Want a browser that blocks trackers and cookie pop-ups by default, without installing extensions? DuckDuckGo's free Windows browser builds in private search, tracker blocking and a one-click Fire button that wipes your browsing data.
How does DuckDuckGo limit tracking?
The browser blocks trackers and ads, and includes cookie-blocking features. It can also upgrade supported connections to HTTPS, encrypting traffic between the browser and a website when that site supports HTTPS.
It also answers cookie-consent pop-ups for you, choosing the most private option on many sites. Pages render with Microsoft's WebView2 engine, the same one behind Edge. DuckDuckGo Email Protection adds an email privacy option: it can remove known trackers from incoming messages and forward the cleaned messages to a personal inbox.
What does the Fire button clear?
The Fire button is a quick way to erase browsing data from the browser. Mark trusted sites as Fireproof to stay signed in to them when the rest is burned. The browser also offers privacy controls for adjusting some of its behavior.
- Bring over bookmarks and saved logins from Chrome, Edge or Firefox on first launch.
- Choose color settings, including a dark appearance.
- Open videos in Duck Player, which is intended for YouTube playback.
Can DuckDuckGo fit an everyday browsing routine?
After importing bookmarks and passwords, open a saved site or enter a search on DuckDuckGo's start screen. Tracker and cookie blocking run as part of the browser, while the Fire button provides a manual way to clear browsing data when needed.
Duck Player plays YouTube videos without personalized ads and without the viewing being added to your YouTube recommendations. Browser settings also let you adjust the appearance and selected behavior without changing how you search or open sites.
Pros
- Built-in search engine with tracker blocking
- Fire button clears browsing data on demand
- Duck Player provides an in-browser video option
- Can import bookmarks and passwords from other browsers
Cons
- Fewer extensions than Chrome or Firefox
- Some sites break when trackers are blocked
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11
Can DuckDuckGo import bookmarks from another browser?
Yes. Bookmarks and passwords can be imported from Chrome, Edge, Firefox and others.
What does the Fire button do?
It clears browsing data from DuckDuckGo.
What is Duck Player?
Duck Player is an in-browser player designed for watching YouTube videos.