Switching to DuckDuckGo felt right for privacy—no tracking, no targeted ads—just pure, private browsing. However, Google’s convenience is still unmatched, and these are some features I miss the most.
6Smarter Search Suggestions
DuckDuckGo has auto-suggest, sure, but Google’s suggestions are in a league of their own. It understands the context and often finishes my thoughts before I do. Whether it’s a weird error code, a half-remembered quote, or something as vague as “that movie with the guy who does the thing,” Google nails it almost every single time.
With DuckDuckGo, though, it feels more like a guessing game. I find myself typing out longer queries, tweaking my words, and sometimes just giving up. It takes more work, and when the search gets tricky, I usually throw in the towel and crawl back to Google.
5More Accurate Local Results
Google knows exactly where I am, even down to my neighborhood. Sure, it’s a bit creepy for privacy, but I can’t deny how convenient it is. If I search for “coffee shop,” Google doesn’t even need my location. DuckDuckGo, however, either prompts me to share my location or displays results that aren’t always relevant.
I really miss that instant access to local stuff—maps, reviews, store hours—all right there on the search page. With DuckDuckGo, I have to click on a link and hope it has the info I need. Most of the time, I end up opening Google Maps anyway. It’s the ultimate tug of war: privacy vs. convenience. Sometimes, convenience is not easy to give up.
4Rich Snippets and Gemini AI Overviews
Google doesn’t just provide links—it gives answers. With “featured snippets,” you get quick, direct responses without clicking on a website. For example, searching for “Prime Minister of the United Kingdom” instantly shows “Keir Starmer.”
DuckDuckGo offers nothing like this. It only links to relevant websites, so I have to sift through the top results to find what I want.
And now, with Google’s AI Overviews, you get concise, AI-generated summaries that pull information from multiple sources and present a clear, concise answer quickly. DuckDuckGo, while great for privacy, still can’t compete with that level of contextual convenience.
3Instant Tools and Operators (Calculators, Converters, and More)
This was a feature I didn’t even realize I used so often until it was missing. With Google, searching isn’t just about finding things; it’s also a calculator, currency converter, weather forecaster, and even a unit converter tool, all in one. It’s so convenient to type in a quick question or calculation and get an instant answer—no extra clicks.
For example, I’d type “456.25 divided by 3” to split a bill, and Google would show the result instantly. Similarly, “500 United States Dollars” displays the current exchange rate, “weather in Shimla tomorrow” tells me whether to pack an umbrella, and “1 cup in ml” converts measurements while cooking.
These instant answers became part of my routine. After switching to DuckDuckGo, I realized how much I had taken them for granted.
2Real-Time Sports, Finance, and Weather Widgets
I love checking the sports scores, especially during the cricket and football seasons. I could search for “India vs England” or “Real Madrid” on Google, and a live scorecard would pop up.
DuckDuckGo, though, doesn’t have these live widgets. It’s the same with stock prices or the weather. There is no instant chart or 7-day forecast unless I search specifically for it.
On Google, typing “Tata Motors stock” instantly shows live charts, price changes, market cap, and even news.
With DuckDuckGo, I click through multiple websites to find the same info. It’s not a big deal at first, but those extra clicks add up when you do it ten times a day.
Google understands the intent behind my request. Typing “Liverpool” shows a match schedule, not a city history lesson. Search for “Bitcoin,” and there’s a price graph before I’m done typing. DuckDuckGo treats every search like starting from scratch. It might be good for privacy, but sometimes it feels like reinventing the wheel.
1Deep Integration with Other Google Services
And then there’s the seamless integration. Sure, Google builds a data-rich ecosystem around you, but you can’t deny how convenient it is when everything just works together. Open up Google Drive, and your documents, sheets, and slides will be right there. Search for a restaurant, and Google Maps pops up with directions and reviews. Need to schedule a meeting? Justask Google Assistant to doit for you.
All these services work together to make productivity a breeze. With DuckDuckGo, you’re just left with a search engine and not much else beyond basic web browsing.
Despite the things I missed, I’m sticking with DuckDuckGo. Maybe it’s not perfect, butDuckDuckGo’s privacy focus fits better with my values. I’ve grown to love the clean interface, no targeted ads, and the peace of mind of not being tracked. That said, I’d be lying if I never typed “google.com” out of habit.
Google’s like that ex who was amazing at solving problems but too involved in everything. DuckDuckGo feels like a healthy relationship—respectful, secure, and private. It’s not as magical, and I miss the sparkle sometimes, but I’m okay with the trade-off.
