# DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai vs Pure Web Browser

The clearest difference is rating: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai at 4.8 against Pure Web Browser's 4.3. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). Pure Web Browser's advantage is review sentiment (76% vs 65%) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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 and Pure Web Browser sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 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 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai has 2.4M ratings behind it against 62, 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 76% of Pure 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, Pure Web Browser every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai | Pure Web Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361/reviews)** | [4.3 (62 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-web-browser/id1301166115/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.4M** | 62 |
| Positive reviews | 64.8% of reviews | **76.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#16** | — |
| Size | 256 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.3** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [DuckDuckGo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/479988139) | [Prasomsak Khunmuen](https://appshunter.io/developer/636412127) |

## What reviewers say

### DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

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

**Currently charting:** #16 Top Free · Utilities, #23 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app offers a private search engine and browser that blocks trackers and ads. It includes optional AI features for private conversations and email protection. A subscription unlocks a VPN, advanced AI, and personal information removal services.

**Highlights:** Private search engine, Ad and tracker blocking browser, Private AI chat, Email protection, Optional VPN, Personal information removal

**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


### Pure Web Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-web-browser/id1301166115)

Experience lightning-fast internet browsing with essential features for performance and simplicity. Enjoy private browsing, ad blocking, and customizable settings for a seamless online experience.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast browsing, Dark mode with customization, Tabbed and full-screen browsing, Private browsing and adblock, Password management, Download manager, Reader view

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove in-app ads | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Pure Web Browser free?

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

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

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is rated higher. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.4M ratings, while Pure Web Browser averages 4.3 from 62 ratings.

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

Pure Web Browser shows ads; DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai does not.

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

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai ships an update weekly, and Pure Web Browser every 3 months. Most recently, DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai was updated on November 3, 2026 and Pure Web Browser on October 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.*