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DuckDuckGo is a search engine that respects your privacy like no other. It has gained popularity among users who want to protect their online activities from prying eyes.
But what if we told you that pairing DuckDuckGo with a VPN could take your privacy to an entirely new level? In this blog, we will delve into why you need a DuckDuckGo VPN and how you can use it:
TLDR
- DuckDuckGo is a privacy-oriented search engine that does not track user data, providing a more anonymous browsing experience.
- While DuckDuckGo does not store search history, it does not hide your IP address or encrypt your traffic, so pairing it with a VPN ensures optimal online privacy and security.
- Using a VPN with DuckDuckGo allows you to enjoy enhanced privacy and anonymity, improved security and protection, and access to geo-restricted content.
What is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-oriented search engine that promises to make browsing safer and more private for users. Unlike usual search engines such as Google, DuckDuckGo does not track or keep user data, guaranteeing that users’ search history and personal information stay private.
Also Read: Is DuckDuckGo Safe? A Comprehensive Privacy Review
DuckDuckGo’s major goal is to provide unbiased search results while also protecting user privacy. This strategy defines DuckDuckGo as a privacy-centered alternative for people who value their online privacy and want to avoid targeted advertising and data collection.
In addition to its privacy features, DuckDuckGo offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface that provides instant answers to queries, eliminating the need to click through multiple search results.
It gathers information from a variety of reliable search partners and displays the results in an easy-to-understand way. Over time, DuckDuckGo has expanded beyond search and integrated other privacy-centric features such as a tracker blocker and a privacy browser extension.
Is DuckDuckGo a VPN?
Nope, DuckDuckGo is not a VPN. It is a privacy-oriented search engine that focuses on providing users with anonymous and untracked search experiences and does not offer users VPN services.
A VPN is a different type of service that helps protect your online privacy and security by creating an encrypted connection between your device and the internet. VPNs route your traffic through their servers, making it appear as if you are connecting from a different location and concealing your real IP address.
While DuckDuckGo and VPNs share a common goal of enhancing online privacy, they are distinct services with different functionalities. You can use DuckDuckGo as your private search engine while also using a VPN to further safeguard your online activities and data.
Does DuckDuckGo hide your IP address?
DuckDuckGo does not hide your IP address. It is a privacy-focused search engine that aims to protect user privacy by not tracking their search history or personal information. While it does not log user data in the same way that standard search engines do, it does not offer any IP address masking or anonymity options.
Your IP address is still accessible to the websites you visit, internet service providers (ISPs), and any other network intermediaries when you use DuckDuckGo. However, DuckDuckGo does use HTTPS when you visit websites, which helps protect your data from interception during transmission.
Even though DuckDuckGo assures that your search queries are not associated with your identity or saved for personalized tracking, it does not actively hide your IP address from websites you visit. So, if you desire a higher level of privacy and want to hide your IP address from third parties, you will need to use a VPN.
Related Read: HTTPS vs VPN
VPN vs DuckDuckGo
Comparing a VPN to DuckDuckGo is like comparing apples to oranges as both serve different functions. Here is a quick breakdown:
| VPN | DuckDuckGo | |
| Purpose | Enhances privacy and security on the internet | Search engine focused on user privacy |
| Functionality | Masks IP address, encrypts data, bypasses geo-restrictions | Does not store search history or serve personalized ads |
| Coverage | Protects all device traffic | Privacy limited to search activities on their platform |
| Best For | Secure browsing, anonymity, accessing restricted content | Private, non-tracked searches |
Why do you need a DuckDuckGo VPN?
Three reasons why using a DuckDuckGo VPN is a good idea:
1. Enhanced privacy and anonymity
While DuckDuckGo itself doesn’t track or store your search history, using a VPN in conjunction with it adds an extra layer of anonymity. The VPN hides your IP address, making it significantly more challenging for anyone, including websites and advertisers, to trace your online activities back to you.
2. Improved security and protection
When connected to a VPN while using DuckDuckGo, your internet traffic gets encrypted, securing your sensitive information from potential eavesdroppers and hackers. This ensures that even on public Wi-Fi, your online activities are shielded from prying eyes, and your personal data remains protected.
3. Access to geo-restricted content
DuckDuckGo doesn’t discriminate based on your location. However, some websites and content may still be restricted based on your geographical region. By using a VPN, you can virtually change your location by connecting to servers in different countries. This enables you to bypass geo-restrictions, gaining access to otherwise unavailable content and services.
How to use a VPN with DuckDuckGo?
To add an extra layer of privacy and security to your searches on DuckDuckGo, follow these simple steps:
- Subscribe to PureVPN.
- Download our VPN app on your device (macOS, Windows, Android, etc).
- Select your desired VPN server from the available options.
- Once the VPN connection is active, visit DuckDuckGo.
- Search away with additional protection!
Why is PureVPN the best DuckDuckGo VPN?
Looking for a high-quality VPN to use with DuckDuckGo? PureVPN is the best choice, here is why:
- Vast server network: PureVPN boasts a huge network of 6,500+ servers in 70 countries worldwide, allowing users to access different locations and bypass geo-restrictions more effectively.
- Robust security: PureVPN leverages the highest level of encryption (known as AES 256-bit) to ensure your internet traffic and data stay safe and protected from potential threats.
- Proven no-logs policy: PureVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited by Well known audit firm twice, enhancing your privacy and anonymity while using DuckDuckGo.
- Fast connections: PureVPN uses next-generation 20 Gbps servers in its ever-growing network, giving you the freedom to browse smoothly and with minimal disruptions on DuckDuckGo.
- Additional features: PureVPN offers additional features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, and quantum-resistant encryption keys that can complement the privacy features of DuckDuckGo.
Can I Use a Free DuckDuckGo VPN?
You can use a free VPN with DuckDuckGo, but it is not recommended. Free VPNs often have limitations when it comes to speed, features, server locations, and bandwidth. This means that your browsing experience might become slower, less reliable, and more restricted.
Moreover, VPNs need to maintain their infrastructure and cover their costs somehow. Free VPN services do this by displaying intrusive ads or, more worryingly, by selling user data to third parties. This completely defeats the purpose of using a VPN, which is to enhance your privacy and security.
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that values user privacy, so pairing it with a free VPN that may jeopardize your data is contradictory. If you are concerned about privacy and security, invest in a paid VPN service like PureVPN. This ensures that your data remains encrypted and your online activities are not logged.
Frequently asked questions
Can my IP be tracked on DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo does not track or store your personal information, including your IP address, as part of its privacy policy. However, your IP can still be visible to the websites you visit through DuckDuckGo or your ISP – unless you take additional privacy measures like a VPN.
What is the downside of DuckDuckGo?
While DuckDuckGo is praised for its privacy features, it might offer fewer personalized results in comparison to search engines like Google. Additionally, some users might find the search results to be less comprehensive.
Why is DuckDuckGo banned in schools?
DuckDuckGo is blocked in some schools due to its strict privacy policies, which prevent the tracking of searches. This can hinder the ability of schools and other educational institutions to monitor and filter search content for safety or appropriateness.
Is it legal to use DuckDuckGo?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to use DuckDuckGo. However, it is banned in some countries like China and India. While you can always access DuckDuckGO with a VPN where it is censored, make sure to take into account the legal ramifications before doing so.
Is DuckDuckGo owned by China?
No, DuckDuckGo is an American company, with Gabriel Weinberg as its founder and CEO.
Is Google safer than DuckDuckGo?
No. DuckDuckGo is the safest and most private search engine available today. Unlike Google, it does not store or track your browsing data and show personalized advertisements.
Is DuckDuckGo safe?
DuckDuckGo is our top pick for search engines since it refrains from logging your IP address or gathering personal data. When it comes to maintaining your search privacy, DuckDuckGo is among the best. However, while it ensures privacy for your searches, it does not shield your activities on the broader web the way a VPN does.
Can you use DuckDuckGo as a VPN?
DuckDuckGo is not a VPN but a search engine that protects your privacy and does not track your online activity. However, you can connect to a VPN to enjoy enhanced privacy while using DuckDuckGo.
Do I need a VPN if I use DuckDuckGo?
Although DuckDuckGo is one of the best privacy-focused search engines, it is recommended that you use PureVPN in conjunction with it to further protect your privacy, security, and anonymity.
How do I add a VPN to DuckDuckGo?
To use DuckDuckGo with a VPN, simply download the PureVPN app, connect to any server of your choice, and then use DuckDuckGo to make searches.
Is DuckDuckGo trustworthy?
Yes, DuckDuckGo is a reliable and trustworthy search engine when it comes to respecting user privacy.
Conclusion
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that does not track users’ online activities. While it is not a VPN itself, you can use a VPN like PureVPN alongside DuckDuckGo to further enhance your online privacy and security.
