Brave Search alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Brave Search: index is smaller than Google's for niche and local queries, and ad-free Premium only works in the Brave browser. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Brave Search, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. DuckDuckGo currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best Brave Search alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Brave Search alternative for most people
DuckDuckGoA more established private engine with bangs and a larger user base.
Best Brave Search alternative for a free option
MojeekAnother engine with its own crawler and index, run from the UK with no tracking.
Best Brave Search alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
ExaA search API built for AI agents, if you mainly used Brave's API.
Best Brave Search alternative for Mac
PerplexityFor people who mostly use the AI answer box and want deeper research answers.
Best Brave Search alternative for Windows
DuckDuckGoA more established private engine with bangs and a larger user base.
Best Brave Search alternative for iPhone and Android
KagiFully ad-free paid search with deep personal customisation of results.
Best Brave Search alternative for working in the browser
Google SearchBroader index for local, shopping and very recent results.
Brave Search alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Brave Search?
DuckDuckGo ranks first right now. A more established private engine with bangs and a larger user base. Kagi and Mojeek follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Brave Search?
Yes. DuckDuckGo (free plan + paid), Mojeek (free), Google Search (free) and Exa (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Brave Search?
None of the 6 alternatives in this list is open source.
Why do people switch from Brave Search?
The complaints we hear most: index is smaller than Google's for niche and local queries; ad-free Premium only works in the Brave browser; tied to a company also selling a browser, crypto wallet and ads.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Brave Search, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.