Websurfx

Self-Hosted

Open-source, privacy-first metasearch engine

Overview

Websurfx is an open-source, privacy-centric metasearch engine that aggregates results from diverse sources (including DuckDuckGo and Bing) without tracking user activity or serving ads. It prioritizes transparency and user control, enabling easy self-hosting via Docker or source code. Customizable features include result filtering, theme selection, and adjustable source preferences, making it a flexible choice for privacy enthusiasts seeking an ad-free alternative to mainstream search engines.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  websurfx:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: websurfx
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Privacy-focused (no tracking or ads)
Self-hostable via Docker or source code
Customizable result filtering and themes
Aggregated results from multiple trusted sources

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Websurfx hard to install?

No—Websurfx offers straightforward self-hosting via Docker (with a single command) or from source code. The official documentation provides step-by-step guides for both methods, making deployment accessible even for users new to self-hosting.

? Is it a good alternative to Google?

Yes—for users prioritizing privacy over mainstream features. Websurfx avoids tracking and ads, though it may have a smaller result index than Google. It’s ideal for those who want control over their search data and prefer open-source solutions.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Websurfx is 100% open-source and free to use. There are no paid tiers or hidden costs; users can self-host it without fees or use public instances (if available) at no charge.

Top Alternatives

Google Search Search Google

Bing Search Search Google

Yahoo Search Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Search Engines

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ 100% open-source and transparent
⊕ No user data collection or targeting
⊕ Easy deployment with Docker guides
⊕ Ad-free search experience

Cons

⊖ Smaller result index compared to Google/Bing
⊖ Requires basic technical skills for self-hosting (Docker simplifies it)
⊖ Limited advanced features (e.g., voice search) vs proprietary engines