Search engine
Startpage
Private search results without creating a profile about you
Startpage is a that reduces and profiling. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Who is this for?
✓ Good for you if:
- • You want search results with less and profiling
- • You want to avoid into a search account
- • You want a simple switch from mainstream search
- • You sometimes want to open results through a privacy
⚠ Think twice if:
- • You want a fully independent (some services rely on upstream results)
- • You need the most personalized results
- • You want maximum anonymity without trusting any intermediary
- • You need full /open-source for the service
Overview
Startpage is a privacy-focused search engine that gives you Google-quality search results without the tracking. Think of it like having a privacy shield between you and Google - when you search, Startpage takes your query, removes any information that could identify you, sends it to Google, and then gives you the results. This means Google sees searches coming from Startpage, not from you personally, so they can't build a profile about you. Startpage doesn't log your IP address, doesn't store your search history, and doesn't use cookies to track you. The service even offers an "Anonymous View" feature that lets you visit search results through a proxy, so the websites you visit can't see where you came from. Startpage is based in the Netherlands, which has strong privacy laws, and the service is completely free to use. It's a great option if you want the quality of Google search results but with much better privacy protection.
Privacy highlight
Privacy-focused search that provides Google-quality results without . No , no user profiles, and Anonymous View feature.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Web
- Technical:
- Beginner
- :
- No
- :
- Minimal telemetry
- :
- No
- Open-source status:
- Closed source
- :
- No
- :
- No
Key features
- that reduces and profiling.
Security & encryption Click to expand
- No
- Encryption protocols
- ,
- Startpage uses standard / () for all connections between users and Startpage servers. The service does not require user keys as it operates as a web-based search . All search queries are transmitted over encrypted connections. Startpage does not store keys for user data because it does not store personal user data or search history. The service uses standard web security practices including certificate validation and secure connections.
- Offline support
- No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- Minimal telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- Startpage collects minimal data for service operation. The service does not log IP addresses, does not store search queries, and does not use for . Startpage may collect aggregated, anonymized statistics for service improvement, but does not create user profiles or track individual users. The service does not use third-party tools or services that track users across websites.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- Startpage is based in the Netherlands. Search queries are processed on Startpage servers in the Netherlands and Europe. The service does not store personal user data or search history, so there is minimal data residency concern. Startpage operates under Dutch privacy laws and GDPR requirements.
- Startpage does not store personal user data or search history. The service does not log IP addresses and does not create user profiles. Search queries are not stored or linked to users. Startpage may retain aggregated, anonymized statistics for service improvement, but these do not contain personally identifiable information. The service operates under Dutch privacy laws and requirements.
- Legal frameworks
- GDPR (where applicable). Startpage is based in the Netherlands and operates under Dutch privacy laws.
- Revenue sources
- Ads
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 75
- Trust score
- 78
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 85, Audits: 80, Open source: 50, Telemetry: 90, Jurisdiction: 85, Transparency: 80, Trackers: 95
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 90, Performance: 85, Family friendly: 85
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- No account or signup required. Startpage works without registration, email, or personal information. Users can simply visit the website and start searching.
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 1
- Accessibility features
- Startpage includes accessibility features such as keyboard navigation and screen reader support. The web interface follows accessibility guidelines and can be used with assistive technologies.
Backup & portability Click to expand
- No
- Migration tools
- No migration tools needed - Startpage works as a web-based search engine. Users can simply switch their default search engine to Startpage.
- No account recovery needed - no accounts are required. Startpage works without user accounts.
Similar privacy apps
Same categoryDuckDuckGo
Score 78DuckDuckGo is a search engine that reduces tracking and profiling. It helps you keep more control over your data.
SearxNG
Score 88SearxNG is a search engine that reduces tracking and profiling. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Qwant
Score 72Qwant is a search engine that reduces tracking and profiling. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Related Guides
Private Search Engines: Startpage vs Brave vs DuckDuckGo
Compare Startpage, Brave Search, and DuckDuckGo for private search. Learn which search engine bes...
Read guide →Why Two People See Two Prices Online (And What Privacy Has To Do With It)
Privacy is also about keeping your daily life predictable—including your spending. When prices ca...
Read guide →