This AI-free Google alternative is surging in popularity - how to try it for yourself
DuckDuckGo is experiencing a significant increase in users as people seek alternatives to Google's AI-driven search results. The platform offers a traditional search experience without AI-generated content, appealing to those frustrated with inaccuracies in AI overviews. Recent data shows a notable rise in DuckDuckGo app installations and visits to its no-AI search page following Google's AI announcements.
- ▪DuckDuckGo has seen a surge in users and installs since Google's AI announcements at I/O 2026.
- ▪The platform reported a 30% increase in week-over-week installs in the US on May 25.
- ▪Visits to DuckDuckGo's no-AI search page rose by an average of 22.7% week-over-week.
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Innovation Home Innovation Artificial Intelligence This AI-free Google alternative is surging in popularity - how to try it for yourself DuckDuckGo is an AI-free alternative to Google's AI-based overviews, attracting more people who prefer traditional search results. Written by Lance Whitney, ContributorContributor May 27, 2026 at 11:01 a.m. PT Lance Whitney/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on GoogleZDNET's key takeawaysDuckDuckGo has seen a surge in users and installs.You can easily use DuckDuckGo without any AI.This makes it a good alternative to Google's AI Overviews.Do you use Google for your searches but don't want all the AI slop? There is an alternative that's growing in popularity, and its name is DuckDuckGo.Like many companies, Google has been adding more AI to its…
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