Startpage Search Engine

Q: What is Startpage search engine?

Startpage is a privacy-focused search engine that acts as a proxy for Google. You get Google-quality search results without Google tracking your searches, building a profile, or seeing your IP address.

Q: Is Startpage safe to use?

Yes, Startpage is safe. It's based in the Netherlands with strong EU privacy laws, doesn't store your IP address or search history, and has been audited by independent security firms. They also don't use tracking cookies.

Q: Is Startpage better than DuckDuckGo?

Startpage offers Google results while DuckDuckGo uses Bing. If you prefer Google-quality results, Startpage is better. DuckDuckGo offers more features like !bangs. Both have excellent privacy. Startpage is EU-based; DuckDuckGo is US-based.

Google results with complete privacy - no tracking, no profiles, no AI.

What is Startpage?

Startpage is a Dutch search engine that acts as a privacy proxy for Google. When you search on Startpage:

Startpage sends your query to Google anonymously
Google returns the results to Startpage
Startpage shows you the results without any tracking

The result? You get Google's search quality without Google building a profile about you.

 Quick Facts Founded: 2006 (Netherlands)
Index: Google (via proxy)
AI Features: None
Tracking: None
Business Model: Non-tracking ads
 

How Startpage Works

Unlike search engines that build their own index, Startpage proxies Google:

You Search

Type your query on startpage.com

Startpage Anonymizes

Your IP and identifiers are stripped

Query Sent to Google

Startpage sends the anonymous query

Results Returned

Google can't identify you from the query

This means Google never sees your real IP address, browser fingerprint, or any identifying information.

Key Features

Anonymous View

Browse websites through Startpage's proxy so they can't track you either.

No Tracking

No cookies, no IP logging, no search history stored.

Google Quality

Get the same results as Google without the tracking.

No AI Features

Pure search results - no AI summaries or generated content.

Customizable

Themes, languages, regions - all saved locally, not on their servers.

EU-Based

Netherlands headquarters means GDPR protection.

Anonymous View Explained

Anonymous View is Startpage's standout feature. It lets you visit any search result through Startpage's proxy:

How to Use Anonymous View

Search on Startpage as normal
Look for the mask icon or "Anonymous View" link next to results
Click it to view the page through Startpage's proxy
The website sees Startpage's IP, not yours

What Anonymous View Protects

Your IP address - Websites see Startpage's IP instead
Cookies - Blocked from being set on your browser
Tracking scripts - Many are blocked or sandboxed
Referrer info - Sites don't know you came from a search

Limitations

Some sites don't work well (those requiring login, heavy JavaScript)
Pages may load slower
Interactive features may not work
Not a replacement for a full VPN

Privacy & Security

Privacy Certified

What Startpage Doesn't Collect

IP addresses
Search queries (linked to you)
Browser fingerprints
User profiles
Tracking cookies

Privacy Certifications

EuroPriSe - European Privacy Seal
Independent audits - Regular third-party security reviews
GDPR compliant - EU data protection standards

Ownership Note

In 2019, System1 (a US ad company) acquired a majority stake in Startpage. This raised privacy concerns, but Startpage maintains they operate independently and haven't changed their privacy practices. The company remains based in the Netherlands under EU law.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Google-quality search results
No tracking whatsoever
Anonymous View for browsing
No AI features
EU-based (GDPR)
Clean, simple interface
No account required

Cons

Can be slower than direct Google
Sometimes rate-limited by Google
US company has majority ownership
Dependent on Google's index
Anonymous View has limitations

How to Use Startpage

Set as Default Search Engine

Add Startpage as your default search engine using this URL:

https://www.startpage.com/sp/search?query=%s

Browser Instructions

Chrome: Settings → Search engine → Manage → Add (use URL above)
Firefox: Visit startpage.com, click address bar, add search engine
Safari: Not available as custom engine (use as homepage instead)
Edge: Settings → Privacy → Address bar → Manage → Add

Full Setup Guide

Startpage Browser Extension

Startpage offers a browser extension that:

Sets Startpage as your default search
Adds privacy protection features
Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Startpage search engine?

Startpage is a privacy-focused search engine that proxies Google. You get Google results without Google seeing your IP address, building a profile, or tracking your searches.

Is Startpage safe to use?

Yes. Startpage is based in the Netherlands (EU privacy laws), doesn't store any personal data, and has been certified by EuroPriSe. They've been operating since 2006 with a strong privacy record.

Is Startpage better than DuckDuckGo?

It depends on your priorities. Startpage provides Google results (often more comprehensive). DuckDuckGo uses Bing and offers more features like !bangs. Both have excellent privacy. Startpage is EU-based; DuckDuckGo is US-based.

What is Anonymous View on Startpage?

Anonymous View lets you visit search results through Startpage's proxy. The destination website sees Startpage's IP instead of yours, blocking tracking cookies and scripts. It's like a mini-VPN for browsing.

Does Startpage have AI features?

No. Startpage shows traditional search results without any AI summaries or generated content. If you want AI-free Google results, Startpage is an excellent choice.

Next Steps

Compare Best Private Search Engines Setup Set as Default Search Compare DuckDuckGo vs Google