DuckDuckGo Expands Access to Its AI-Free Search Experience as User Traffic Surges

As traffic to its platform continues to increase, alternative search engine DuckDuckGo is further embracing demand for AI-free search experiences by introducing new browser extensions that let users set its no-AI search page, noai.duckduckgo.com, as their default search engine.

Once activated, the extensions direct users to DuckDuckGo’s AI-free search experience, which removes AI-generated answers, eliminates chat prompts, and reduces the number of AI-created images displayed in search results. According to the company, the extensions are currently available for users of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Users of the DuckDuckGo browser already retain their preferred AI settings, even when browser history is cleared.

DuckDuckGo says the goal of the new extensions is to provide a consistent AI-free search environment at a time when such options are becoming increasingly difficult to find. The move comes shortly after Google unveiled its AI-first transformation of Search during its developer conference in May.

Since that announcement, DuckDuckGo has reported a noticeable increase in user activity. The company said visits to its AI-free search page rose nearly 30% week over week, while installations of its mobile app in the United States climbed 18.1% during the same period. U.S. downloads of the iOS app grew 69.9% week over week.

Those gains followed Google’s announcement of the most significant redesign of its search engine in more than two decades. Under the new approach, AI-generated search overviews are increasingly placed at the forefront of results instead of traditional website links. These AI-powered responses are becoming more interactive, capable of generating charts, visualisations, and graphs, as well as lightweight applications. Users are also encouraged to continue conversations through Google’s AI Mode, while the familiar list of website links appears lower on the page.

Not all users have welcomed this shift toward AI-centric search, however. As a result, some have turned to alternative search platforms such as DuckDuckGo and Kagi, which continue to prioritise traditional search experiences.

DuckDuckGo said traffic to its no-AI search page reached a new record on May 28, 2026, climbing to three times its normal level following Google’s announcement. The company noted that growth has remained steady rather than occurring in isolated spikes. Visits are averaging around 84% above baseline levels, which it says suggests a more sustained change in user behaviour.

Alongside the newly released Chrome and Firefox extensions, DuckDuckGo plans to update its existing Privacy Essentials extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. Those updates will introduce additional controls that allow users to manage AI-related search settings directly through the extensions.

Despite promoting AI-free search, DuckDuckGo is not positioning itself as an anti-AI company. The firm continues to offer its own AI chatbot platform, which provides access to several popular AI models. It also sells a subscription service that includes access to newer models as well as additional features such as a VPN, identity theft restoration support, and personal information removal tools.

The latest rollout highlights DuckDuckGo’s effort to serve users seeking a more traditional search experience while continuing to expand its broader suite of privacy and AI-related products.