DuckDuckGo Doubles Down on AI-Free Search as User Growth Surges

DuckDuckGo is making it easier for users to avoid AI-generated search results as demand for its AI-free search experience continues to grow. The privacy-focused search company has introduced new browser extensions that allow users to set its dedicated no-AI search page as their default search engine.

The move comes at a time when many internet users are looking for alternatives to AI-heavy search experiences. By installing the new extensions for Chrome and Firefox, users can automatically use DuckDuckGo’s AI-free search page, where search results exclude AI-generated answers, chat prompts, and significantly reduce AI-created images.

According to the company, the goal is to provide a more consistent search experience for users who prefer traditional web search results instead of AI-generated summaries. This has become increasingly relevant after Google unveiled its AI-first vision for search during its developer conference earlier this month.

Google’s latest search overhaul represents one of the biggest changes to its platform in more than 25 years. Rather than prioritizing traditional website links, Google is increasingly emphasizing AI-generated overviews capable of producing charts, visualizations, graphs, and interactive experiences. Users are also encouraged to continue conversations through AI-powered search chats, pushing the classic list of website links further down the page.

Not everyone has welcomed this shift.

As AI-generated search becomes more prominent, users seeking a simpler experience are increasingly turning to alternative platforms such as DuckDuckGo and Kagi. The trend appears to be benefiting DuckDuckGo significantly.

AI-Free Search Traffic Jumps

DuckDuckGo reports that visits to its no-AI search page have surged in recent weeks. The company recently revealed that web traffic to the service climbed nearly 30% week-over-week. Mobile adoption has also accelerated, with U.S. app installs rising 18.1% during the same period.

Growth on Apple’s iOS platform has been particularly strong. DuckDuckGo says U.S. iPhone app installs reached a peak increase of 69.9% week-over-week, highlighting growing interest among users seeking alternatives to AI-dominated search engines.

The momentum continued after Google’s search announcement. On May 28, 2026, DuckDuckGo reported that traffic to its AI-free search page reached three times its normal level, marking a new record for the service. More importantly, the company noted that traffic has remained elevated rather than fading after the initial spike.

According to DuckDuckGo, visits are currently averaging around 84% above normal baseline levels, suggesting a sustained shift in user behavior rather than a short-term reaction.

More AI Controls on the Way

The company is also expanding AI-related controls beyond its new browser extensions. DuckDuckGo plans to update its existing Privacy Essentials extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, giving users additional options to manage AI search settings directly within the browser.

Despite its latest push, DuckDuckGo is not positioning itself as an anti-AI company. The firm continues to offer its own AI chatbot service, which provides access to several popular AI models. It also sells a subscription package that includes premium AI access, VPN services, identity theft restoration, and personal information removal tools.

For now, however, DuckDuckGo appears to be capitalizing on a growing audience that simply wants traditional search results without AI-generated answers dominating the page. As the battle over the future of search intensifies, the company is betting that giving users more control will help it attract even more users in the months ahead.

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