European alternatives > Search engines
European search engines
Search is one of the most concentrated parts of the internet. If a website is not indexed by a search engine, it is effectively invisible to most people. With around 90% global market share, Google dominates search and has enormous power over what people can discover online.
European search engines give you more choice, whether you want better privacy, reduced dependence on Big Tech, or support for the European tech ecosystem.
Here are some privacy-first, European search engines to consider using for everyday web searches.
Mojeek
Based: Brighton, United Kingdom
An independent, no-tracking search engine that runs its own crawler and index.
- Runs its own search engine, so it’s not powered by Google or Bing.
- No tracking, profiling, or personalizing search results.
- No IP address(new window) recording. It replaces IPs with country codes in logs.
- Aligns with GDPR.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Qwant
Based: Paris, France
A privacy-first search engine striving for European search independence.
- Does not store search data or build personalized profiles.
- No sharing or selling of personal data with third parties.
- Aligns with GDPR.
- Co-building a European web index with Ecosia.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ecosia
Based: Berlin, Germany
A secure and private search engine, best known for its climate mission.
- Searches may go through Bing or Google, which requires your data.
- Does not build personalized profiles across platforms.
- Tailored results and ads can be disabled.
- Co-building a European web index with Qwant.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
MetaGer
Based: Hanover, Germany
A nonprofit metasearch engine that prioritizes privacy and transparency.
- Doesn’t store IP addresses or track search history
- Offers an anonymous proxy to open results privately
- No ad-based business model
- Open source and powered by green electricity
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Swisscows
Based: Egerkingen, Switzerland
A privacy-focused search engine for safe and family-friendly browsing.
- Doesn't store personal data or search history
- Uses a mix of Bing results and its own index
- Automatic filtering of explicit content
- Runs on Swiss infrastructure
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
GOOD
Based: Berlin, Germany
A nonprofit search engine that donates advertising revenue to social and environmental causes.
- Powered by the Brave search index
- Doesn’t build personal search profiles
- Revenue goes to charitable projects
- Certified B Corp and nonprofit organization
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why choose a European search engine?
Stronger privacy expectations
European search engines are often built around less tracking, less data collection, and a more privacy-friendly way to search. Sustainability, as in the case of Ecosia, is sometimes part of the package.
That means more control over your data, less profiling, and a search experience that is not solely shaped by the incentives of Big Tech.
Less exposure to foreign jurisdiction
Choosing Europe-based services means less reliance on Big Tech companies like Google and Microsoft (Bing).
As American companies, these are subject to US surveillance laws that can allow authorities to access user data without the warrant protections most people assume apply, no matter where you live.
No AI overviews by default
Many people feel that AI overviews in Google Search are not an upgrade, but an extra layer between them and the web that analyzes every query and uses sensitive data for training AI like Gemini.
If you are uncomfortable with Google's data model, European search engines can provide a simpler, more private search experience. And in some cases, such as Mojeek, AI answers do exist but they are turned off by default.
No sharing with third parties
Google's business is built on collecting, profiling, and selling user data to advertisers.
A European search engine doesn't feed your search activity into ad-driven data ecosystems behind Big Tech. Some, like Qwant and Ecosia, have partnered up to build a web index that doesn't rely on Google or Bing.
What to look for in a European search engine?
The best European search engine depends on what matters most to you: privacy, independence, usability, or ecosystem fit. Ask yourself:
Do you want less tracking and less data collection?
Do you want an independent index, or is a private Bing/Google layer enough?
Do you want a simple list of links, or extra features like AI answers, maps, or news?
Do you care about where the company is based and which laws it falls under?
Do you want to support a more independent European tech ecosystem?
Tips for switching to a European search engine
Changing the way you search the internet can feel difficult because Google or Bing are so familiar. But small adjustments can make a big difference. Here are some tips:
Change your default search engine
Set your preferred search engine as the default so it automatically handles searches from your address bar.
Use different search engines
For example, you might use a search engine for local searches like coffee shops or directions, another for private browsing, and another for news or research.
Test it for several days
Give it a few days so you can adjust to the interface, results, and features that matter most in your daily searches.
Compare the first page of results
Search the same term on two different engines to see how the results differ in quality, relevance, and layout.
Learn a few search shortcuts
Using quotes, minus signs, or site-specific searches can help you get better results no matter which engine you use.
Import or save your preferences
If the browser allows it, save your search settings, region, language, and appearance preferences early so results feel more useful right away.
Not European, but still not Big Tech search engines
If you’re looking for a private search engine as an alternative to Google or Bing but don’t specifically need it to be based in Europe, there are also options in the United States worth considering. However, keep in mind that these companies are subject to US jurisdiction, just like Big Tech.
DuckDuckGo
Based: Paoli, Pennsylvania, United States
A privacy-focused search engine designed to reduce tracking
- Does not create personal search profiles.
- Does not store personal search history.
- Tracker blocking and other privacy tools
- Web index based on Bing and other partners.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Brave Search
Based: San Francisco, California, United States
A private search engine independent from Google and Bing.
- Runs its own web index.
- No profiling for personalized search results.
- AI-powered answers, with standard web results still available.
- Built by a company focused on privacy-oriented browsing and search tools.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Kagi
Based: Palo Alto, California, United States
A paid search engine focused on quality results, not built on advertising.
- No ads in search results.
- Not centered on behavioral profiling or data sales.
- Tools for customizing and refining results.
- Paid access may appeal more to power users than casual searchers.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Frequently asked questions
about European search engines
- What is a European search engine?
- Are European search engines more private?
- Are European search engines as good as Google?
Explore more European alternatives
Looking beyond search? Find European alternatives across email, browsers, cloud storage, maps and navigation, social media, chats and messaging, and more.