#Encryption #Privacy #BrowserSecurity
Free
Security, Privacy & Backup

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

Description

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials is a comprehensive browser extension designed to enhance user privacy by blocking hidden trackers, enforcing encrypted connections, and providing a privacy grade for websites as you browse.
The DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials browser extension integrates several privacy protections into one package. It automatically blocks third-party trackers it finds lurking on websites, preventing companies from collecting data about your online activities. The extension also forces websites to use an encrypted (HTTPS) connection whenever possible, safeguarding your data from potential eavesdroppers. Furthermore, it offers private search directly through DuckDuckGo, ensuring your search history isn't saved or tied to your identity. Each website visited receives a Privacy Grade from A to F, giving users immediate insight into the site's privacy practices.

Key Applications

  • Tracker Blocking: Automatically identifies and blocks third-party trackers across websites to prevent data collection.
  • Encryption Enforcement: Upgrades unencrypted website connections to encrypted (HTTPS) when available, enhancing data security.
  • Private Search: Enables anonymous searching directly from the browser, ensuring search queries are not stored or profiled.
  • Privacy Grade Display: Provides an on-the-fly privacy rating (A-F) for websites, informing users about their data protection practices.

Who It’s For

Individuals concerned about online privacy and data tracking, who desire an easy-to-use, integrated solution to browse and search the web more securely without compromising speed or convenience.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
✔️ Comprehensive privacy features in one extension (tracker blocking, encryption, private search). ✖️ May occasionally impact website functionality or layout due to aggressive tracker blocking.
✔️ Easy to install and use, with clear privacy grading for websites. ✖️ Less granular control compared to advanced privacy extensions for power users.
✔️ Actively blocks a wide range of hidden third-party trackers and enforces HTTPS. ✖️ Does not replace the need for other security measures like VPNs or strong passwords.
Pros Cons
Very beginner-friendly Limited backlink data compared to Ahrefs
Clean interface Less feature depth than Semrush
Helpful community and resources Can feel slower at scale

How It Compares

  • Versus Google Chrome's Incognito Mode: DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials offers persistent, active tracker blocking and encryption upgrades across all browsing, unlike Incognito mode which primarily prevents local history storage but doesn't block trackers or improve site security by default.
  • Versus uBlock Origin: While uBlock Origin is highly effective at blocking ads and trackers, DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials goes further by enforcing HTTPS encryption, providing a site-specific privacy grade, and integrating private search directly, offering a more holistic privacy suite.
  • Versus Brave Browser: Brave offers similar privacy protections built directly into the browser. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials serves as an extension for existing browsers, allowing users to retain their preferred browser while gaining similar privacy benefits.

Bullet Point Features

  • Tracker Radar (Tracker Blocking)
  • Smart Encryption (HTTPS Upgrade)
  • Privacy Grade Scoring (A-F)
  • Private Search (via DuckDuckGo)
  • Global Privacy Control (GPC)
  • Integration Cookie Pop-up Management

Disclosure

All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners. Use is for educational and informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement. Links are to third-party sites not affiliated with Barndoor AI. Please see our Terms & Conditions for additional information.

Reviews from Our Users

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
8.07.2021
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

"Overall, I like the core features, but the mobile UI still feels a bit clunky. Hope they fix this in future updates."

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
Tom W.
Marketing Manager
trustplilot-img
06/10/2025
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

"Their support team actually listens to feedback! I’ve seen new features added within weeks. That’s impressive.''

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
Alex Carter
Freelancer
03/09/2025
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

"Some advanced options take a bit of time to understand, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly powerful."

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
Ryan Blake
SaaS Consultant
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
12/08/2025
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

"I’ve tried several similar tools, but this one stands out for its clean interface and automation features. Totally worth the subscription."

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
Sarah Mitchell
GrowthWave Agency