cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/4448974

I've recently started using a self hosted SearXNG instance but I'm still using the search engines enabled by default (google, duckduckgo and qwant). What search engines do you have enabled or which ones do you feel you've gotten the best results with?

  • fievel@lemm.ee
    ·
    1 year ago

    Recently switched to Duck Duck Go and honestly I find the results better than Google. More accurate, less "sponsored" results, ...

  • Diabolo96@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    ·
    1 year ago
    • Searx for piracy stuff. (occasional use)
    • Google because kinda used to UI and the direct quick answer without having to look for it in the site
    • duckduckgo is the default on Firefox and it's about as good as Google when i use it.
    • Yandex is weirdly the best one for image search.(occasional use)
    • Bing via the AI because it acts as the best teacher I've ever had. Patient, understanding and adapting to my level ( use a lot recently )
    • kevincox@lemmy.mlM
      ·
      1 year ago

      I just define my own bangs. Both Firefox and Google let you set up custom search engines easily. For example I just type d bag of holding into my URL bar and it searched my favourite D&D reference site. Faster, private and I can select whatever search engine I want for regular search.

      • throwawayish@lemmy.ml
        ·
        1 year ago

        That's good to know! And I'm sure it's beneficial information for those that were unaware of that. However, (unless I'm wrong) the method you described requires you to be deliberate and precise in the placement of your own bang; i.e. bag of d holding or bag of holding d wouldn't work. As I often just start typing whatever I want to search/look for and only notice midway/afterwards that I hadn't specified where I would like to search, the built-in 'bangs' in Firefox/Chrome just wouldn't cut it unless I would try to rewire my behavior.

        • kevincox@lemmy.mlM
          ·
          edit-2
          1 year ago

          I guess that is true. It isn't an issue for the way my brain works. You could type Home d Space but that is a bit more awkward to type.

  • renlok@lemmy.ml
    ·
    1 year ago

    I've been using kagi for the last few months, I like it but due to the pricing it's changes how I use search.

  • sovietknuckles [they/them]
    ·
    1 year ago

    StartPage. It's Google search results, including calculator, weather, etc., but without sponsored results.

    • Fisch@lemmy.ml
      hexagon
      ·
      1 year ago

      Since I'm using SearXNG, I would only make them lose money and I'd rather not since they actually put that money to good use