Still Googling Everything? Here Are 20 Search Engines to Try

For years, Google has been the go-to search engine for just about everything. Need a recipe? Google it. Looking for a local business? Google it. 

But lately, more people have started looking beyond Google and exploring alternative search engines. Why? Because AI answers, privacy concerns, niche discovery, visual search, and Google AI Overviews optimisation are all changing how people find information online. 

That makes this the right time to look at 20 search engines to try and find better ways to search beyond the usual.

What’s Inside:

• Why Alternative Search Engines Matter for Businesses?
• The 20 Search Engines Worth Trying
• How to Optimise Your Brand for the New Search Landscape?
• Get Found Across Every Search with Us

Why Alternative Search Engines Matter for Businesses?

While Google remains dominant, its share of the Australian search market has declined. As of May 2026, Google accounted for approximately 88% of search engine usage in Australia, while Bing's share had grown to more than 9%, reflecting the impact of AI-powered search experiences integrated into Microsoft's ecosystem. 

Search Is Becoming More Diverse

Consumers no longer rely on a single search engine. A customer researching a product or service may ask an AI assistant for recommendations, check online discussions, compare options through an AI search platform, and then use Google before making a purchase decision.

This multi-platform behaviour means you can no longer depend solely on traditional SEO strategies focused on Google rankings.

AI Search Is Reshaping Discovery

AI-powered search experiences are changing how people access information. Instead of browsing multiple websites, users increasingly receive summaries, recommendations, and answers directly within search interfaces.

As search engines become answer engines, visibility is no longer determined solely by rankings. Brands with clear, authoritative, and well-structured content are more likely to be referenced, cited, or surfaced in AI-generated responses.

Visibility Now Extends Beyond Search Rankings

Modern search visibility extends beyond Google. You need to be discoverable across AI assistants, alternative search engines, industry directories, forums, review platforms, and other sources that influence search and AI-generated answers.

The 20 Search Engines Worth Trying

If you're looking to broaden your search habits, here are some of the most popular and innovative search engines to try today:

AI Search Engines

1. Perplexity

Best for: Research-backed answers with source citations.

Perplexity acts like an AI-powered research assistant. Instead of presenting pages of links, it generates concise answers and shows where the information comes from.

Why users like it:

• Source-backed responses
• Fast summaries of complex topics
• Easy follow-up questions

Its citation-based approach is a great example of why AI citation optimisation matters for modern businesses.

2. ChatGPT Search

Best for: Conversational searching.

ChatGPT Search allows users to ask questions naturally, making search feel more like a discussion than a query.

Key benefits:

• Natural language interactions
• Detailed explanations
• Useful for comparisons and recommendations

As AI-generated answers become more common, businesses need strong Google AI Overviews optimisation and Generative Engine Optimisation strategies to remain visible.

3. You.com

Best for: Personalised AI search experiences.

You.com combines traditional search results with AI-generated insights, productivity tools, and customisable search options.

Why try it:

• AI-enhanced results
• Flexible user experience
• Productivity-focused features

4. Andi

Best for: Simple, distraction-free searching.

Andi removes much of the clutter associated with traditional search engines and presents information in a chat-style format.

Why try it:

• Easy-to-read responses
• Minimal advertising
• Conversational interface

Privacy-Focused Search Engines

5. DuckDuckGo

Best for: Anonymous searching.

DuckDuckGo has built its reputation around protecting user privacy.

Key features:

• No search tracking
• No personalised search profiles
• Clean interface

6. Startpage

Best for: Private access to Google-style results.

Startpage delivers familiar search quality while helping users avoid tracking.

Why users choose it:

• Strong privacy controls
• Anonymous browsing
• Familiar search experience

7. Swisscows

Best for: Family-friendly searching.

Swisscows focuses on security, privacy, and safe search results.

Benefits include:

• No user profiling
• Family-safe content filtering
• Privacy-first design

8. Qwant

Best for: European privacy standards.

Qwant provides independent search results without collecting extensive user data.

Why try it:

• Privacy-focused platform
• No behavioural targeting
• Independent approach to search

Independent Search Engines

9. Brave Search

Best for: Independent web indexing.

Unlike many search engines that rely on larger providers, Brave Search has developed its own search index.

Advantages:

• Independent search infrastructure
• Strong privacy focus
• Alternative search perspectives

10. Mojeek

Best for: Unfiltered search discovery.

Mojeek operates its own crawler and index, offering a truly independent search experience.

Why users explore it:

• Unique search results
• Independent ranking systems
• Privacy-friendly approach

11. Gigablast

Best for: Open-source search.

Gigablast offers transparency through its open-source search technology.

Benefits:

• Open-source framework
• Independent indexing
• Alternative search ecosystem

12. Yep

Best for: Supporting content creators.

Developed by Ahrefs, Yep aims to create a fairer search environment for publishers.

Why it stands out:

• Publisher-focused model
• Independent technology
• Modern search experience
• Visual Search Engines

13. Bing Visual Search

Best for: Searching with images.

Instead of typing keywords, users can upload an image to find visually similar content.

Popular uses:

• Product discovery
• Fashion inspiration
• Visual identification

14. Pinterest

Best for: Inspiration and discovery.

Pinterest functions more like a visual search engine than a social network.

Why people use it:

• Design inspiration
• Lifestyle content discovery
• Visual planning and research

Knowledge and Research Search Engines

15. WolframAlpha

Best for: Facts, calculations, and data.

WolframAlpha generates answers from structured datasets rather than indexing web pages.

Ideal for:

• Mathematics
• Data analysis
• Scientific research

16. Internet Archive

Best for: Historical web research.

The Internet Archive allows users to explore previous versions of websites and access archived content.

Useful for:

• Historical research
• Website comparisons
• Digital preservation

17. Openverse

Best for: Finding free-to-use media.

Openverse helps users locate openly licensed images and creative assets.

Great for:

• Marketers
• Designers
• Content creators

Traditional Alternatives to Google

18. Bing

Best for: AI-enhanced traditional search.

Microsoft has invested heavily in AI-powered search experiences, making Bing one of the strongest alternatives available.

Why consider it:

• AI-powered features
• Strong image search capabilities
• Integrated Microsoft ecosystem

Many of the principles behind Google AI Overviews optimisation also apply to AI-enhanced search experiences like Bing.

19. Yahoo

Best for: Familiar searching.

Yahoo remains a recognisable search platform with integrated news, email, and content services.

Benefits include:

• Familiar interface
• News-focused experience
• Long-standing search presence

20. Ecosia

Best for: Environmentally conscious searching.

Ecosia uses advertising revenue generated through searches to fund tree-planting projects worldwide.

Why users love it:

• Sustainability focus
• Transparent impact reporting
• Everyday searching with a purpose

How to Optimise Your Brand for the New Search Landscape?

To remain discoverable across modern search engines to try, AI assistants, and emerging search platforms, your optimisation efforts should focus on several key areas.

Google AI Overviews Optimisation

Google AI Overviews generate AI-powered summaries at the top of selected search results. Instead of showing only blue links, Google provides direct answers compiled from multiple sources.

Best practices for Google AI Overviews optimisation:

• Create content that directly answers user questions.
• Use clear headings and subheadings.
• Include concise definitions and explanations.
• Add FAQ sections to important pages.
• Support claims with trustworthy sources and data.
• Structure content for easy extraction by AI systems.

Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO)

Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) focuses on helping your content appear as a direct answer in search engines, AI assistants, voice search, and featured snippets.

As users increasingly ask questions instead of typing keywords, AEO helps ensure your content is selected as the most relevant response.

Best practices for AEO:

• Target question-based keywords and search queries.
• Provide clear, concise answers near the top of your content.
• Create dedicated FAQ sections.
• Use structured data and schema markup.
• Format content with lists, tables, and step-by-step instructions.
• Optimise for voice search and conversational queries.

AI Citation Optimisation

AI citation optimisation focuses on increasing the likelihood that AI platforms reference your content when generating answers.

How to improve AI citation optimisation:

• Publish original research and unique insights.
• Demonstrate expertise in your industry.
• Create comprehensive topic clusters.
• Maintain factual accuracy.
• Use clear and consistent brand mentions.
• Earn citations and backlinks from reputable websites.

Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)

Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is the practice of optimising content specifically for AI-driven search platforms and generative search experiences.

Rather than focusing solely on rankings, Generative Engine Optimisation aims to increase visibility within AI-generated answers.

Key GEO strategies:

• Answer questions directly and clearly.
• Build topical authority.
• Cover topics comprehensively.
• Use structured content formats.
• Include expert commentary and insights.
• Keep information current and regularly updated.

Get Found Across Every Search with Us

Google isn’t going anywhere, but AI-powered search engines, answer boxes, and generative results are transforming how people discover businesses, information, and solutions.  Elephant in the Boardroom is a trusted GEO agency Australia, helping brands strengthen their visibility across both traditional and AI-driven search.

As an AI digital agency, we develop integrated strategies that go beyond conventional SEO. Our approach improves organic performance, increases the likelihood of your brand being referenced by AI platforms, and prepares your digital presence for the evolving world of AEO and Generative Engine Optimisation.

From appearing in Google search results to earning citations from AI assistants, we help position your business to be found, trusted, and chosen. Ready to take control of your visibility? Let’s talk.