Qwant

What is Qwant?

Qwant is a search engine founded in 2013 in France, focusing on user privacy. Unlike many competitors, Qwant does not store personal data and consistently offers neutral search results. Promising not to treat users as products, Qwant distinguishes itself significantly from other search engines. Particularly in Europe, Qwant's popularity is growing due to its compliance with strict EU data protection regulations.

In addition to its main search engine, Qwant offers Qwant Junior, a child-safe version designed for younger users that ensures only age-appropriate content is displayed. Furthermore, Qwant collaborates with Shadow Drive, a cloud storage service offering 20GB of free storage, hosted in Europe.

The Company behind Qwant

Qwant SAS, the company behind the search engine, was founded in 2011 by Jean-Manuel Rozan, Eric Leandri, and Patrick Constant. Its headquarters are located in Paris, France. Qwant aims to redefine search engine technology by prioritizing ethical standards. The company has received support from various investors, including Deutsche Telekom.

Qwant prides itself on being a European alternative to major American search engines, placing great emphasis on independence. This philosophy is also reflected in its infrastructure, entirely hosted in Europe to meet the highest data protection standards.

Main Features

Privacy

Qwant stores no search queries and sells no user data, making it an attractive choice for privacy-conscious users.

Qwant Junior

A child-safe search engine that displays only age-appropriate content, providing a secure search environment for children.

Neutral Search Results

Qwant delivers search results unaffected by prior queries, offering an unbiased view of the internet.

Shadow Drive

In collaboration with a partner, Qwant offers a cloud storage service hosted in Europe, providing 20GB of free storage.

User-Friendliness

Qwant's user interface is intuitive and clearly structured, making it easy to use even for less tech-savvy individuals. The search results are displayed in an organized manner, allowing for easy navigation. Switching between Qwant services, such as Qwant Junior, is seamless and requires no additional login.

The search engine does not require extensive familiarization, as it follows the layout conventions of its competitors, yet offers a fresh and modern design, ensuring a pleasant user experience.

Privacy & Security

Qwant places high importance on user security and privacy. The servers are located in Europe, meaning all data is subject to strict European data protection regulations. The search engine does not store personal information or create user profiles, ensuring a high level of anonymity and security for users.

Qwant is also GDPR-compliant and avoids tracking cookies, further enhancing privacy. Users can be assured that their search queries remain private and are not used for marketing purposes.

Pricing & Plans

Free

Qwant offers its search services for free. There are no premium versions or hidden costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

Pros and Cons

• Strong privacy without data storage
• Neutral and unbiased search results
• Child-safe mode with Qwant Junior
• European hosting locations
• Integration with Shadow Drive for secure cloud storage

Who is Qwant for?

Qwant is ideal for users who value privacy and data protection. Particularly in Europe, where data protection is a critical issue, Qwant appeals to users seeking an alternative to data-driven American search engines.

Parents appreciate Qwant Junior as a safe search option for their children. Companies and organizations that must adhere to data protection requirements can also benefit from its services.

Conclusion

Qwant is a serious alternative to major search engines, especially for users who value privacy and independence. While there is room for improvement regarding speed and relevance of search results, it excels in its ethical approach and privacy protection.