# Search vs Customize Search Engine

The clearest difference is rating: Search at 5.0 against Customize Search Engine's 4.4. Search also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 78%). Customize Search Engine's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Search sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Customize Search Engine sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Search holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Customize Search Engine has 66 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Search's written reviews are positive against 78% of Customize Search Engine's.

Search ships an update every 2 months, Customize Search Engine every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on August 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Search | Customize Search Engine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/search-it/id1626651992/reviews)** | [4.4 (66 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/customize-search-engine/id6445840140/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **66** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 78.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 4 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sylvain Lafrance](https://appshunter.io/developer/1197090441) | [Cizzuk Shihu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1674098361) |

## What reviewers say

### Search

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/search-it/id1626651992)

This utility app allows you to search for keywords across multiple websites directly using their built-in search functions. It offers a streamlined way to find specific information without relying on traditional search engines, with features like barcode scanning and cross-device syncing.

**Highlights:** Direct website search integration, No search history or cookies, Export/Import search URLs, Embedded or default browser results, Add URLs from browser, Share results, Barcode and QR code search

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Search-It - Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Search-It - Yearly Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Search-it Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |


### Customize Search Engine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/customize-search-engine/id6445840140)

This Safari extension lets you customize your default search engine and settings. Easily switch between preferred search engines, including AI assistants, and modify options like hiding AI Overviews or changing language. It offers quick search shortcuts and emoji search functionality.

**Highlights:** Customize default search engine, Use custom search engines in Private Browse, Quick search with keywords, Emoji search on Emojipedia, Switch search engines by shortcuts

**Features:** Safari Extension

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change App icon | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Search free?

Search is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Customize Search Engine free?

Customize Search Engine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Search or Customize Search Engine?

Search is rated higher. Search averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Customize Search Engine averages 4.4 from 66 ratings.

### Do Search or Customize Search Engine have ads?

Neither Search nor Customize Search Engine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Search or Customize Search Engine?

Search ships an update every 2 months, and Customize Search Engine every 9 days. Most recently, Search was updated on August 22, 2026 and Customize Search Engine on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*