Head-to-head · General Web Search Engines
Brave Search vs Qwant
Brave Search leads on 0 checks, Qwant on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBrave Search · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
Brave Search scores higher on our rubric for general web search engines: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Brave Search is the better fit for people seeking independent search plus research tools. Qwant is the better fit for privacy-minded users wanting broad search coverage.
- Brave Search fits best
People seeking independent search plus research tools
- Qwant fits best
Privacy-minded users wanting broad search coverage
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Side by side
| Feature | Brave Search 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Qwant 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in General Web Search Engines | #3 in General Web Search Engines |
| Best for | People seeking independent search plus research tools | Privacy-minded users wanting broad search coverage |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $29.99/yr | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Community, Docs | Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Brave Search 0/4 · Qwant 0/4 | ||
| Language selection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Region selection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Safe search controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Search operators | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Index approach | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Region focus | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Brave Search is a privacy-focused search engine built on Brave’s independent web index. It suits people who want an alternative search index alongside tools for exploring results, including AI-generated answers with cited sources,… Read the review → |
Qwant is a free search engine for people who want broad web coverage with privacy-oriented defaults. Its own indexing technology powers results, while partner content can also contribute. Searches work without an account, and search… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Brave Search — where it wins
- Independent index with web, image, video, and news search
- AI Answers, Ask Brave, and Deep Research support research
- Goggles, search operators, and Bangs offer result controls
Where it doesn't
- Search Premium is available only in the Brave Browser
- Search API pricing is separate from Search Premium
- Search Premium primarily adds ad-free results and a cleaner view
Qwant — where it wins
- Searches web, news, images, video, shopping, maps, social and music
- Choose a region and one of three SafeSearch levels
- Use browser extensions and iOS or Android apps without an account
Where it doesn't
- Partner content can also enrich results alongside Qwant's own index
- AI answers and page summaries require an account
- Search results combine sources rather than relying only on Qwant's index
- Brave Search9.2/10 · Free plan
An independent search index pairs web search with cited AI answers and ranking controls.
Visit Brave SearchFull verdict → - Qwant9.0/10 · Free plan
A free search engine with its own indexing, multiple search verticals and optional AI tools.
Visit QwantFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update