Startpage

Beginner Recommended

Startpage is one of the best Google Search alternatives. Google results without the tracking. Search via Google while staying anonymous.

Information verified on July 22, 2026

Free. Migration difficulty : Easy (1/5)

Description

Startpage gives you Google results without the tracking. Your searches go through Startpage's servers, which query Google on your behalf without passing on your identity. The Anonymous View feature opens results in a proxy, like a built-in private browser. Based in the Netherlands, GDPR-compliant.

Key features

Anonymized Google results
No logs
Integrated anonymous browsing
Advanced filters
No filter bubbles
Based in Europe

Strengths

+ Google search results without the tracking
+ Anonymous View feature to browse results privately
+ Clean, familiar search interface

Weaknesses

− Depends on Google's index (indirect dependency)
− Based in the Netherlands (EU jurisdiction)

Recommended for

Users who want Google-quality results without tracking
Transitioning from Google Search gradually

Startpage vs Google Search: the comparison

Comparison between Startpage and Google Search
Criterion	Startpage	Google Search
Price	Free.	Free
Targeted ads on your data	No	Yes (Google ad profile)
Source code	Proprietary	Proprietary
Migration difficulty	Easy (1/5)	—

Comparison

Startpage gives anonymous Google results. DuckDuckGo has its own index (more independent). Qwant is hosted in France (EU jurisdiction).

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

Discover the book