I’ve ditched all the mainstream browsers and related apps, and even switched email providers after running into advanced device fingerprinting and network-level behavior tracking. It’s been… less than pleasant. Everything you mentioned lines up exactly with my experience.
Some people won’t realize the need for this kind of awareness until it’s too late.
I tried DDG for a few months but I didn't think it's browser results were nearly as good as Google's. Was using it for scientific papers and regular stuff, like news, shopping, libraries.
FYI I don't think Google's are as good they used to be. I ignore the AI responses for the most part; they have not infrequent errors. And the other responses feel algorithmic and possibly incomplete.
You explain things very well to us newbies. Thanks!
Hey thanks for engaging. If you are doing research and looking at news I'd suggest checking out Perplexity. It's great specifically for those two things, maybe not so much the other ones you mentioned.
Thank you SO MUCH for posting for free subscribers!
Question: when using Brave app on mobile device, need one quit using Apps downloaded directly to the phone and access that app from WITHIN the Brave Browser app?
You're welcome! and great question. No you don't need to quit using the apps you downloaded. Brave browser is best used for your everyday browsing if you want ads, trackers and fingerprinting blocked. I would definitely question which apps you are using and their level of privacy in general though. Hope that helps.
It’s important for people to know that there is a difference between a search engine service and a web browser app. Most if not all web browsers allow you to select which search engine you want to use by default. When I think of DDG I think of that brand as a search engine consolidator rather than a browser, based on how I was originally introduced to the brand. It is possible (and many people do) use the Brave web browser configured with the DDG search engine as its default search.
Yes you are correct this post is specifically about the web browser but I also do not recommend using DDG search engine over Brave search or Startpage search anyway due to its connection with Bing. I’ve talked about this in many of my other posts
Not really relevant but finally ditched my last Windows computer today (which would be great if everyone could). I haven’t used DDG in a long time. I really like the Vivaldi browser with the ProtonVPN. And Brave certainly outperforms Firefox for privacy, even with UBlock on Firefox. Using Brave is a pretty low bar effort-wise, so I can’t imagine a reason not to switch.
I bounce back and forth between brave and Vivaldi. I run protonvpn locally on the computer anyway so the built in version on Vivaldi isn’t a selling point but definitely a great feature
I recently looked at Firefox vs Brave for fingerprinting protection and brave was way better, even with a hardened firefox. I was initially skeptical about Brave but it seems to do what it claims.
So I advise people to be cautious with Norton they have been found to be selling data in recent years. The product itself if good, more of a business practice concern.
I will comment on my experience with DDG Privacy Pro. I have been a DDG user for a few years and liked their product and liked not using Google. I’m pretty much exactly the person you described, baby steps into the privacy world! 😄 I subscribed to Privacy Pro at the beginning of the year because I was interested in the bundled services and wanted a VPN. I unsubscribed a few weeks ago. Here’s my take: I really liked the VPN, it was fast and easy to use. I also liked the data broker removal service, another thing that was on my list of things to do. However, after a while it seemed to stall out. Week after week the majority of removal listings were “in progress”. I know it can take a while but I thought companies had like 45 days (and now it’s been months). I didn’t see the benefit in keeping it if the majority of brokers they automated removal from (60 some) weren’t responding, and so many major brokers weren’t even on their list (such as White Pages). It was like you said a false sense of security. So I got impatient and decided to do Optery and unsubscribed.
In summary I don’t regret my decision to do DDG Privacy Pro but now that I’ve done it and know there are better options I don’t regret leaving. Thanks for the great post, I had been wondering what your thoughts were on DDG. I admit that Brave took some getting used to. I still go back and forth between Brave and DDG. Baby steps!
So, what are your alternatives that you mentioned you would suggest if we commented? Because I am in the market for a new VPN.
I’ve been using DDG for a few years now but after reading this article I’ve decided I’d like to be more secure. I’ll be following some of your suggestions. Thank you.
Hi Jason, regarding the VPN comment, I’m curious what your recommendation would be. I have subscribed to tunnel bear for a few years but it’s getting expensive and I find that I often forget about it (and consequently don’t have it turned on) as it operates independently from the browser, other than being built in , such as the paid DDG protection , which actually sounds appealing . Thoughts?
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been using DDG for several years now and have been very happy with it but now that I know there are even better options, I will look into Brave.
I recently tried DDG’s Privacy Pro—I liked that data broker removals were included with a VPN service. It looks to me like the data broker service is an ongoing process: they scan the web, reach out to brokers to remove your info, and every few days repeat the process. At first I wondered why it was taking so long but it has dawned on me that just because your data has been removed today, doesn’t mean it won’t be exposed again. So having an automated and ongoing search seems helpful.
That said, I have just committed to a one-year subscription to Proton so although I will need to find other ways to deal with data brokers, I no longer need DDG’s VPN and will stop using their Privacy Pro.
Fascinating! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
Note that enabling App tracking protection is not compatible if you're already using a VPN. Also the other android settings are different than mentioned in this article. E.g. "data clearing" - "fireproof sites".
Thanks for the DDG review. I default to Brave but sometimes use DDG when on my mobile.
Thanks for sharing this—it really resonates.
I’ve ditched all the mainstream browsers and related apps, and even switched email providers after running into advanced device fingerprinting and network-level behavior tracking. It’s been… less than pleasant. Everything you mentioned lines up exactly with my experience.
Some people won’t realize the need for this kind of awareness until it’s too late.
Seriously—great work.
Thank you 🙏🏼
I tried DDG for a few months but I didn't think it's browser results were nearly as good as Google's. Was using it for scientific papers and regular stuff, like news, shopping, libraries.
FYI I don't think Google's are as good they used to be. I ignore the AI responses for the most part; they have not infrequent errors. And the other responses feel algorithmic and possibly incomplete.
You explain things very well to us newbies. Thanks!
Hey thanks for engaging. If you are doing research and looking at news I'd suggest checking out Perplexity. It's great specifically for those two things, maybe not so much the other ones you mentioned.
I agree. I've been using DDG for a few years but regularly have to revert to Google search because DDG's offers aren't helpful.
Thank you SO MUCH for posting for free subscribers!
Question: when using Brave app on mobile device, need one quit using Apps downloaded directly to the phone and access that app from WITHIN the Brave Browser app?
You're welcome! and great question. No you don't need to quit using the apps you downloaded. Brave browser is best used for your everyday browsing if you want ads, trackers and fingerprinting blocked. I would definitely question which apps you are using and their level of privacy in general though. Hope that helps.
Thank you...
Basically Mail and YTube...
Do one's best to remember mobile device is a tool, not a babysitter or best friend!
Hi there. Interested in the higher quality VPN, data removal and ID protection service you mentioned. Thanks!
Hey Dawn here is a link to the service I use and recommend.
https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011l4YrMy/creativeref:1101l155429
It’s important for people to know that there is a difference between a search engine service and a web browser app. Most if not all web browsers allow you to select which search engine you want to use by default. When I think of DDG I think of that brand as a search engine consolidator rather than a browser, based on how I was originally introduced to the brand. It is possible (and many people do) use the Brave web browser configured with the DDG search engine as its default search.
Yes you are correct this post is specifically about the web browser but I also do not recommend using DDG search engine over Brave search or Startpage search anyway due to its connection with Bing. I’ve talked about this in many of my other posts
Not really relevant but finally ditched my last Windows computer today (which would be great if everyone could). I haven’t used DDG in a long time. I really like the Vivaldi browser with the ProtonVPN. And Brave certainly outperforms Firefox for privacy, even with UBlock on Firefox. Using Brave is a pretty low bar effort-wise, so I can’t imagine a reason not to switch.
I bounce back and forth between brave and Vivaldi. I run protonvpn locally on the computer anyway so the built in version on Vivaldi isn’t a selling point but definitely a great feature
I’m still using Firefox. What am I doing wrong?
It’s my go to
Nothing wrong with Firefox but I suggest using an extension called Ublockorigin
Appreciate your input.
I recently looked at Firefox vs Brave for fingerprinting protection and brave was way better, even with a hardened firefox. I was initially skeptical about Brave but it seems to do what it claims.
Thanks for the information. How do you feel about Norton apps? Full protection features for android and windows.
So I advise people to be cautious with Norton they have been found to be selling data in recent years. The product itself if good, more of a business practice concern.
I will comment on my experience with DDG Privacy Pro. I have been a DDG user for a few years and liked their product and liked not using Google. I’m pretty much exactly the person you described, baby steps into the privacy world! 😄 I subscribed to Privacy Pro at the beginning of the year because I was interested in the bundled services and wanted a VPN. I unsubscribed a few weeks ago. Here’s my take: I really liked the VPN, it was fast and easy to use. I also liked the data broker removal service, another thing that was on my list of things to do. However, after a while it seemed to stall out. Week after week the majority of removal listings were “in progress”. I know it can take a while but I thought companies had like 45 days (and now it’s been months). I didn’t see the benefit in keeping it if the majority of brokers they automated removal from (60 some) weren’t responding, and so many major brokers weren’t even on their list (such as White Pages). It was like you said a false sense of security. So I got impatient and decided to do Optery and unsubscribed.
In summary I don’t regret my decision to do DDG Privacy Pro but now that I’ve done it and know there are better options I don’t regret leaving. Thanks for the great post, I had been wondering what your thoughts were on DDG. I admit that Brave took some getting used to. I still go back and forth between Brave and DDG. Baby steps!
So, what are your alternatives that you mentioned you would suggest if we commented? Because I am in the market for a new VPN.
Thank you so much for this and glad what I wrote reflects real life experience for you.
As far as vpn the one I trust and recommend is ProtonVPN
Check it out here: https://go.getproton.me/SH1QN
I’d also say you consider my free 5-day email mini-course I think you’d find massive value in it as someone starting their privacy journey!
Thanks for engaging and supporting what I’m building here!
Will do! Thank you, Jason! Your writing is incredible helpful and actionable!
Thank you so much. I love getting feedback like this!
May I opt in to ur free 5 day email mini course Jason, I would appreciate that.
I’ve been using DDG for a few years now but after reading this article I’ve decided I’d like to be more secure. I’ll be following some of your suggestions. Thank you.
Hi Jason, regarding the VPN comment, I’m curious what your recommendation would be. I have subscribed to tunnel bear for a few years but it’s getting expensive and I find that I often forget about it (and consequently don’t have it turned on) as it operates independently from the browser, other than being built in , such as the paid DDG protection , which actually sounds appealing . Thoughts?
The one I trust and recommend is ProtonVPN
Check it out here: https://go.getproton.me/SH1QN
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been using DDG for several years now and have been very happy with it but now that I know there are even better options, I will look into Brave.
I recently tried DDG’s Privacy Pro—I liked that data broker removals were included with a VPN service. It looks to me like the data broker service is an ongoing process: they scan the web, reach out to brokers to remove your info, and every few days repeat the process. At first I wondered why it was taking so long but it has dawned on me that just because your data has been removed today, doesn’t mean it won’t be exposed again. So having an automated and ongoing search seems helpful.
That said, I have just committed to a one-year subscription to Proton so although I will need to find other ways to deal with data brokers, I no longer need DDG’s VPN and will stop using their Privacy Pro.
Baby steps!
Hi! New to your posts. So, what is your go to browser? Tor is great on desktop but not so for ios. Thanks!
I bounce back and forth between Brave and Vivaldi
I was wondering about DuckDuck
Great write-up
Fascinating! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
Note that enabling App tracking protection is not compatible if you're already using a VPN. Also the other android settings are different than mentioned in this article. E.g. "data clearing" - "fireproof sites".
Thanks for the DDG review. I default to Brave but sometimes use DDG when on my mobile.