How To Use DuckDuckGo and a VPN for Online Privacy
With online privacy eroding at every level, and breaches of privacy taking place everywhere, there is no better time than the present to use DuckDuckGo and a VPN for online privacy.
DuckDuckGo and a VPN are two of the most essential tools available for online privacy. DuckDuckGo is a private search engine that won’t track your personal information. Although DuckDuckGo is private, it can’t provide the total privacy coverage you need. A VPN will encrypt your connection and hide your IP address to make it impossible for anyone to trace your data.
Using a VPN with DuckDuckGo will help you protect your data and keep your browsing history anonymous and private.
What Is DuckDuckGo/How Does It Work?
DuckDuckGo is an internet search engine that doesn’t track your personal information or filter its search results according to your history. The search engine is based on search quality and not based on the user’s tracking history like other popular search engines. It provides completely anonymous and quality services. Every time you use the search engine, it refreshes. DuckDuckGo will also not store your search history.
The level of anonymity DuckDuckGo provides is far better than that of Google or Incognito browsers. Using Incognito browsers only removes the data from your local search history. It still allows sites to track your data activity. With DuckDuckGo, it will seem like the search was never made.
Although DuckDuckGo offers privacy, it can only protect you when you use the search engine. If you want to directly visit a site or use a different search engine, you won’t have the desired anonymity.
Additionally, DuckDuckGo does not track its users. DuckDuckGo claims to not know the exact number of its users because it doesn’t save the personal details of any user. The search engine also blocks Google trackers that are used in getting people’s data for ads. Your data will be encrypted and your privacy maintained.
Using DuckDuckGo is quite easy. You can either visit the site and use its search engine or download an extension on your Chrome or Firefox Browser. You can then make it your default search engine.
For iOS and Android devices, you can download the DuckDuckGo browser app and stay private while browsing.
What Is a VPN/How Does It Work?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that allows you to browse the web anonymously and safely.
Using a VPN on public or private networks helps improve your security and privacy. It protects your data by providing a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. All of your data will be encrypted, making it impossible for hackers to gain access to your information.
A VPN changes your IP address to one in a totally different location and tricks sites to believe you’re browsing from there. This way, you’ll eradicate the risk of DDoS attacks and other online threats. Your data will be untraceable and impossible to monitor.
Additionally, you can use a VPN to bypass government censorship and access geo-restricted sites in different countries. There are a few countries that have blocked DuckDuckGo. You can use a VPN to bypass such geo-blocks.
Whilst DuckDuckGo provides online privacy on its search engine; it won’t cover your entire device the way a VPN will. The best way to gain overall privacy is to use both DuckDuckGo and a VPN.
How To Use DuckDuckGo With a VPN
To use DuckDuckGo with a VPN simply follow these steps:
1. Download a reliable VPN
The first step is to download a reliable VPN service. There are hundreds of VPNs, but you need to ensure that your VPN has good security and privacy features. You can use the VPNs we recommend in this article.
2. Choose a Server
Your VPN will give you options of servers in different locations to help you change your IP address. Select anyone you want, and it will mask your actual IP address.
3. Visit DuckDuckGo
Finally, visit the DuckDuckGo search engine, and start browsing with maximum security and anonymity.
Best VPNs To Use
Here are some of the best VPNs you can use with DuckDuckGo to improve your privacy.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs to use with DuckDuckGo. It provides all-around privacy, has top-notch security features, and gives you fast server speed.
The VPN provider has over 3,000 servers spread in 90+ countries. You can easily connect to any of its servers to hide your IP address and browse completely anonymously. Additionally, you can use the servers to access geo-restricted sites or content on streaming platforms.
ExpressVPN also has essential security features. It secures your data with the AES 256 bit encryption model and adds key protocols like OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2. Moreover, it has a malware protector, kill switch, and uses the TrustedServer technology in providing maximum security.
The VPN provider also has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands; a country with no data retention laws. It follows all essential privacy policies and has a strict no-log policy to ensure your optimum privacy. By using ExpressVPN with DuckDuckGo, you can browse privately and enjoy good security.
ExpressVPN is affordable, but it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use the VPN service to stay private on the web and get a full refund on your subscription within the 30-day window.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 5342 in 58 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN is a VPN service provider that allows you to browse the internet securely, anonymously, and without censorship. It helps keep data secure, hides your IP address, and allows private web surfing.
With the VPN service, you can access more than 5,000 servers in 59+ countries, and browse anonymously. You can change your IP address and location at will and stay completely free from the risk of cyberattacks or online threats. It also has the QuickConnect feature that helps you automatically select the best server for you.
In terms of security, NordVPN offers great services. It uses the AES 256-bit encryption and has secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec to improve your security coverage. Features like a malware protector, kill-switch, double VPN, and others are also there to fortify your security.
Furthermore, with the combined privacy of a VPN and DuckDuckGo, you can access geo-restricted content or sites. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to access all its services, then get a refund within 30 days of use.
NordVPN has its headquarters in Panama- a country with favorable privacy laws. It follows all privacy laws and has a strict zero-log policy. When using your VPN, you will remain completely secure and private.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
CyberGhost
Features
- Connected devices at once: 7
- Automatic kill switch? Yes
- One click connect: Yes
- Servers: 5900 worldwide
Pros/Cons
- No logs policy
- 24/7 live chat
- Apps for mobile devices and routers
- No free option
CyberGhost is an easy-to-use and reliable VPN service. It comes fully featured with unlimited bandwidth and data, allowing you to surf the web anonymously without any limitations. Using the VPN service with DuckDuckGo will give you the complete privacy you need.
The VPN provider offers access to 6,800+ servers in 88 different countries. You can play online games, access geo-restricted content, surf the internet and remain secure and anonymous.
It has security features that ensure your data is untraceable and unseen to prying eyes. It uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and has protocols like IPSec, OpenVPN and others to secure your connection. Furthermore, it has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and other security features. Whether you’re using a public or private network, you can rest assured of your online security.
CyberGhost also has a strict zero-log policy. The company won’t save your data or share it with a third party. It has its headquarters in Romania, which has zero data retention laws. Your data is secure and anonymous when you use this VPN service with your DuckDuckGo.
The VPN provider also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee. You can use all its privacy and security features, then get a refund on your subscription within 45-days of use.
- Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
- Lowest price: €2
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
Another top VPN to use with DuckDuckGo for online privacy is SurfShark. It encrypts your internet traffic, protects your privacy and security while using public WiFi hotspots, and allows you to browse anonymously. It will help you hide your IP address and unblock all banned sites.
SurfShark offers one of the fastest server speeds and has over 3,200 servers in 65+ countries of the world. You can use these servers to hide your IP address and make it seem like you’re in another country. It will enhance your security and privacy.
The VPN service uses the AES 256-bit encryption model and has protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec, and others. It also has a kill switch, double VPN, and malware protector. Similar to ExpressVPN, Surfshark has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands and follows all its privacy laws. It also has a strict no-log policy, so your anonymity and privacy are guaranteed.
SurfShark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It allows you to change your IP address, access geo-restricted content, browse securely and privately, then get a refund on your subscription within 30 days. The software has an intuitive interface and is compatible with most devices.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
PrivateVPN
Features
- Killswitch Yes
- iOS App Yes
- Data logging No
Pros/Cons
- Servers in 63 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256
- App can seem complicated
PrivateVPN offers you the opportunity to surf the web via an encrypted, anonymized tunnel so that no one can see your online activity or see your true location. The VPN service has hundreds of servers in 60+ countries that you can use with DuckDuckGo to get optimum security and privacy.
PrivateVPN encrypts all internet traffic using the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption model. It also hides the user’s IP address, which is very convenient for those who want to avoid getting tracked. Furthermore, it uses protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 to secure your internet connection. It also has a kill-switch and DNS leak protection.
The VPN service provider also has a strict no-log policy and will neither store nor share your data. Your online activity will be completely anonymous and unseen to cyberattackers.
PrivateVPN allows you to use its service for free with its 7-day free trial offer. You can test out its features before subscribing. Additionally, the VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use the service for up to 30 days and get a refund on your subscription within this period.
- Pros: Servers in 63 countries; 30-day money-back guarantee; 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256;
- Lowest price: €2.04
Conclusion
DuckDuckGo is a private search engine that will protect your privacy. However, it still leaves you open to cyberattacks and can’t protect you when you click on a dangerous link. Using a VPN with your DuckDuckGo will give you the maximum anonymity and security you need.