# DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai vs Private Web Browser

The clearest difference is ratings volume: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai at 2.4M against Private Web Browser's 332. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). Private Web Browser's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 65%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 and Private Web Browser sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai has 2.4M ratings behind it against 332, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 65% of DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's written reviews are positive against 85% of Private Web Browser's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai ships an update weekly, Private Web Browser every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai | Private Web Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361/reviews)** | [4.5 (332 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-web-browser-orin/id1237872910/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.4M** | 332 |
| Positive reviews | 65.3% of reviews | **84.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#14** | — |
| Size | 240 MB | 143 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +17 | 17+ |
| Developer | [DuckDuckGo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/479988139) | [OCTALCODE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599675065) |

## What reviewers say

### DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

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

**Currently charting:** #14 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


### Private Web Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-web-browser-orin/id1237872910)

This app provides a secure and anonymous browsing experience by routing your internet connection through the Tor network. It protects your identity, hides your IP address, and prevents tracking and data logging for enhanced online privacy.

**Highlights:** Anonymous browsing, Private internet access, Encrypted traffic, Hidden IP address, No data logging, Secure browsing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Promo | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Private Web Browser free?

Private Web Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is rated higher. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.4M ratings, while Private Web Browser averages 4.5 from 332 ratings.

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

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

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

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai ships an update weekly, and Private Web Browser every 3 weeks. Most recently, DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai was updated on September 24, 2026 and Private Web Browser 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.*