DuckDuckGo is making it easier for people to search the web without AI-generated answers taking over their results.
As interest in AI-free search grows, DuckDuckGo has introduced new browser extensions that let users set its dedicated no-AI search page as their default search engine. The feature is designed for people who want a more traditional search experience, without AI summaries, chatbot prompts, or a heavy presence of AI-generated images in results.
The new extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. Once installed, searches are routed through DuckDuckGo’s AI-free search page, giving users a more consistent way to avoid AI-assisted results across their browser.
DuckDuckGo says the goal is simple: give users more control over how they search. While many major platforms are pushing AI features directly into search, DuckDuckGo is positioning its no-AI option as an alternative for people who still prefer classic web results.
The timing is notable. Google recently announced a major AI-focused redesign of its search engine, one of the biggest changes to Google Search in more than two decades. Instead of placing traditional website links at the top of results, Google is increasingly prioritizing AI-generated overviews, interactive answers, charts, visual elements, and follow-up prompts that guide users into AI-based search experiences.
For some users, that shift is useful. For others, it feels like search is becoming less direct, less transparent, and less focused on the open web. That reaction appears to be helping DuckDuckGo gain momentum.
According to DuckDuckGo, visits to its no-AI search page have been rising sharply. The company said traffic to the page recently climbed nearly 30% week over week. U.S. app installs also increased, with overall U.S. installs up 18.1% week over week and iOS installs in the U.S. reaching a peak of 69.9% week-over-week growth.
DuckDuckGo also reported that traffic to its no-AI search page tripled on Thursday, May 28, 2026, marking a new high since Google’s AI search announcement. More importantly, the company says the growth is not just a short-lived spike. Visits have been averaging around 84% above the previous baseline, suggesting that more users may be actively looking for an AI-free search engine experience.
People using the DuckDuckGo browser already have their AI settings preserved, even when they clear their browser history. That makes the experience more stable for users who want to keep AI features turned off.
DuckDuckGo is also planning to expand AI search controls to its existing Privacy Essentials extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. That update should make it easier for more users to manage how much AI appears in their search experience.
Still, DuckDuckGo is not rejecting AI entirely. The company continues to offer its own AI chatbot, including access to several popular AI models. It also provides a subscription plan with access to newer AI models and additional privacy-focused tools, such as a VPN, identity theft restoration, and personal information removal services.
The difference is that DuckDuckGo is emphasizing choice. Rather than making AI the default search experience for everyone, the company is giving users the option to decide whether they want AI in their searches or not.
As AI continues to reshape search engines, DuckDuckGo’s no-AI search tools could appeal to users who want cleaner results, fewer automated summaries, and a browsing experience that feels closer to traditional web search. For anyone frustrated by AI-generated answers appearing before regular website results, DuckDuckGo’s new extensions may offer a simpler way to take back control of search.
