DuckDuckGo Downloads Surge 30% as Users Move Away From Google AI Search

DuckDuckGo is experiencing a noticeable rise in downloads and user activity after Google introduced major AI-focused changes to its Search platform, as more users look for alternatives offering a simpler, less AI-driven experience.

During its annual Google I/O developer conference, Google announced a significant transformation of Search, shifting the platform toward a more conversational AI-based interface. The company expanded its AI Overviews feature, allowing users to receive direct AI-generated answers rather than only traditional search links, and introduced a more advanced AI Mode designed to support longer, interactive conversations and follow-up questions.

Google says the updates are intended to make Search more useful and personalised, but the reaction from many users has been mixed. Some critics argue that AI-generated search summaries could reduce website traffic, increase the risk of misinformation, and make basic searches more complicated than before.

Others feel that the traditional Google search experience is disappearing.

As concerns about AI-heavy search experiences grow, DuckDuckGo appears to be benefiting from users seeking more control over how they search online.

DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg criticised Google’s direction, saying the company was “force-feeding AI with no way to opt out.” He argued that many users are becoming frustrated with AI-generated results and are seeking platforms that allow them to decide how much AI they want integrated into their search experience.

According to DuckDuckGo, app installs in the United States increased by an average of 18.1% week over week between May 20 and May 25 compared with the previous week. The company said the increase continued for six consecutive days, with download growth peaking at 30.5% on May 25.

The growth was even stronger on Apple devices. DuckDuckGo reported that iOS installs rose by an average of 33% week over week, peaking at nearly 70%.

Traffic also jumped on DuckDuckGo’s dedicated AI-free search page, noai.duckduckgo.com, which turns off AI-generated answers and AI-created images by default. The company said visits to the page increased by an average of 22.7% week over week, with peak growth at 27.7%.

Independent analytics company Apptopia reported similar findings, estimating a 29% increase in average daily downloads in the U.S. and a 12% rise globally during the same time period.

Although DuckDuckGo positions itself as an alternative to AI-heavy search experiences, the company still offers optional AI features through its Duck.ai platform. The service gives users access to AI models from providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral, while placing a strong emphasis on privacy protections.

DuckDuckGo says that user IP addresses are removed before requests reach AI providers, that conversations are automatically deleted within 30 days, and that user data is not used to train AI systems.

The company also provides features such as Search Assist, which works similarly to AI-generated search summaries, and an AI image filter that removes AI-generated images from search results.

DuckDuckGo executives say the recent growth spike highlights an important trend in the AI era: users increasingly want flexibility, transparency, and control over how AI tools are integrated into their online experience.

Meanwhile, Google continues to defend its AI strategy. The company recently stated that AI Mode has already surpassed one billion monthly users and that AI-related search activity continues growing rapidly.

The debate reflects a broader divide emerging across the tech industry, where some companies are aggressively embedding AI into core products while others are positioning themselves as alternatives for users seeking more traditional digital experiences.