I can’t pinpoint when I started using Google—it feels like it’s always been there. Google isn’t just a search engine; it’s the most popular one, controlling more than 90% of the market. It’s also a major player in internet traffic. But two years ago, I decided to switch things up and try Kagi, a search engine that costs $10 a month. Kagi promises a better search experience without ads, tracking, or clutter.
I’ve tested plenty of search engines in the past, but I always returned to Google—its results were simply better. This time, though, something clicked. Kagi feels refreshing and reliable. Instead of a chaotic visual experience, it offers straightforward pages filled with relevant links, making it easy to find what I’m looking for.
Kagi has been around for a while, but it really came into its own in the last three years. Developer Vladomir Prelovac created it to escape Google’s overwhelming ads and data tracking. He wanted to offer a cleaner search experience. Paying for search means prioritizing quality over clicks. As Prelovac puts it, “You pay for information, you get information.” So every search is treated with care, ensuring users find what they want quickly.
Using Kagi is reminiscent of how Google used to be. When you search, you get a simple page of links. It has features for images, videos, news, and even podcasts. Kagi’s search results are often spot-on, and its growing database pulls information from various sources like Google, Bing, and Wikipedia. This variety often leads to less clutter than what you typically get with Google, where SEO-optimized junk often dominates the results.
For example, looking for "best headphones for running" on Google introduces a barrage of ads and shopping links. In contrast, Kagi directly leads you to several buying guides, which is far more helpful when you’re browsing for options.
Despite its advantages, Kagi still has room for improvement. Its map feature isn’t as smooth as Google’s, which excels in local searches. Additionally, for those rare queries needing niche information, Google’s vast database can’t be beaten. However, for everyday searches, Kagi handles things well.
What’s impressive about Kagi is its customization. You can tweak settings to prioritize certain websites or even create specific lenses for your searches. This means you can tailor your experience. Want news just from sites you trust? Kagi lets you set that up easily.
Privacy is another strong point. Kagi doesn’t track your searches, making it a safer option compared to many free services that monetize user data. While some third-party features may collect data, the core search remains private.
Kagi also includes modern features like Quick Answers, which presents succinct AI-generated snippets for quick insights. The most advanced tier of Kagi even offers an AI assistant for deeper interactions. But for now, it’s the straightforward search experience that keeps me loyal.
Switching to Kagi is a straightforward process. You can easily set it as your default search engine through a browser extension. While paying for search might raise eyebrows, considering the current state of online search—overrun by ads, shopping links, and AI-driven answers—Kagi feels like a breath of fresh air.
More and more users are frustrated with traditional search engines, and many are seeking alternatives that resonate with their values. For example, a recent survey found that 67% of respondents expressed concerns about privacy when using popular search engines. Users are craving an internet experience where they have more control, and that’s what Kagi aims to provide.
In a world increasingly defined by algorithms and ads, Kagi puts the user first. I appreciate paying $10 a month for a search engine that aligns with my needs. It feels like a fair exchange—my money for a well-organized internet experience.
For more insights on user privacy and online experience, you can read about it on the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s website.
Check out this related article: EU Approves Apple’s Portless iPhone: What This Means for the Future of USB-C and Your Device
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