Startpage
Google-quality results, anonymized
Overview
Startpage (Netherlands, since 2006) proxies Google results anonymously—ideal if you want Google quality without sending data directly to Google.
Anonymous View opens links through Startpage’s proxy so destination sites never see your IP or Referer. EU (GDPR) jurisdiction adds legal protection.
It rejected a Google partnership deal in 2009 and never shares user data. A classic choice when you want minimal quality loss leaving Google Search.
Scores
Google Search — comparison
Same result quality as Google Search without direct Google access. No search history or account linkage. Anonymous View is unique to Startpage.
Pros
- ✓ Google-level result quality
- ✓ EU (Netherlands) data protection
- ✓ Anonymous View for private site visits
- ✓ Free with no account
- ✓ Japanese search supported
Cons & caveats
- − Depends on Google’s index
- − Anonymous View is slower
- − Closed source
- − Business-model change risk for Startpage itself
Best for
- Users keeping Google quality while improving privacy
- People who value EU legal protection
- Users who want anonymous site visits via Anonymous View
Not ideal for
- People avoiding any Google dependency
- Open-source-only users
- Users who need maximum speed
Specs
- Pricing
- Free — Core search is free. Startpage Email and other add-ons are paid. Search itself requires no subscription.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Data location
- Netherlands (Startpage B.V.), GDPR compliant. Queries are sent to Google anonymously. No user profiles are built.
- Platforms
- Web · Browser extension · iOS · Android
Migration from Google Search
- 1 Try usual queries at startpage.com
- 2 Set Startpage as your browser default search engine
- 3 Install the Startpage browser extension for one-click setup
- 4 Try Anonymous View to feel the privacy benefit
Setup steps
- 1 Visit https://www.startpage.com/ and test searches
- 2 Add Startpage as a custom search engine in browser settings
- 3 Install Startpage Browser Extension (Chrome/Firefox)
- 4 Consider enabling Anonymous View by default in settings
Related on Amazon
Books and devices that may help your migration. Verify specs and price before buying.
- Books
Permanent Record — Edward Snowden
Essential reading on surveillance and personal privacy—the “why” behind de-Googling.
View on Amazon ↗