# Private Browsing Web Browser vs DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Private Browsing Web Browser at none against DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's 7. Private Browsing Web Browser also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 65%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (2.4M vs 127K). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Private Browsing Web Browser asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Private Browsing Web Browser against 4.8 for DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai has 2.4M ratings behind it against 127K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Private Browsing Web Browser's written reviews are positive against 65% of DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's.

Private Browsing Web Browser ships an update every 2 months, DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai weekly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Browsing Web Browser | DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (127K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-browsing-web-browser/id368483462/reviews) | **[4.8 (2.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 127K | **2.4M** |
| Positive reviews | **82.8% of reviews** | 65.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#15** |
| Size | 11 MB | 240 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 17+ | +17 |
| Developer | [SavySoda](https://appshunter.io/developer/373730331) | [DuckDuckGo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/479988139) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Browsing Web Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-browsing-web-browser/id368483462)

Browse the internet privately and in full screen for free. This no-frills browser automatically deletes your history, cookies, and cache upon exiting. It maximizes viewing area by hiding status bars and navigation controls, offering a familiar interface with enhanced screen real estate.

**Highlights:** Complete private browsing, Full screen viewing, History, cookies, cache deleted on exit, Maximizes screen real estate, Safari-based browsing engine, Fast startup and shutdown, No auto-suggest or auto-fill

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Provides privacy and security
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 💡 Useful for private browsing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Settings and bookmarks reset frequently
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with certain websites
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and data collection
- 👎 Limited functionality compared to other browsers

**Reported bugs**

- Bookmarks randomly deleted
- Crashes when trying to save images
- Inability to uninstall the app

**Requested features**

- Ability to have multiple tabs open
- Option to set custom search engine
- Improved bookmark management
- Faster page loading speeds


### DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361)

**Currently charting:** #15 Top Free · Utilities, #27 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app offers a private search engine and browser that blocks trackers and cookies by default. It includes AI chat features and optional tools like a VPN and email protection to safeguard your online activity and personal information.

**Highlights:** Private search engine, Tracker and cookie blocking, Private AI chat, Optional VPN, Email protection, Encryption enforcement, Fingerprinting escape

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DuckDuckGo (Plus, Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Plus, Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| DuckDuckGo annual | $99.99 | per year |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Yearly) | $199.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Excellent privacy protection
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface
- 🔥 Effective ad and tracker blocking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and glitches
- 🔍 Slower page load times compared to other browsers
- 🔍 Inconsistent search quality compared to Google

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to set DuckDuckGo as default browser on iOS
- Refresh button hidden in menu instead of standalone

**Requested features**

- Add support for voice search
- Improve tab management and history navigation
- Introduce customizable font and theme options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private Browsing Web Browser free?

Private Browsing Web Browser is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai free?

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Private Browsing Web Browser or DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai?

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is rated higher. Private Browsing Web Browser averages 4.7 out of 5 from 127K ratings, while DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai averages 4.8 from 2.4M ratings.

### Do Private Browsing Web Browser or DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai have ads?

Neither Private Browsing Web Browser nor DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Private Browsing Web Browser or DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai?

Private Browsing Web Browser ships an update every 2 months, and DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai weekly. Most recently, Private Browsing Web Browser was updated on September 24, 2026 and DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai 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.*