Yacy
Self-HostedDecentralized, peer-to-peer open-source search engine
Overview
Yacy is a decentralized search engine that lets users run their own search node, contributing to a global peer-to-peer network. It indexes web content independently, avoiding centralized control. Features include privacy-focused browsing (no tracking), customizable search, and local/specific website indexing. Deployment is flexible—runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Docker. Users can join the public network or operate private instances, supporting full-text search and filterable results. Ideal for privacy-conscious users wanting control over their search data and avoiding commercial search engines' tracking practices.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
yacy:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: yacy
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Decentralized peer-to-peer search network
- Privacy-first (no user tracking or profiling)
- Customizable indexing (local files/websites)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Yacy hard to install?
Yacy is relatively easy to install—options include downloading binaries for Windows/macOS/Linux or using a Docker container. Basic setup is straightforward, though optimizing a node (like port forwarding for P2P connectivity) may require some technical knowledge.
? Is it a good alternative to Google Search?
Yacy is a strong alternative for privacy-focused users prioritizing decentralization over a massive index. While it may not have as many results as Google, it avoids tracking and centralized control, making it ideal for those wanting to escape commercial search engines' data practices.
? Is it completely free?
Yes, Yacy is 100% free and open-source (licensed under GPLv2). There are no paid tiers or subscriptions—users can run it without cost, whether as part of the public network or a private instance.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Yacy
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ No centralized control over search data
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (no ads or user profiling)
Cons
- ⊖ Smaller index than mainstream search engines
- ⊖ Requires technical setup for optimal node performance