Brave Search
Beginner RecommendedThe best Google Search alternative is Brave Search. Independent search engine with its own index, no advertising tracking.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Brave Search is a search engine using its own web index, unlike most alternatives that rely on Bing or Google. No profiling, no tracking. Results are independent and unfiltered. Available in free (with optional anonymous ads) or premium (ad-free) versions.
My take
I switched engines the day I left Chrome, expecting to be frustrated. It happened very rarely: after a few days, I had forgotten I'd switched at all. The details are in chapter 3.
Key features
- Proprietary web index
- Zero tracking
- Goggles (community filters)
- Optional AI summaries
- API available
Strengths
- + Independent web index (no Bing/Google dependency)
- + No tracking or profiling
- + Relevant, unfiltered results
Weaknesses
- − Index still less complete than Google for very specific queries
- − US-based company
Recommended for
- Any user seeking an independent engine
- Direct Google Search replacement
Brave Search vs Google Search: the comparison
| Criterion | Brave Search | Google Search |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (ad-free premium at $3/month) | Free |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Easy (1/5) | — |
Comparison
Brave Search is the recommended engine here: the only mainstream engine with its own index, independent from both Google and Bing. DuckDuckGo relies on Bing, Startpage relays Google, Qwant blends its index with Bing.
This topic is chapter 3 of my book
It answers these questions, among others:
- how do you change the default engine everywhere, phone included, without missing a device?
- what about image, shopping, translation and academic searches?
- and what do you offer a loved one who refuses to change their search habits?
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Brave Search cost?
Free (ad-free premium at $3/month)
How do you switch from Google Search to Brave Search?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (1/5). Change default engine in browser settings. No migration needed.
Who is Brave Search for?
Anyone wanting to leave Google Search for an independent engine.
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Also read
Brave Search or DuckDuckGo: which one should you choose?
Two excellent tracking-free search engines, only one truly independent index: Brave Search and DuckDuckGo compared point by point, verdict included.
Brave Search or Qwant: which search engine should you choose?
Independent index versus French search engine: Brave Search and Qwant compared point by point, with real room for the sovereignty argument.