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Whoogle Search alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Whoogle Search: no longer returns search results, and repository archived and no longer maintained. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Whoogle Search, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. SearXNG currently ranks first.

Whoogle Search has been discontinued. The maintainer announced in July 2026 that Whoogle no longer returns results and archived the repository in August 2026.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1YaCy logoYaCyOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux +13 of 359.6
  1. YaCy logo

    1. YaCyTop pick

    Best for: Tinkerers and organisations wanting their own crawler, index and intranet search

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWindows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Whoogle Search

    Self-hosted search with its own index, so no dependence on Google.

    Pros

    • Runs your own crawler and index, no central provider
    • Works for intranet and file-share search too
    • No data collection or phoning home

    Cons

    • Peer-to-peer web results are slow and patchy
    • Needs a machine running continuously
    • Interface feels dated
    Visit YaCy Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is YaCy a good Whoogle Search alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    GPL 2.0 or later
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Modes
    P2P network, own portal or intranet
    Checked Oct 25, 2026yacy.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Data collection
    None, no phoning home
    Checked Oct 25, 2026yacy.net(opens source in a new tab)

The best Whoogle Search alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

SearXNG logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for most people

SearXNG

The maintained self-hosted choice, querying many engines including Google where possible.

Startpage logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for a free option

Startpage

Hosted, private access to Google-sourced results with nothing to run.

DuckDuckGo logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

DuckDuckGo

Simple hosted private search for those done with self-hosting.

YaCy logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for open source

YaCy

Self-hosted search with its own index, so no dependence on Google.

SearXNG logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for self-hosting

SearXNG

The maintained self-hosted choice, querying many engines including Google where possible.

YaCy logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for Mac

YaCy

Self-hosted search with its own index, so no dependence on Google.

YaCy logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for Windows

YaCy

Self-hosted search with its own index, so no dependence on Google.

YaCy logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for Linux

YaCy

Self-hosted search with its own index, so no dependence on Google.

Startpage logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for iPhone and Android

Startpage

Hosted, private access to Google-sourced results with nothing to run.

SearXNG logo

Best Whoogle Search alternative for working in the browser

SearXNG

The maintained self-hosted choice, querying many engines including Google where possible.

Whoogle Search alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Whoogle Search?

SearXNG ranks first right now. The maintained self-hosted choice, querying many engines including Google where possible. Startpage and YaCy follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Whoogle Search?

Yes. SearXNG (open source), Startpage (free), YaCy (open source) and DuckDuckGo (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Whoogle Search?

Yes: SearXNG and YaCy. SearXNG and YaCy can also be self-hosted.

Which Whoogle Search alternatives work on Linux?

YaCy runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Whoogle Search?

The complaints we hear most: no longer returns search results; repository archived and no longer maintained; depended entirely on Google allowing access.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Whoogle Search, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.