocking and optional AI chat
by Duck Duck Go, Inc. · listed Nov 7, 2026
Quick verdict
An easy recommendation if privacy matters to you: it blocks a lot by default, stays fast, and the free tier covers what most people need.
Best for People who want private search and tracker blocking on their phone without tinkering with settings
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 7, 2026. How we review
DuckDuckGo review
DuckDuckGo is a web browser for iPhone and Android with the company's own search engine built in. It blocks most third-party trackers before they load, hides cookie consent pop-ups, and cuts down on ads, including YouTube ads on iOS and most video ads on Android. It suits anyone who wants to stop being followed around the web without installing extensions or changing settings.
Day to day it works like a simple, quick browser. Searches go to DuckDuckGo by default, and the Fire Button wipes your tabs and browsing data in one tap. Optional extras include Email Protection, which gives you a @duck.com forwarding address that strips trackers from incoming mail, and Duck.ai, which lets you chat with third-party AI models through DuckDuckGo's anonymizing layer. If you'd rather skip the AI, it stays out of the way. A paid subscription adds a VPN and other services.
Why we picked it: It offers strong tracker blocking by default with no setup, and the core browser costs nothing.
Watch out for: Search results can feel thinner than Google's for some queries, and aggressive blocking occasionally breaks a site's login or comments.
What we like
- Blocks most third-party trackers and cookie pop-ups out of the box
- One-tap Fire Button clears tabs and browsing data
- Free @duck.com email addresses that remove email trackers
- Optional Duck.ai chat that is anonymized and not used for training
- Core browser is free with no account required
What could be better
- Search results can be less thorough than Google for niche queries
- Blocking can occasionally break parts of some websites
- VPN and some protections require a paid subscription that is not offered in every country
Questions about DuckDuckGo
Is DuckDuckGo free?
Yes, the browser, search, tracker blocking and Email Protection are free. A paid subscription adds extras such as a VPN, and availability depends on your region.
Which platforms does it run on?
It is available on iPhone and Android. DuckDuckGo also makes desktop browsers for Mac and Windows.
Do I have to use the AI features?
No. Search Assist and Duck.ai are optional, and DuckDuckGo says chats are anonymized and not used to train AI models.
How does DuckDuckGo make money without tracking?
It shows ads in search results based on the search itself rather than a profile of you, and it sells an optional subscription.
Can I still use Google with it?
DuckDuckGo search is the default, but you can visit any site, including Google, in the browser. You keep the tracker blocking either way.
From the developer: how DuckDuckGo describes itself
At DuckDuckGo, we believe the best way to protect your personal information from hackers, scammers, and privacy-invasive companies is to stop it from being collected at all. That's why millions of people choose DuckDuckGo over Chrome and other browsers to search and browse online. Our built-in search engine is like Google but never tracks your searches. Our browser blocks YouTube ads, invasive web ads, and cookie pop-ups, reducing distractions and helping to stop other companies from collecting your data. While our optional integrated AI features, Search Assist and Duck.ai, are private and never use your data to train AI. Oh, and our browser is free. We make money from privacy-respecting search ads, not by exploiting your data. Take back control of your personal information with the browser designed for data protection, not data collection.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Protect Your Searches by Default: DuckDuckGo Search comes built-in, so you can easily search online without being tracked.
Shield Your Browsing History: Our 3rd-Party Tracker Loading Protection blocks most trackers before they load, greatly exceeding what most popular browsers offer by default.
Chat Privately With AI: Duck.ai lets you have private conversations with 3rd-party AI models, anonymized by us and never used to train AI.
Secure Your Email (Optional): Use Email Protection to block most email trackers and hide your existing email address with @duck.com addresses.
Block Ads: Our browser blocks YouTube Ads, and stops invasive trackers from loading on sites, effectively eliminating targeted ads.
Automatically Enforce Encryption: Shield your data from network and Wi-Fi snoopers by forcing many sites to use an HTTPS connection.
Escape Fingerprinting: Make it harder for companies to create a unique identifier for you by blocking attempts to combine info about your browser and device.
Sync and Back Up Securely (Optional): Sync encrypted bookmarks and passwords across your devices.
Clear your tabs and browsing data in a flash with the Fire Button.
Banish cookie pop-ups and automatically set your preferences to minimize cookies and maximize privacy.
And many more protections not available on most browsers, even in private browsing mode, including protection from link tracking, Global Privacy Control (GPC), and more.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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