DuckDuckGo eases access to ‘AI-free’ search engine as traffic soars

As traffic continues to grow, alternative search engine DuckDuckGo is leaning into anti-AI sentiment with the release of a new browser extension that allows users to set noai.duckduckgo.com, an AI-free search experience, as their default search engine.

Once enabled, users will be directed to DuckDuckGo’s AI-free search page, with no AI-assisted answers or chat prompts, and fewer AI images in search results, the company claims. The extension is currently available to Chrome and Firefox users. Meanwhile, those who switch to the DuckDuckGo web browser already have their AI settings retained, even if they clear their browser history.

The company says these enhancements are meant to help people provide a consistent search experience that doesn’t use AI, something that’s hard to come by these days, especially since Google announced an AI-first search engine makeover at its developer conference in early May.

Since then, traffic to DuckDuckGo has skyrocketed. Last week, the company announced that web visits to its non-AI search pages increased by nearly 30% week over week, app installs in the U.S. also increased 18.1% week over week, and iOS app installs in the U.S. peaked at 69.9% week over week.

These trends come on the heels of news that Google is overhauling its search box in the biggest change to its search engine in over 25 years. From now on, Google will prioritize directing users to AI-generated search summaries instead of returning links at the top of the page. This is becoming a more interactive experience where you can create visualizations, charts, graphs, and even mini-apps as needed. A follow-up question from the AI ​​overview takes the user to the AI ​​mode chat experience. The traditional “10 blue links” that defined Google in its early days are more of an afterthought, appearing under AI-powered productivity.

But not everyone is in favor of making AI the default, and some are turning to alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo and Kagi.

According to DuckDuckGo, traffic to its non-AI search pages tripled on Thursday, May 28, 2026, a new high since Google’s search announcement, and that number continues to rise. The company points out that growth is not progressing rapidly either. Instead, visitor numbers averaged about 84% above baseline, suggesting a more durable change.

In addition to the new “No AI” search Chrome and Firefox extension, DuckDuckGo will soon update the original DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera to also provide controls for AI search settings.

It’s worth noting that DuckDuckGo is not an anti-AI company. The company still offers its own AI chatbot with access to many popular models, as well as subscription plans that provide access to the latest models and other tools such as VPN services, identity theft recovery, and identity deletion services.