While Google dominates the search market with an overwhelming share, a new competitor has emerged with a promise to offer a different experience: **Kagi**. This search engine, which charges **$10 per month** (around £8), promises superior search results, no ads, no data collection, and advanced features. But can it really compete with the search giant? Let’s explore what Kagi has to offer and why it’s turning heads.
Do you know Kagi?
Created three years ago by **Vladomir Prelovac**, the founder of a startup acquired by GoDaddy, Kagi was born from a simple question: *“Do I want my children to grow up exposed to all these ads and data tracking?”*. Inspired by his experience with YouTube Premium, Prelovac decided to develop a search engine that prioritises privacy and quality results.
What Makes Kagi Different?
Kagi stands out by offering a clean, user-focused search experience. Here are some of its key features:
- No ads: Unlike Google, which heavily relies on ads for revenue, Kagi is ad-free. This means search results are purely organic, without commercial interference.
- Privacy guaranteed: Kagi does not collect user data, ensuring your searches remain private and secure.
- High-quality results: The tool uses its own database for searches and news, delivering results as good as Google’s but with a stronger focus on relevance and quality.
Advanced features: Kagi offers functionalities like image search, video search, maps, news, and even a dedicated tab for podcasts.
How Does Kagi Work?
Using Kagi feels like using Google a decade ago. You type a query and get a page full of relevant links. However, the difference lies in curation: Kagi prioritises quality over quantity, making decisions about what’s good and what’s bad before presenting the results.
For example, if you search for a specific topic, Kagi might highlight reliable sources and minimise low-quality or dubious results. This approach is particularly useful for those seeking accurate and trustworthy information.
Is Kagi Worth the Price?
At $10 per month, Kagi might seem expensive for those used to free search engines like Google. However, for users who value privacy, quality, and an ad-free experience, the investment could be worth it.
Additionally, Kagi is constantly evolving. The company is building its own database and refining its algorithms to compete with the best in the market. While it’s still far from challenging Google’s dominance, Kagi represents an interesting alternative for those looking for something different.
Conclusion
Kagi is more than just a search engine; it’s a proposal for change in how we interact with the internet. By prioritising privacy and quality results, it offers an experience that contrasts with the traditional ad-based search model. It’s still early to say whether Kagi will capture a significant share of the market, but one thing is certain: it’s already showing that there’s room for innovation and alternatives in the world of online search.
