DuckDuckGo VPN (short for Virtual Private Network) is a service that gives you an extra layer of protection online by encrypting your Internet connection across your entire device and hiding your location and IP address from the sites you visit. It’s built for speed and simplicity.
How can I use the VPN?
DuckDuckGo VPN is included in the DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro subscription. To subscribe to Privacy Pro and use our VPN, first download the DuckDuckGo Browser on mobile or desktop and subscribe to Privacy Pro in the browser’s settings. Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll be able to install and manage the VPN from the settings menu in the browser.
How does the VPN work?
Enabling the DuckDuckGo VPN establishes a secure, encrypted connection (VPN tunnel) between your device and one of our VPN servers. For all your device’s network traffic that passes through this tunnel, the VPN prevents others, such as your Internet service provider, from seeing this activity. It also prevents your Internet destinations, like websites, from seeing your device’s IP address.
Is all network traffic protected or only web browsing?
The VPN protects Internet connections across your full device, not just your web browsing activity. If the VPN experiences an interruption, all internet traffic will automatically be blocked until the VPN either reconnects or you turn off the VPN.
Why use DuckDuckGo VPN over others?
Unlike many other VPNs, our VPN is private with a strict no-logging policy. It is also easy to use; there’s no need to install a separate app and, using the DuckDuckGo browser, you can connect in just one click. Our VPN offers full device coverage on up to 5 devices at once and is fast and reliable, with servers across the US, Canada, and Europe.
DuckDuckGo VPN is also the only VPN that works with DuckDuckGo App Tracking Protection on Android devices.
Are there countries where I can’t use the DuckDuckGo VPN?
Privacy Pro is currently only available to U.S. residents. If you’re a Privacy Pro subscriber traveling outside of the United States, you can use the VPN anywhere it is legal to do so.
Learn More
I have a question not covered here, how can I get help?
Please contact support at privacypro@duckduckgo.com. If you have ideas on how to improve Privacy Pro, please share it using the Share Feedback button in the DuckDuckGo browser.
Prior versions on GitHub.
FAQs
DuckDuckGo VPN (short for Virtual Private Network) is a service that gives you an extra layer of protection online by encrypting your Internet connection across your entire device and hiding your location and IP address from the sites you visit. It's built for speed and simplicity.
Is DuckDuckGo VPN safe to use? ›
Pairing a VPN with DuckDuckGo doesn't just make your searches private — your online activity is also shielded from potential snoops, hackers, and even your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Moreover, every site you click on while browsing with DuckDuckGo will view you as a unique user with a VPN.
Can I be tracked if I use DuckDuckGo? ›
Our private search engine doesn't track you. That means unlike Google Search, we don't save or share your search history, such that we have no way tie your searches or website visits to you personally and we don't keep profiles of our users.
What is the main reason people use DuckDuckGo? ›
The primary reason people start using DuckDuckGo is because they want the privacy that they can't get from other search engines, browsers, and email services.
Is DuckDuckGo part of the dark web? ›
DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo is a well-known search engine that prioritizes user privacy, making it a popular choice for dark web browsing. It doesn't track your online activity or personal data, offering a secure, private experience.
What VPN to avoid? ›
Which VPNs Should You Avoid?
- Hola. Back in 2015, Hola was found to do something that no other VPN service does: turn the PCs of its users into "exit nodes," allowing other Hola users to route their traffic through said nodes. ...
- HotSpot Shield. ...
- HideMyAss. ...
- 4. Facebook Onavo VPN. ...
- Opera Free VPN. ...
- PureVPN. ...
- VPNSecure. ...
- Zenmate.
Yes, DuckDuckGo is safe to use. Known for its commitment to not tracking users, it offers greater user privacy than widely used search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. In fact, we frequently name it as the best search engine for privacy.
Why is my husband using DuckDuckGo? ›
DuckDuckGo prioritizes user privacy, therefore it's a popular alternative to data-tracking search giants. Your searches are anonymous because it doesn't track IP addresses, use cookies, or create profiles.
Can people see what you do on DuckDuckGo? ›
Our free desktop and mobile browsers, extensions, and private search engine help protect you from Google, Facebook, Twitter and other tracker networks, no matter where you go on the Internet. DuckDuckGo search is completely anonymous, in line with our strict privacy policy.
Can hackers see DuckDuckGo? ›
It doesn't collect information about you the way Google does, so there's no information for hackers to get their hands on. As an added bonus, DuckDuckGo doesn't associate your searches with your IP address or maintain your search history. Your searches are private and anonymous.
DuckDuckGo is an American software company that offers a number of products intended to help people protect their online privacy.
Does DuckDuckGo hide your IP address? ›
Though DuckDuckGo takes precautions not to reveal your IP address to third parties online, it cannot disguise it from your ISP.
What is the safest free VPN app? ›
The Best Free VPNs of 2024
- NordVPN - Best Full-Featured VPN with Free Offers.
- Surfshark - Best VPN Free Trial.
- Hotspot Shield - Fastest Free VPN.
- PrivadoVPN - Best Free VPN for Unlimited Devices.
- Atlas VPN - Best Free VPN for Privacy.
- TunnelBear - Best Server Network.
Best browser with built-in VPN
- Aloha Browser: Provides device-wide protection and access to servers in 80+ countries. ...
- Opera free VPN: Stalwart provider with fast connection speeds. ...
- Epic Privacy Browser: Open-source browser protection with a VPN. ...
- Microsoft Edge Secure Network: Free VPN built-in to the Edge browser.
Using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) can be a safe way to browse the internet. VPN security can protect from IP and encrypt internet history and is increasingly being used to prevent snooping on by government agencies. However, VPNs won't be able to keep you safe in all scenarios.
