Why did DuckDuckGo launch a No-AI Search feature?

DuckDuckGo launched No-AI Search in response to growing demand from users who prefer traditional search results without AI-generated summaries and chatbot-style answers. The company says many users want more control over how much AI appears in their online experience.

What is DuckDuckGo's No-AI Search?

No-AI Search is a version of DuckDuckGo that removes AI-generated search features while keeping the same search index and interface. Users can access it through noai.duckduckgo.com or set it as their default search experience using browser extensions.

How did users respond to DuckDuckGo's AI-free search option?

According to DuckDuckGo, visits to its AI-free search page tripled after Google announced major AI upgrades to Search. Traffic has reportedly remained about 84% above normal levels since the spike.

Why are some users looking for AI-free search engines?

Some users argue that AI-generated answers can clutter search results, reduce access to original websites and occasionally provide inaccurate information. Others simply prefer traditional search results built around direct links rather than AI summaries.

How does DuckDuckGo's approach differ from Google's AI search strategy?

Google has expanded AI-generated answers, conversational search tools and AI agents throughout its search platform. DuckDuckGo's approach focuses on user choice, allowing people to decide whether they want AI features enabled or disabled.

How did Google's AI search overhaul affect DuckDuckGo?

DuckDuckGo reported increased traffic and app downloads following Google's announcement of new AI-powered search features. US app installs reportedly rose sharply, with iOS downloads experiencing particularly strong growth.

Are other technology companies offering AI-free alternatives?

Yes. Brave Browser launched a stripped-down version called Brave Origin that removes AI and other optional features. Meanwhile, Mozilla Firefox is developing settings that allow users to disable AI features across its browser.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

DuckDuckGo's AI-free search gains momentum

Q: Does DuckDuckGo still offer AI products?

Yes. DuckDuckGo continues to operate Duck.ai, an AI chatbot platform that provides access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and other developers. The company says AI should be optional rather than mandatory.

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished Jun. 2 2026Last Updated Jun. 2 2026

DuckDuckGo has launched dedicated browser extensions that allow users to permanently disable AI-generated search features, capitalising on growing demand for traditional search experiences.

The privacy-focused search company said visits to its AI-free search page tripled after Google unveiled a major overhaul of its search platform that introduced more AI-generated answers and conversational search tools.

The new No-AI Search extensions for Chrome and Firefox automatically direct users to DuckDuckGo’s AI-free search experience, removing AI-generated summaries, image results and other artificial intelligence features.

“Google is force-feeding AI with no way to opt out. As a result, their results are getting worse, not better,”

Said DuckDuckGo chief executive, Gabriel Weinberg.

DuckDuckGo reported that traffic to its AI-free search service has remained approximately 84% above normal levels since the initial surge, while US app installations also reached record highs.

The company said the move reflects its broader philosophy that artificial intelligence should be optional rather than automatically integrated into every user experience.

Despite promoting an AI-free search option, DuckDuckGo continues to offer AI products through Duck.ai, a chatbot platform that provides access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and other developers.