- It allows you to aggregate results from more than 70 search engines without tracking user activity or creating personal profiles.
- It offers the possibility of self-hosting via Docker or LXC to guarantee total control over data and configuration.
- It includes a JSON API that facilitates integration with AI agents and custom automation scripts.
Have you ever had the feeling that the internet is reading your mind? It happens often: you search for a specific type of shoe or a particular recipe, and suddenly all the online advertising seems obsessed with that topic. It's not magic; it's the constant tracking by tech giants that creates a detailed profile of your life. To stem this flow of data, SearXNG has emerged , a powerful tool that gives you back control of your privacy while browsing.
Basically, we're talking about an open-source metasearch engine that doesn't keep your secrets. Instead of indexing the web itself, SearXNG acts as a smart intermediary: it sends your query to dozens of different search engines, gathers the best from each, and presents it to you in a single list—all without leaving a trace of who you are or what you're looking for. It's the ideal option for those who want the power of Google but the discretion of a secret agent.
What makes SearXNG different?
Unlike conventional search engines, this system doesn't try to trap you in a filter bubble . While others show you results based on your previous preferences, SearXNG offers an objective and neutral view of the information. Furthermore, it's a federated project that forked from SearX, and it boasts the support of a huge community on GitHub.
Among its most notable features is the aggregation of over 70 services , including Wikipedia, Reddit, and DuckDuckGo. You can organize your searches by category, whether it's the usual stuff like images and videos, or more specific things like technology, science, or social media , always maintaining anonymity.
Privacy as a central theme
Security at SearXNG isn't an add-on; it's the very reason for its existence. The engine implements multiple layers of protection to prevent external services from identifying you. First, it performs a thorough cleaning of private data with each request, removing cookies and browser traces to ensure effective browser privacy . Second, the IP address seen by search engines is that of the SearXNG instance, not your personal IP address. This security can be further enhanced by routing traffic through Tor.
Furthermore, being an open-source platform, anyone can audit the code to verify that there are no backdoors or hidden data collection. There are no ads, no trackers, and, most importantly, no user profiles.
How to set up your own local instance
Although public instances exist, self-hosting is the most recommended option for demanding users . By running SearXNG on your own hardware, you have complete control. The simplest way to do this is to use Docker Compose , which allows you to start the service along with Valkey (an essential in-memory data store for managing request limits and performance).
- Minimum requirements: You don't need a supercomputer; a 64-bit system, 512 MB of RAM (although 2 GB is recommended), and about 300 MB of disk space is sufficient. Even a Raspberry Pi 4 He can move it without messing up his hair.
- Key configuration: It is essential to edit the file
settings.ymlYou must generate one unique secret key to sign the sessions and configure thebase_urlcorrect so that the links on the results pages do not break. - Secure access: It is recommended to place the container behind a reverse proxy like Nginx or Caddy with TLS (SSL) certificates so that the connection between your browser and the server is encrypted.
If you prefer something more straightforward and use Proxmox , there are community scripts that allow you to install SearXNG in an LXC container with a single command line, drastically simplifying the deployment process.
Advanced integrations and JSON API
One of the strongest points for technical users is its JSON API . Enabling this option in the settings transforms SearXNG from a simple website into a structured data source. This is invaluable for those creating AI agents or automation scripts , as it allows for real-time search results without monthly fees or restrictive API keys.
A clear example is its integration with Perplexica . In this ecosystem, SearXNG serves as the search engine that feeds the AI; the user's query is converted into keywords, SearXNG searches the web, and the AI processes that data to provide an informed and up-to-date response, all running locally on your own server.
Comparison with other private search engines
In the privacy ecosystem, there are several options. DuckDuckGo is the most accessible option for the average user, while Brave Search stands out for having its own independent index. On the other hand, Startpage is ideal if you don't want to give up Google results but want an intermediary that hides your identity.
SearXNG is positioned at the more technical and flexible end of the spectrum. While Mojeek also offers its own index, SearXNG gains in versatility by combining multiple sources . To maximize security, some users combine these search engines with anti-detection browsers like AdsPower , which allow them to manipulate the device's fingerprint (Canvas, WebGL, AudioContext) to prevent websites from identifying them even after clicking on a result.
Resolution of common problems
Sometimes, you may notice that some results don't appear. This usually happens because search engines (like Google or Bing) have Your server's IP address has been blocked. by detecting it as a data center. To monitor this, SearXNG offers a page of statistics (/stats) where you can see which engines are returning CAPTCHA errors or access denied.
If you try to use the JSON API and receive a error 403 ForbiddenIt is most likely that the JSON format is not enabled in settings.yml Or that rate limiter your script may have been classified as a bot. On private servers, it's best to disable the limiter and manage access through the firewall or a reverse proxy.
Having your own metasearch engine transforms how you consume information, eliminating corporate surveillance and allowing search to be a tool for discovery rather than tracking. By combining self-hosting with secure network configurations and, optionally, integration with local artificial intelligence, you achieve a digital ecosystem where data sovereignty is the absolute priority.