DuckDuckGo is probably the most cited name when talking about a Google competitor with privacy features. The company decided to go further and create its own browser, with tracking blocker and ad-free YouTube player.
The first beta of the browser for Windows was released on Thursday (22). On the Mac, testing began in 2022, and the program became available to everyone in October of that year, still in beta.
Peter Dolanjski, chief product officer of DuckDuckGo, explains that the Windows version took longer to release because the ecosystem is more complex. “It has a lot of hardware and software variations, as well as screen resolutions and touchscreens,” he says.
Ad-free YouTube and cookie blocker
Among the browser features of DuckDuckGo, one that catches the eye is Duck Player. With it, you can watch videos on Google’s platform without ads, automatic recommendations or tracking.
In addition, the browser has other differentials focused on privacy:
Tracking blocking: All third-party trackers that are on DuckDuckGo’s restricted list are blocked, plus extra protection against tracking the websites themselves accessed.
Smarter Encryption: Automatic redirection to the HTTPS version of a website whenever it is available.
Cookie pop-up management: Do you know those websites that ask if you accept cookies but hide the option to reject? The DuckDuckGo browser takes care of dealing with them, putting the alternative to refuse as the default.
Fire button: Erases all browsing history and saved session information with a single click.
Email protection: removes hidden trackers in incoming emails and allows you to create anonymous addresses to forward messages.
DuckDuckGo has mobile app and extension
In addition to the browsers in beta for Windows and Mac, DuckDuckGo has apps for Android and iOS that include several of these features.
And if you want more privacy but aren’t willing to switch browsers, the company offers extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari. They bring tracking blocking, Smarter Encryption, and email protections to the most popular browsers.
