Private Search Engines for Monero Users: Independent, Proxy and Self-Hosted
Short answer: The strongest private search options fall into three types — engines with their own independent index (Mojeek, Brave Search), proxies that strip tracking from Google or Bing results (Startpage), and self-hosted metasearch you run yourself (SearXNG, 4get). Which is "best" depends on whether you value result quality, no big-tech dependency, or full control.
Key points
- Independent index = not reselling Google/Bing; the rarest and most independent option.
- Proxy = Google-quality results without Google tracking you.
- Self-hosted metasearch = you own the front end; nothing sees the link between you and the query.
- Several of these accept crypto or are free and open-source; our directory lists them under search engines.
- A private search engine does not hide your IP — pair it with Tor or a VPN for that.
Which type fits your threat model?
| Type | Examples | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Independent index | Mojeek, Brave Search | Smaller index than Google |
| Paid, no-ads | Kagi | Subscription cost |
| Google proxy | Startpage | Still depends on Google upstream |
| Self-hosted metasearch | SearXNG, 4get, Librey | You maintain it (or trust an instance) |
The full list, including community instances of 4get and Librey, is in the search engines section.
Why independent-index engines matter
Most "privacy search engines" are front ends that resell Google or Bing results. Their privacy posture is only as durable as that upstream deal. An engine with its own crawler and index — Mojeek is the clearest example, with Brave Search running largely on its own index — can make and keep its own commitments because it does not depend on a surveillance-advertising company for results.
Self-hosted metasearch: the strongest posture
SearXNG aggregates results from many engines while sitting between you and all of them. Run your own instance and no upstream engine, and no operator, sees the link between you and your searches. Use someone else's public instance and you trade that for trusting the instance operator. The same applies to 4get and Librey instances — convenient, but you are trusting whoever runs them.
The IP caveat
Switching search engines removes one tracker; it does not hide where you are. The search operator (or the instance you use) still sees your IP unless you route through Tor or a VPN. For a Monero user this is the obvious pairing — see VPNs and our VPNs that accept Monero guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most private search engine?
A self-hosted SearXNG instance is the strongest posture, because nothing sees the link between you and your query. Among hosted options, an independent-index engine like Mojeek avoids depending on Google or Bing.
Is Brave Search really independent?
It runs largely on its own index rather than reselling Bing or Google, which is the property that makes an independent-index engine meaningful. Coverage on long-tail queries is smaller than Google's.
Does a private search engine hide my IP address?
No. It stops the search engine from profiling your queries, but your IP is still visible unless you use Tor or a VPN.
What is 4get?
4get is an open-source, self-hostable metasearch front end. Public instances exist, but using one means trusting that instance's operator; self-hosting removes that trust.
Can I pay for private search with Monero?
Some paid options accept crypto; many private search tools are free or open-source. Check each listing in the search engines category.
Last updated August 2026. Instance availability changes; verify a community instance before relying on it.