Nowadays, staying safe online is more important than ever. After so many recent scandals and data breaches, you don’t want your data to end up on the dark web being sold to cybercriminals. Luckily, you can enhance your security by using VPN services or safe search engines such as DuckDuckGo.
That said, many people are confused and believe that DuckDuckGo is a VPN service. Although they offer somewhat similar data protection, they are not the same thing. Read on to discover the main differences between the two and how to decide which one best suits your needs.
What Is DuckDuckGo?
Let’s start with the basics. Around 80 million people use DuckDuckGo as a search engine because it emphasizes privacy. Unlike other major search engines like Google or Bing, this one does not track users or collect their data. As a result, it does not show targeted advertisements based on user data. Instead, it shows general ads that are not personalized.
DuckDuckGo can be used for general web searching, like other search engines. You can use it to find specific types of information, such as images, news articles, all sorts of products, and similar. While doing so, you can rest assured that your browsing and personal data are not going to be collected, making it a good choice for people who want to avoid being tracked online. Although they are not the same thing, DuckDuckGo is like a VPN in this regard.
Pros of using DuckDuckGo
- Does not collect or share user data
- Provides accurate search results
- Does not target you with personalized ads
- Available as an app (browser) across different operating systems
- Does not include any sort of social engineering (not connected to any social media accounts)
Cons of using DuckDuckGo
- Does not include its own perks like other search engines (no maps, reviews, finance, flights, etc.)
- Displays irrelevant ads
- Does not remember search history, so your searches won’t be auto-filled
As you can see, DuckDuckGo clearly wins when it comes to privacy. However, if you prefer using shortcuts while searching for something online, you might want to use Google or Bing instead.
How Does DuckDuckGo Work?
First things first, similarly to VPN services, DuckDuckGo is nothing revolutionary, and it basically works like any other search engine. You just type in your search query, and you get relevant search results. You can also use it to search for images, news, videos, etc. Just like Google and other browsers, it is possible to view knowledge panels, related searches, and similar.
However, DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that does not track your web searches through its browser extension or mobile app. Other browsers, including Chrome, allow you to use private windows without being tracked by third parties, but their default settings still log some data about what sites are visiting them while online, which can be seen in incognito mode if used properly. By contrast, DuckDuckGo never keeps any browsing record.
Although DuckDuckGo doesn’t hide your IP address, it can encrypt your searches, block external trackers, and connect you with secure versions of websites whenever possible. Other search engines offer this feature, but in most cases, it’s not enabled by default. This can be confusing for users who are used get their information without hassle from regular old Google.
How Does a VPN Work?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps to keep your online activity private and secure. A VPN creates a private, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, which can be used to access blocked websites and content, browse the web anonymously, or hide your location.
Learn more: Does a VPN hide your location?
VPNs work by routing your internet traffic through a server in another location, which can be used to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. VPNs can also be used to improve your online security and privacy by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.
There are many different types of VPNs available, each with its own set of features and benefits. You can choose a VPN that suits your needs, whether you’re looking for a simple way to access blocked content or a more comprehensive solution for online privacy and security.
Using a VPN has plentiful pros and a few cons, some of which are the following:
Pros of using a VPN
- Secures data and protects privacy online
- Can avoid geo-restricted content
- Saves your bandwidth
- Protects your business from DDoS attacks
- Hides your IP address
Cons of using a VPN
- Might slow down your internet speed
- Some of them can be expensive, especially lifetime VPNs
- Not compatible with all devices
That said, many would agree that the pros outweigh the cons and that using a VPN is definitely worth it. They can slow down your internet speed, but let’s face it — this is hardly an issue compared to your identity being stolen and abused for criminal activities.
DuckDuckGo vs. VPN — How Do They Differ?
There are a few key ways in which DuckDuckGo and VPNs differ. Perhaps the most obvious is that DuckDuckGo is a search engine, while VPNs are a type of technology used to improve online privacy and security.
As we already said, DuckDuckGo does not collect or share any personal information, meaning that users can search the web without being tracked. VPNs, on the other hand, encrypt users’ internet traffic and route it through a server in another location. This makes it more difficult for third parties to track users online and can help to protect their privacy.
Even though many people consider DuckDuckGo to be a VPN, there is another crucial difference between the two — DuckDuckGo is free to use, while most VPNs are paid services. This is because VPNs require more resources to run, and so their providers need to charge users to cover their costs.
Finally, it’s worth noting that DuckDuckGo can be used without installation or configuration, while VPNs usually require some level of setup. This can make DuckDuckGo a more convenient option for those who want to improve their privacy on the web with minimal effort.
So, which option is right for you? If you’re simply looking for a way to search the web without being tracked, then DuckDuckGo is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for more comprehensive online privacy and security protection, then a VPN is likely a better option, and this is why VPN statistics report that so many people opt for this type of online protection.
Do I Need a VPN If I Use DuckDuckGo Browser or Search Engine?
Now that your know the main differences between these two, you might be wondering if DuckDuckGo is better with a VPN to keep your online data secure. There is no simple answer to this question because not everyone uses the internet the same way.
For example, if you’re just searching for some products, say used car parts or nearby pet shops, but don’t want to be tracked, then the DuckDuckGo search engine will suffice you. By contrast, if you want to carry out some financial transactions and are worried about being tracked or preying eyes, the DuckDuckGo browser might not be enough. In this case, a VPN is better than DuckDuckGo, and you might want to use a paid one just to ensure your transaction won’t be intercepted.
What’s more, if you want to view geo-locked content (think of Netflix and similar services), the DuckDuckGo browser won’t do much on its own. You will need a VPN again to disguise your IP address and unlock the desired content. Don’t worry; VPNs are legal, and this is one of the main reasons why so many people use these services.
Conclusion
DuckDuckGo is not a VPN, but it is a great search engine for privacy, although much weaker than the regular VPN service. The latter can give you more control over your privacy and security online, while DuckDuckGo provides some of the same benefits without the extra cost. If you’re looking for increased privacy and security, a VPN is the way to go, but if you just want to avoid being tracked by Google, DuckDuckGo is a good option.
