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Is DuckDuckGo safe to use?

Safe

Yes. DuckDuckGo doesn't store your search history or build a profile of you, though its search ads come through Microsoft.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Duck Duck Go, Inc.
Based in
Paoli, Pennsylvania, USA
Encryption
HTTPS in transit.
Data it collects
No search history or personal profile; ads are based on what you search for at that moment.
Minimum age
All ages

What keeps you safe

  • No search history stored and no tracking profile.
  • The browser blocks many third-party trackers.
  • Free with no account needed.

Risks to know about

  • In 2022 researchers found its browser let some Microsoft trackers load because of its Bing deal; DuckDuckGo changed this in August 2022.
  • Search results rely heavily on Bing.

Scams to watch for on DuckDuckGo

  • Lookalike browser extensions using the DuckDuckGo name.

Is DuckDuckGo legit?

DuckDuckGo is a legitimate, independent US company.

Is it safe for kids?

Safe Search can be turned on, but there are no parental controls.

How to use DuckDuckGo safely

  1. Turn on Safe Search for children.

  2. Install it only from official app stores or duckduckgo.com.

Where DuckDuckGo is restricted

Does a VPN make DuckDuckGo safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop DuckDuckGo collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (with the protocol on Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is DuckDuckGo safe to use?

Yes. DuckDuckGo doesn't store your search history or build a profile of you, though its search ads come through Microsoft.

Is DuckDuckGo legit?

DuckDuckGo is a legitimate, independent US company.

Is DuckDuckGo encrypted?

HTTPS in transit.

What data does DuckDuckGo collect?

No search history or personal profile; ads are based on what you search for at that moment.

Is DuckDuckGo safe for kids?

Safe Search can be turned on, but there are no parental controls.

Does a VPN make DuckDuckGo safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on DuckDuckGo. It does not stop DuckDuckGo itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources