Updated October 14, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
DuckDuckGo vs Startpage
DuckDuckGo vs Startpage: the differences
| Compare |  DuckDuckGo |  Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan limits | Free download of the app; private search and tracker blocking included, in-app purchases optional | Free ad-supported search; paid Ad-Free subscription available in select regions only |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Macos, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Logging policy | Does not store IP addresses or user information used for micro-targeting or sold to advertisers | No IP address logging, no search query logging, no tracking cookies; only anonymous traffic stats |
| Jurisdiction | US | NL |
| Privacy tool type | Search, BrowserCovers more | Search |
| Price from | $9.99 | Not confirmed |
| Protocols | WireGuard | Not confirmed |
| Open source | No | Not confirmed |
Same on both: Free plan (Yes).
We earn a commission when you sign up through links on this site. Partner status can affect where a brand appears in our rankings.
Key differences
- Startpage scores higher overall: 9.1 vs 8.7.
- Platforms: only DuckDuckGo offers Windows, Macos.
- Platforms: only Startpage offers Browser extension.
- Support channels: only Startpage offers Community.
- Founded is lower at Startpage: 2006 vs 2008.
- Privacy tool type: only DuckDuckGo offers Browser.
Our verdict on each
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo’s browser is available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, with built-in DuckDuckGo search and advertised cookie-popup and ad blocking.
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 | DuckDuckGo | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.9 | 9.1Higher |
| Offer | 8.5 | 8.7Higher |
| Privacy | 9.0 | 9.7Higher |
Licences and countries
| Country | DuckDuckGo | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States | Netherlands |
How they place
| Ranking | DuckDuckGo | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy tools | 181 of 280 | 112 of 280 |
| Private browsers and search engines | 39 of 55 | 21 of 55 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | DuckDuckGo | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Legal entity | DuckDuckGo Subscription Inc. | Surfboard Holding BV |
| Headquarters | United States | Netherlands |
| Founded | 2008 | 2006Lower |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre | Email, Help centre, CommunityCovers more |
VPN
| Fact | DuckDuckGo | Startpage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $9.99 | Not confirmed |
| Long-term plan price | $8.33 | Not confirmed |
| Devices | 5 | Not confirmed |
| Features | No logs | Not confirmed |
| Features | Kill switch | Not confirmed |
| Owner | Duck Duck Go, Inc. | Not confirmed |
| Longest plan (months) | 12 months | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | DuckDuckGo | Startpage | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9.99above the median | Not confirmed | $8 |
Median across 83 listed providers.
Pros and cons
DuckDuckGo
Pros
- The browser is listed for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android.
- It includes DuckDuckGo search and advertises cookie-popup and ad blocking.
Startpage
Pros
- The offering includes Startpage Search and a mobile browser.
- Anonymous View is available from links under search results.
Who each suits
DuckDuckGo
Who it suits
- People looking for an alternative browser with built-in search and blocking features.
Startpage
Who it suits
- People looking for search and mobile-browser features with an Anonymous View option.
Current offers
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