DuckDuckGo has launched new browser extensions that allow users to set its no-AI search experience, noai.duckduckgo.com, as their default search engine. The extensions redirect users to an AI-free search page that excludes AI-assisted answers, chat prompts, and minimizes AI images in search results. Currently, the extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox users, with existing DuckDuckGo browser users retaining their AI settings even after clearing their history.
The company aims to provide a consistent AI-free search experience amid growing dissatisfaction with Google’s AI-first revamp announced earlier in May. Following that announcement, DuckDuckGo reported a significant increase in traffic, with visits to its no-AI search page rising nearly 30% week-over-week last week. Additionally, U.S. app installs of DuckDuckGo increased by 18.1% week-over-week, with iOS app installs experiencing peak growth of 69.9% week-over-week.
Google’s overhaul of its search engine marks the most substantial change in over 25 years, prioritizing AI-generated search over traditional links. As a result, the older “10 blue links” model has been relegated to a lower position on the results page. Users have begun seeking alternatives like DuckDuckGo and Kagi due to mounting frustrations over Google’s AI emphasis.
DuckDuckGo reported that visits to its no-AI search page tripled on May 28, 2026, marking a new high since Google’s search announcement. Current traffic to the site averages about 84% above baseline levels, indicating sustained interest. In addition to the new extensions, DuckDuckGo plans to update its existing Privacy Essentials extensions across multiple browsers to incorporate AI search control settings.
Importantly, DuckDuckGo maintains an AI chatbot and offers a subscription plan that provides access to popular AI models, along with privacy-focused services such as a VPN and identity theft restoration.
