Best xSearch Alternatives in 2026
The top xSearch alternatives are AdGuard, 1Blocker and Hyperweb: 10 safari extensions our editors would look at instead of xSearch, in our ranking order.
xSearch: A focused Safari search utility for switching engines and searching across them. Where it falls short: paid app with a one-time purchase and no free plan.
Switching from xSearch? For most safari extensions buyers the best xSearch alternative is AdGuard, built for people wanting broad ad and tracker protection.
Why People Look for a xSearch Alternative
- Paid app with a one-time purchase and no free plan
- Focused on search rather than broader Safari extension features
- Available on Apple platforms only
- No free plan — 7 of the alternatives below have it
- No content blocking — 2 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAdGuard8.8
People wanting broad ad and tracker protection
Visit AdGuard - Best free optionAdGuard8.8
Has a free plan (xSearch has none)
Visit AdGuard - Best for content blockingHyperweb7.8
Content blocking (xSearch: no)
Visit Hyperweb
All 10 xSearch Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
-
Best forPeople wanting broad ad and tracker protection
- Better than xSearch:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.5
A broad blocker with custom filters and device-wide coverage across desktop and mobile.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit AdGuard -
Best forSafari users wanting customizable blocking on Apple devices
- Better than xSearch:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.5 vs 6.5
Blocks ads, trackers and cookie notices in Safari, with custom rules and filter imports.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit 1Blocker -
Best foriPhone users who want free Safari enhancements
- Better than xSearch:
- Free plan
- Content blocking
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.5
A free iPhone Safari extension that combines content controls with custom enhancements.
- Content blocking
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Hyperweb -
Best forPrivacy-minded users who prefer a free open-source blocker
- Better than xSearch:
- Free plan
- Open source
- Editor score 7.6 vs 6.5
A free, open-source Safari blocker with no network connections and curated filters.
- Open source
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Ka-Block! -
Best forUsers who want dark themes across websites
- Better than xSearch:
- Free plan
- Open source
- Editor score 7.4 vs 6.5
A free, open-source extension for adjustable dark themes and per-site controls.
- Open source
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Dark Reader -
Best forSafari users who watch YouTube on Apple devices
- Better than xSearch:
- Content blocking
- Editor score 7.2 vs 6.5
A focused Safari extension for ad-free YouTube playback, picture-in-picture and background listening.
- Content blocking
- App Store listing
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Vinegar -
Best forMac users who prefer keyboard-driven browsing
- Better than xSearch:
- Free plan
- Open source
- Editor score 6.9 vs 6.5
A free, open-source Safari extension for keyboard-first browsing on Mac.
- Open source
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit GitHub -
Best foriPhone users who want AMP links redirected
- Better than xSearch:
- Open source
- Editor score 6.7 vs 6.5
A focused iOS Safari extension for redirecting AMP pages, with site-level allowlisting.
- App Store listing
- Open source
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Amplosion -
Best forSafari users seeking keyword-based searches
A focused Safari extension for users who want keyword-based searching on Apple devices.
- App Store listing
6.2/10★★★☆☆View in App Store -
Best forUsers who want a playful new-tab experience
- Better than xSearch:
- Free plan
A free extension for adding cat visuals and discovery to new tabs.
5.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Tabby Cat
xSearch Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to xSearch?
AdGuard: #1 in our Safari Extensions ranking, with an editor score of 8.8 out of 10. A broad blocker with custom filters and device-wide coverage across desktop and mobile.
Is there a free alternative to xSearch?
Yes. AdGuard, 1Blocker, Hyperweb, Ka-Block! and Dark Reader have a free plan or a free tier (7 of the 10 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for xSearch alternatives?
Paid app with a one-time purchase and no free plan; Focused on search rather than broader Safari extension features; Available on Apple platforms only.
How do I switch from xSearch?
Export your data from xSearch (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel xSearch.
How to Switch from xSearch
- Export your data from xSearch (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel xSearch.
xSearch vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported devices | Content blocking | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | xSearch | No | Multiple | No | 6.5 | |
| 1 | AdGuard | Yes | 8.8 | |||
| 2 | 1Blocker | Yes | $14.99/yr | 8.5 | ||
| 3 | Hyperweb | Yes | Free | Iphone | Yes | 7.8 |
| 4 | Ka-Block! | Yes | Free | 7.6 | ||
| 5 | Dark Reader | Yes | 7.4 | |||
| 6 | Vinegar | No | $1.99 one-time | Multiple | Yes | 7.2 |
| 7 | Vimari | Yes | Free | Mac | 6.9 | |
| 8 | Amplosion | No | Multiple | No | 6.7 | |
| 9 | Keyword Search | Multiple | No | 6.2 | ||
| 10 | Tabby Cat | Yes | Free | Multiple | No | 5.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





