Updated October 14, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
Brave Search vs Startpage
Where Brave Search and Startpage differ
| Compare |  Brave Search |  Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan limits | Browser, ad-blocker, Search and Talk free; free Leo with limited access | Free ad-supported search; paid Ad-Free subscription available in select regions only |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Logging policy | Does not collect or retain browsing history; VPN runs a strict no-logs policy | No IP address logging, no search query logging, no tracking cookies; only anonymous traffic stats |
| Jurisdiction | US | NL |
| Privacy tool type | Ad blocker, Browser, SearchCovers more | Search |
| Price from | $3 | Not confirmed |
| Open source | Yes | Not confirmed |
Same on both: Free plan (Yes).
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Key differences
- Platforms: only Brave Search offers Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Platforms: only Startpage offers Web, Browser extension.
- Founded is lower at Startpage: 2006 vs 2015.
- Privacy tool type: only Brave Search offers Ad blocker, Browser.
Our verdict on each
Brave Search
Brave Search is the named search-engine product. Brave describes its index as independent and presents AI-generated answers with supporting search results and follow-up questions. These are provider descriptions, not independent performance or privacy test results.
Startpage
Startpage combines its search service with a mobile browser. Anonymous View can be opened from links beneath search results, giving the service a search-and-browsing feature set.
Score breakdown
| Area | Brave Search | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.3Higher | 9.1 |
| Offer | 8.9Higher | 8.7 |
| Privacy | 9.0 | 9.7Higher |
Where they rank in our lists
| Ranking | Brave Search | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy tools | 98 of 280 | 112 of 280 |
| Private browsers and search engines | 19 of 55 | 21 of 55 |
Which one suits you
Pick Brave Search if privacy tool type matter most.
Pick Startpage if privacy matter most.
What we checked
Brave Search
- brave.com: 12 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- play.google.com: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
Startpage
- startpage.com: 10 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- support.startpage.com: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Brave Search | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Legal entity | Brave Software, Inc. | Surfboard Holding BV |
| Headquarters | United States | Netherlands |
| Founded | 2015 | 2006Lower |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, Community | Email, Help centre, Community |
VPN
| Fact | Brave Search | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $9.99 | Not confirmed |
| Long-term plan price | $8.33 | Not confirmed |
| Devices | 10 | Not confirmed |
| Server countries | from 40 | Not confirmed |
| No-logs audit | Assured AB software security audit February 2024 and Guardian infrastructure security audit April 2024 | Not confirmed |
| Features | No logs, Streaming, Travel | Not confirmed |
| Features | Kill switch | Not confirmed |
| Owner | Brave Software, Inc. | Not confirmed |
| Longest plan (months) | 12 months | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Brave Search | Startpage | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3lowest quarter | Not confirmed | $8 |
Median across 83 listed providers.
Pros and cons
Brave Search
Pros
- Brave says Search operates from an independent index.
- The product page describes AI answers with supporting results and follow-up questions.
Startpage
Pros
- The offering includes Startpage Search and a mobile browser.
- Anonymous View is available from links under search results.
Who each suits
Brave Search
Who it suits
- People evaluating Brave Search’s stated index approach and AI-answer format.
Startpage
Who it suits
- People looking for search and mobile-browser features with an Anonymous View option.
Current offers
Brave Search
Current offer
Free trial
Brave VPN 7-day free trial: 7 days free
Each subscription comes with a 7-day free trial
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Free trial
Brave Leo AI premium 7-day free trial: 7 days free
7-day free trial on Leo Premium subscription
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Free trial
Brave Talk premium 7-day free trial: 7 days free
7-day free trial on Talk Premium subscription
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Startpage
Current offer
First period offer
Free Ad-free subscription for students: One year free of Ad-free Startpage
Students with a valid .edu email address only; no third-party student verification
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Questions about each
Brave Search
Does Brave Search include AI answers?+
Brave describes Ask Brave as adding AI answers and follow-up questions alongside search results.
How is the index described?+
Brave says Brave Search operates from a fully independent search index; that statement is attributed to Brave.