Short answer: The DuckDuckGo browser is built to collect less about you out of the box. It uses DuckDuckGo search, blocks most third-party trackers before they load, blocks most ads and cookie pop-ups, and clears your data with one button. Chrome gives you more extensions and ties into your Google Account, and you can tighten its privacy settings yourself. If you want to stay in Chrome, DuckDuckGo’s official extension adds its search and tracker blocking.
DuckDuckGo facts on this page come from DuckDuckGo’s browser page and its help pages. Chrome facts come from Google’s Chrome Help.
Chrome and DuckDuckGo side by side
- Tracker blocking. DuckDuckGo says its 3rd-Party Tracker Loading Protection stops most third-party trackers from loading at all, and it blocks third-party cookies from known trackers by default. In Chrome you choose whether to allow or block third-party cookies under Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies. Google’s cookie help page says they are blocked by default in Incognito mode.
- Ads and cookie pop-ups. DuckDuckGo’s browser blocks most online ads, including most video ads on YouTube, and opts you out of cookie pop-ups where it can. In Chrome you add an ad blocker from the Chrome Web Store; see our list of ad blockers for Chrome.
- Search. DuckDuckGo’s browser uses DuckDuckGo search, which the company says never tracks your searches. Google says that in some countries Google Search is Chrome’s default and in others you are asked to choose, and you can change it anytime.
- Clearing your data. DuckDuckGo’s Fire Button deletes cookies, cached files, open tabs and visited pages in one click, and Fire Windows (computer) or Fire Tabs (phone) delete everything when you close them. Chrome has More > Delete browsing data and Incognito mode.
- Sync. DuckDuckGo’s Sync & Backup syncs bookmarks, passwords and Duck.ai chats between devices, end-to-end encrypted. Chrome syncs bookmarks, passwords and more when you sign in to Chrome with a Google Account.
- Extensions. Chrome on a computer can add extensions from the Chrome Web Store. If you rely on particular extensions, check that they are available before you switch.
- Devices. DuckDuckGo’s browser is available for Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad, and Android. Chrome is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone and iPad.
Use DuckDuckGo inside Chrome
You don’t have to switch browsers to use DuckDuckGo. Two options:
- Install DuckDuckGo’s extension. DuckDuckGo Search & Tracker Protection is published by Duck Duck Go, Inc. in the Chrome Web Store. It sets your default search engine and homepage to DuckDuckGo and blocks most trackers before they load.
- Change only the search engine. In Chrome on a computer, select More > Settings > Search engine. Under “Search engine”, select Change and pick DuckDuckGo. Full steps, including phones, are in our guide to changing Chrome’s search engine.
Is Incognito the same as DuckDuckGo?
No. The Tor Project’s comparison of Incognito and private tabs explains that Chrome’s Incognito mode erases the information saved on your device once you close the session, but does not protect you against online tracking or hide your activity. In its words, Incognito and private tabs “do not make you anonymous on the Internet.”
Blocking trackers is not the same as being anonymous. DuckDuckGo’s own comparison lists a VPN as a paid extra, not part of the free browser. If you need to hide who and where you are, read Chrome vs Tor Browser.
Which should you choose?
- DuckDuckGo if you want strong tracker and ad blocking without changing any settings, and you don’t depend on Chrome extensions or Google sync.
- Chrome if you use Google services across devices or need particular extensions. Block third-party cookies in settings and add DuckDuckGo’s extension if you want some of the same protection.