- Kagi is an ad-free, track-free search engine that prioritizes user privacy.
- Provides higher quality results by filtering out unreliable sites or sites with too many ads.
- Integrates generative artificial intelligence to deliver quick responses and automatic summaries.
- It works on a subscription basis: from $5/month to $25 with premium features.
In a world where Google dominates the online search scene without rival, it may seem absurd to consider an alternative that requires you to pay to search. However, that's exactly what Google proposes. Kagi Search, paid search engine which promises to revolutionize the way we find information on the Internet.
Why choose a paid search engine instead of sticking with the usual free Google? There's a compelling reason: Kagi Search is a search engine designed to satisfy the most demanding users who value la Privacy, quality results, and an ad-free experienceBut can it really compete against the tech giants? We analyze below.
What is Kagi Search?
The simplest and most direct definition of Kagi Search is as follows: a paid, ad-free search engine. It was developed by Kagi Inc., a company based in Palo Alto, California. Its founder, Vladimir Prelovac, launched it with a very clear vision: to offer an environment where finding information doesn't depend on commercial interests or algorithms designed to maximize ad clicks.
Unlike Google and other well-known search engines, kagi does not show sponsored results, nor does it track user behavior. In return, it requires a monthly subscription which can be $5, $10 or $25, depending on the number of searches and advanced features you want to use.
The name "Kagi" means "key" in Japanese (鍵), which makes sense considering that its goal is to offer a more legitimate and effective way to access digital information.
A search engine that focuses on quality
One of the most notable points of Kagi Search is its firm commitment to quality of search resultsUnlike Google's approach, which prioritizes sites that generate revenue through advertising or affiliate marketing, Kagi filters results based on other criteria. For example:
- Allows the user to decide which sources to prioritize or block.
- Penalizes pages with excessive advertising or trackers.
- Rewards independent sources, personal blogs and specialized forums.
This translates into a cleaner, less biased experience. For example, if you search for recommendations on cell phones or sneakers, instead of being flooded with sponsored links, you'll directly see helpful articles selected for their relevance.
One of Kagi's greatest added values is its absolute respect for user privacy. The search engine does not record or store your searches, nor does it use your data to personalize ads or offer you sponsored content. After each session, forget all the activity.
This approach is radically opposed to that followed by the major search engines that monetize our data through complex tracking systems. At Kagi, What you pay with your money, you save in your privacy.
Exclusive features for advanced users
In addition to offering ad-free results, Kagi Search has a number of features designed specifically for those who want to have more control over your search experience:
- Domain control: You can choose to move certain sites up, down, or completely remove them from your results.
- Ephemeral history: Your actions are not stored and are not tracked between sessions.
- Customizable interface: You can apply custom CSS stylesheets or automatically redirect certain links (e.g., send Reddit links to the “old Reddit” version).
- Lenses (glasses): allow you to apply thematic filters, such as forums, academic publications or programming.
- AI Summaries: Each result can be summarized in one click thanks to a smart integration of artificial intelligence.
These tools make Kagi more than just a search engine. It's a platform that adapts to you. For students, developers, or journalists, it can be a incredibly useful tool.
How does Kagi work inside?
Kagi does not exclusively use its own engine to search the web, but works as a a hybrid search engine (metasearch). That is, it adds results from other search engines such as Google, Bing, Yandex or even Wikipedia, but displays and sorts them according to its own algorithms.
This allows access to a wide variety of sources, but filtered by the Kagi's own quality and privacy criteria. In addition, Kagi has developed its own tracker called keyboards, which complements its indexes, especially oriented to what they call “small web” (small or independent sites).
Generative AI, summaries, and quick answers
One of the most innovative aspects of Kagi Search is the generative AI integration in your search engine. Unlike other systems that simply display page snippets, Kagi can offer immediate summary responses from reliable sources, always showing the original link for more details.
This is possible thanks to its language model, comparable to that of ChatGPT, which allows:
- Summarize complex texts in a single sentence with source included.
- Provide quick answers to simple questions.
- Identify more effective search patterns.
- Provide support for educational or learning-aid tasks such as coding or math.
- Achieve greater conversational interaction, similar to a personal virtual assistant.
Plans and Pricing: Why Pay to Search?
Kagi Search offers three main plans:
- Starter: $5/month, 300 monthly searches.
- Unlimited: $10/month, unlimited searches.
- Premium: $25/month, with early access to new features and improvements.
Additionally, if you are still unsure, you can sign up and try Kagi for free for the first 100 searchesThis allows you to experience how it works before deciding if it's worth paying for.
The reason for this model is clear: ensure that the product works in favor of the user and not the advertisersEverything you see on Kagi is there because it's useful, not because someone is behind it paying for clicks.
Availability and compatibility
Kagi is available through their website (www.kagi.com), but also has a official mobile app on Google Play and a Chrome extension and other browsers. In addition, its ecosystem is expanded with the Orion Browser, a browser also developed by Kagi Inc., based on WebKit (like Safari) and compatible with Chrome extensions. It's currently available for macOS and iOS, and versions for Linux and Windows are in the works.
Finally, and something that will delight those most concerned about anonymity: Kagi Search is now also available through the Tor network.
Kagi, which has over 43.000 subscribers and registers around 845.000 searches per day, proposes a disruptive, user-centered alternative. It offers a cleaner, more precise, and more ethical browsing experience. More and more people are willing to pay to regain control over how they search online.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.