# DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

> ⚡Protects your data. Private search, browser, optional AI, ad blocking, and VPN.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.duckduckgo.mobile.android](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.duckduckgo.mobile.android)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.duckduckgo.mobile.android`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** DuckDuckGo
- **Category:** PRODUCTIVITY
- **Downloads:** 89,920,212
- **Rating:** 4.69 / 5 (2,454,553 ratings)
- **Version:** 5.294.1
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-11
- **First published:** 2011-04-08
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 119 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-13
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duckduckgo.mobile.android)
- **Website:** [https://duckduckgo.com/app](https://duckduckgo.com/app)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://duckduckgo.com/privacy.html](https://duckduckgo.com/privacy.html)

## Description

**DuckDuckGo** is a privacy-focused browser and search engine designed to protect your personal information from trackers, invasive ads, cookie pop-ups, fingerprinting, and network snoopers. DuckDuckGo Search does not track your searches, while built-in protections block most third-party trackers, video ads, and hidden app trackers. HTTPS upgrades, private tabs, encrypted sync, password backup, and the Fire Button help you browse with greater control.

The app also includes optional privacy-focused AI chats through **Duck.ai**, Email Protection with `@duck.com` addresses, and App Tracking Protection. DuckDuckGo subscribers can access a VPN for up to five devices, advanced AI models, personal information removal, and identity theft restoration assistance. The free browser is supported by privacy-respecting search ads rather than the sale of personal data.

## Rankings

- #1,683 — Overall
- #8 — Productivity (Free)
- #17 — Productivity (Gross)
- #58 — Application (Free)
- #63 — Top free
- #63 — Top paid

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.CREDENTIAL_MANAGER_SET_ORIGIN`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.USE_FINGERPRINT`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.duckduckgo.mobile.android.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`

## Review summary

Users consistently praise the app for its strong privacy, tracker blocking, and low ads, often noting it feels faster and more private than Chrome and easy to use across devices. Recurrent drawbacks center on stability: VPN problems, crashes or loading failures after updates, slow startup, and buggy navigation/tab behavior. Some reviews also mention popups. Overall, privacy and ease of use are the strengths, while stability and VPN performance need improvement.

### Pros

- Strong privacy and anti-tracking with minimal ads
- Faster/better-than-Chrome browsing experience
- Seamless, clean and user-friendly interface
- Trusted for private searches across devices

### Cons

- VPN reliability issues and shadow-filtered search results due to VPN
- Post-update instability causing crashes or inability to open/load Duck.ai
- Slow startup / long load times
- Navigation and tab-management bugs after updates (e.g., tabs behavior)
- Occasional intrusive popups or desire to block popups

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.duckduckgo.mobile.android)