SearXNG
Intermediate RecommendedSearXNG is one of the best Google Search alternatives. Open source, self-hostable metasearch engine. Aggregates results from dozens of engines without tracking.
Information verified on July 7, 2026
This topic is chapter 3 of the book
Replacing Google Search
Here, the big picture. In the book: the full method and the detailed walkthrough.
Description
SearXNG is a metasearch engine that simultaneously queries Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo and dozens of other sources, then presents aggregated results without passing your personal data. You can use a public instance or host your own. Fully customizable: engine selection, categories, themes.
Key features
- Multi-engine metasearch
- Zero tracking
- Self-hostable
- Full customization
- Public instances available
Strengths
- + Aggregates dozens of engines
- + Self-hostable
- + No tracking
- + Fully customizable
Weaknesses
- − Queries are sent to source engines
- − Public instances vary in quality
- − Technical self-hosting
Recommended for
- Users combining results from multiple engines
- Self-hosters
SearXNG vs Google Search: the comparison
| Criterion | SearXNG | Google Search |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free and open source | Free |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Easy (2/5) | — |
Comparison
SearXNG aggregates results from multiple engines, offering broader coverage than Brave Search or DuckDuckGo alone. In return, queries pass through source engines.
Frequently asked questions
How much does SearXNG cost?
Free and open source
How do you switch from Google Search to SearXNG?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (2/5). Using a public instance is simple. Self-hosting is more technical.
Who is SearXNG for?
Intermediate to advanced users wanting a tracking-free metasearch engine, or self-hosting their search.