DuckDuckGo makes its 'no-AI' search engine easier to access as its traffic booms

As Google continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its search engine, alternative search engine DuckDuckGo is capitalizing on the trend with a new set of browser extensions. The extensions, currently available for Chrome and Firefox users, allow users to set DuckDuckGo's no-AI search experience, noai.duckduckgo.com, as their default search engine. Once enabled, users will be directed to DuckDuckGo's AI-free search page, where they won't find AI-assisted answers, chat prompts, or AI-generated images in the search results.

This move comes as DuckDuckGo's traffic continues to boom, with the company reporting a 30% week-over-week increase in visits to its no-AI search page and an 18.1% week-over-week increase in U.S. app installs. The surge in traffic follows Google's announcement of its AI-first revamp of its search engine at its developer conference earlier in May.

The revamp prioritizes AI-generated search overviews, interactive experiences, and chat capabilities over traditional search results. While some users are embracing the change, others are seeking out alternative search engines that prioritize a more traditional search experience. DuckDuckGo's growth is not limited to short-term spikes.

According to the company, visits to its no-AI search page have averaged roughly 84% above baseline, suggesting a sustained shift towards AI-free search. The company has also noted a threefold increase in traffic to its no-AI search page on Thursday, May 28, 2026, a new high-water mark since Google's search announcement. In addition to the new 'no AI' search Chrome and Firefox extensions, DuckDuckGo plans to update its original DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera to offer controls for AI search settings.

While DuckDuckGo isn't an anti-AI company – it still offers its own AI chatbot and subscription plan – it's clearly positioning itself as a champion of AI-free search. It's worth noting that DuckDuckGo isn't the only alternative search engine gaining traction. Other options, such as Kagi, are also attracting users who prefer a more traditional search experience.

As the search landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how DuckDuckGo and other alternative search engines adapt and grow.