Qwant Search Engine Overview and Review

Qwant is a French search engine that prioritizes user privacy and data protection. It was founded in 2013 by Yaha and Eric Leandri.

Qwant has a unique approach to search results, focusing on real-time information and providing a more personalized experience. This is achieved through its use of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms.

One of the key features of Qwant is its ability to provide results from a variety of sources, including news articles, videos, and images. This makes it a great option for users who want to get a well-rounded view of a topic.

Qwant also offers a range of tools and features, including a built-in browser and a mobile app, to help users get the most out of their search experience.

Discover more: Xiaohongshu Users

Qwant was originally a meta-search engine that presented itself as a search engine, but it didn't have a direct index related to users' requests.

In its initial phase, Qwant used Bing's API for its searches, but it began reducing its use in a transition to its own indexing. This process started in February 2013, but it lacked personnel and technology.

Qwant unveiled a new version of its search engine with an updated graphical interface on April 14, 2015, and later, on July 4, 2018, a new, more streamlined version of Qwant was unveiled, version four, with a changed logo.

The European Investment Bank announced an investment in the company in the form of a €25 million loan over 5 years to expand its reach in Europe in October 2016.

Related reading: U N B L O C K E R Website

Qwant was originally a meta-search engine that presented itself as a search engine.

The company underwent two audits by the Interdepartmental Digital Directorate (Dinum) in July and September 2019, which revealed some interesting facts about Qwant's approach to search.

Qwant's co-founder Éric Léandri has stated that the company doesn't want to compete with Google, but rather "show something different".

Qwant started using Bing's API for its searches in its initial phase, but began to transition to its own indexing in February 2013.

This transition was a challenging process, lacking both personnel and technology. Qwant advertised the use of its own engine for indexing social media accounts and shopping search results, but still relied on external APIs.

The company's reliance on Bing Web and Images searches continued until early 2019, with Qwant providing 100% Bing-based results due to a lack of a crawler and indexer.

In 2015, Qwant unveiled a new version of its search engine with an updated graphical interface, marking a significant improvement in its user experience.

The European Investment Bank invested €25 million in Qwant in 2016 to help expand its reach in Europe.

Qwant's logo and search engine design underwent a major overhaul in 2018, with the unveiling of version four on July 4th.

Qwant's restructuring efforts began in June 2020, with the closure of its Épinal and Ajaccio offices to meet requirements from major shareholders.

This move was part of a larger effort to reorganize the company's infrastructure. In May 2019, Qwant announced it would migrate its servers to Microsoft Azure, while also keeping some indexing capacity on its own infrastructure.

The restructuring efforts had a positive impact on Qwant's financials, with net sales increasing by 28% to €7.5 million in 2020. Losses also decreased, falling to €13 million from €23.5 million in 2019.

In 2021, Raphaël Auphan and Corinne Lejbowicz took over as managing director and president, respectively. They shifted the company's focus from competing with Google to building a private and secure navigation ecosystem.

The new management team divided Qwant into a dozen legal structures, which made it harder to gauge the extent of the company's problems. They also minimized their use of Bing and kept the company's actual use vague.

In early 2022, Qwant's executive committee was revamped, with Laurent Ach as CTO, Flore Blanchard-Dignac as CMO, and Amélie Mathieu as CFO. The company continued to operate in 39 countries worldwide, despite discontinuing services in several others.

Here's an interesting read: Does Ecosia Use Ai

Qwant is a completely independent search engine that relies on its own indexing for algorithmic responses to user queries. This means all results are based on the company's own data, not on logged user data.

Qwant offers several types of results in the same search, including classic websites, merchant websites, and news webs, not based on the user's profile. Classic websites are the default, but you can filter results using tabs at the top.

Results are displayed on the left side of the page, with tabs for filtering, such as Web, News, Images, Videos, Maps, Music, and a Settings tab. You can even change languages and choose between light and dark display modes.

Qwant also offers a Lite version, which is a streamlined version of the website that doesn't use JavaScript or CSS3, making it suitable for older browsers and low-speed Internet connections.

You might enjoy: Search Engine Results Page

Qwant has released several versions over the years, each with its own unique features and improvements.

In June 2017, a version adapted to the Swiss culture was launched, offering the search engine in three national languages: German, French, and Italian.

This adaptation was a significant step for Qwant, allowing it to cater to a broader audience.

Qwant announced its expected arrival in China by the summer of 2018, in partnership with local authorities and companies to adapt it to Chinese laws.

The five-year-anniversary version launched in 2018 eliminated the column-based presentation, opting for a more web-friendly presentation instead.

This change aimed to make the search engine more user-friendly and accessible on various devices.

A new design was introduced on 3 December 2019, with the goal of simplifying the experience and bringing new experiences to users.

In March 2021, a new version was made available online, rejuvenating the interface and making it more accessible on smartphones.

Qwant also released a Lite version of its search engine in October 2015, specifically designed for older browsers, aging terminals, and low-speed Internet connections.

This streamlined version did not use JavaScript or CSS3, technologies deemed too resource-consuming for the target audience.

Qwant offers several types of results in the same search, including classic websites, merchant websites, and news webs, all based on information not related to the user's profile.

In its early days, Qwant relied on Bing to provide more relevant results, but it's now using its own results from its own exploration robots as a hybrid engine.

Qwant claimed to have exceeded 50% of independent results for web searches in 2020, and 70% for all research.

Qwant is a completely independent search engine, meaning all of its algorithmic responses to user queries are based on the company’s own indexing.

Results are displayed on the left side of the page, with tabs at the top for filtering, including Web (default), News, Images, Videos, Maps, Music, and a Settings tab.

Qwant also has a desktop and mobile version of the search engine built for the 6-12 age group, called Qwant Junior.

You can change languages, choose between light and dark display modes, adjust filters for adult content, and more on Qwant.

If you want to save your site preferences, you'll need to install a custom cookie on your web browser of choice, as Qwant doesn't use cookies for tracking purposes.

Qwant unveiled a Lite version of its search engine in 2015, intended for older browsers, aging terminals, and low-speed Internet connections.

This streamlined version of the website did not use JavaScript or CSS3, technologies deemed too resource-consuming.

Qwant works similarly to other search engines, but displays search results in pre-sorted lists, including Web, News, Qnowledge Graph Social, and Shopping.

Different links will be shown depending on the region, and you can search media, persons, and journals through the tabs at the top of Qwant’s homepage.

Qwant allows you to exclude your current surfing session from the Piwik web analytics, which the search engine uses, by clicking a link on the homepage.

However, this procedure must be performed again for each new PC or browser to remain anonymous.

Qwant has a significant user base, with over 8 million daily users, although most of them are from France. This makes it a valuable search engine for websites targeting the French market.

Websites that want to enter the French market can benefit from optimizing for Qwant, as it can help them reach a large audience.

However, Qwant's lack of statistical data on visitor behavior makes it challenging for SEOs to analyze and optimize websites specifically for this search engine.

Qwant's business model is based on cost-per-click through contextual advertising, which is a unique approach to generating revenue.

The search engine also has partnerships with companies like TripAdvisor, PagesJaunes, and DeepL, which provide additional services such as translation and enriched results.

Qwant's results are further enhanced by integrating APIs from third-party companies like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Qwant's use of technology is also noteworthy, as it has partnered with Nvidia to use their supercomputers for deep learning and refining research results.

This partnership has allowed Qwant to offer its computing power to startups that need to use these technologies.

Qwant has also integrated its search engine into the Fleksy virtual keyboard, making it a convenient option for users.

Qwant's business model is partly based on cost-per-click through contextual advertising.

The company has partnerships with companies like TripAdvisor, PagesJaunes, and DeepL, which serve to enrich the results.

DeepL provides its translation service directly on the Qwant results page, making it a valuable partner in Qwant's business model.

Qwant's results are further augmented by the integration of APIs provided by third-party companies, like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Qwant has made significant investments in technology acquisitions to enhance its services.

In 2017, Qwant partnered with Nvidia to utilize their supercomputers for deep learning, allowing for more refined research results and the opportunity to rent these powerful computers to startups.

This collaboration has been instrumental in Qwant's ability to stay ahead in the tech industry.

Qwant also integrated its search engine into the Fleksy virtual keyboard, expanding its reach and capabilities.

By partnering with Easyvoyage, Qwant has been able to provide users with comprehensive results for flight and hotel research.

Qwant's partnership with Ecosia was a game-changer, allowing the company to reduce its dependency on Microsoft's Bing API. In 2023, Qwant and Ecosia formed a 50-50 joint venture called the European Search Perspective (EUSP), with Qwant contributing its search indexing infrastructure, engineers, and data scientists.

Ecosia made a significant cash contribution to the joint venture, showing its commitment to the partnership. This collaboration marked a significant shift in Qwant's business model, allowing it to break free from its reliance on Bing's API.

In terms of its approach to privacy, Qwant has been vocal in its advocacy for user rights. In 2017, the company's strong dependence on Bing's API led to a refusal of funding by Bpifrance, highlighting the importance of transparency in business practices.

Intriguing read: Xiaohongshu Api

In 2023, Microsoft raised Bing's search API rates, forcing Qwant to rethink its business model.

Qwant relied on Bing to provide results for long tail searches, making the rate change a significant challenge.

The company teamed up with Ecosia, a Germany-based search engine, to create a joint venture called the European Search Perspective (EUSP).

The partnership is a 50-50 joint venture, with Qwant contributing its search indexing infrastructure, engineers, and data scientists, and Ecosia making a cash contribution.

Ecosia's cash investment will help Qwant navigate the changes brought about by Microsoft's rate increase.

Readers also liked: Microsoft Translator

Qwant partnered with Inria for research on Internet research technologies that respect privacy. This collaboration highlights Qwant's commitment to prioritizing user data protection.

Inria is a significant partner for Qwant, helping them stay at the forefront of internet research and development.

Qwant's focus on privacy is reflected in its work with Inria, ensuring that their search technologies are designed with user confidentiality in mind.

If this caught your attention, see: Alexa Internet News

Qwant's approach to handling data has been a topic of discussion. In March 2017, Qwant raised funds with the participation of the Caisse des dépôts et consignations.

This funding came with some conditions. Bpifrance refused to fund Qwant because of the search engine's strong dependence on Bing's API.

Qwant's use of several technologies, algorithms, and advertising governance provided by Microsoft has been a point of interest. This partnership has been a significant aspect of Qwant's approach.

In February 2025, France's National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) issued a legal reminder to Qwant. The CNIL stated that the data processed by the search engine to Microsoft was personal data rather than anonymous data.

This clarification highlights the importance of data handling in Qwant's approach.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Microsoft Bing

Qwant has taken a unique approach to online search by partnering with Qwant VIPrivacy, a browser extension that blocks trackers and cookies when using Qwant as the default search engine.

This extension provides an added layer of protection for users, ensuring their online activities remain private and secure.

Qwant VIPrivacy is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Qwant, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a streamlined and private browsing experience.

By integrating Qwant VIPrivacy, users can browse the internet with confidence, knowing their personal data is being safeguarded.

Intriguing read: DuckDuckGo Private Browser

Masq by Qwant was a personal data storage service designed to personalize Qwant's service to users without collecting personal data.

It was initially released as an alpha version on 27 June 2019. Masq by Qwant was discontinued on 17 September 2020.

Check this out: Personal Web Page

Qwant is a strong advocate for online privacy. In 2021, Qwant became available in all European countries and reached the top 5 search engines on Android phones.

The European Commission played a significant role in this milestone, signing the "choice screen" on Android phones teams in June 2021. This resolution helped Qwant gain widespread recognition.

Data Privacy Day in January 2023 marked another significant event for Qwant. On this day, Qwant released the first edition of its online privacy barometer, a collaborative effort with Proton, Murena, and Olvid.

For another approach, see: European Websites

Qwant is available on a wide range of platforms, making it easy to use on your preferred device.

You can download Qwant's mobile browser from the App Store for iOS devices or from the Google Play Store for Android devices.

Qwant works seamlessly on nearly all desktop browsers, including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Edge, Opera, Brave, and others.

Worth a look: Open a Website than Looks like Ebay Store

DeepL has partnered with Qwant to offer a translation service on the Qwant search engine. This service is a great example of how companies are working together to provide innovative solutions.

Twenty-eight languages can be translated from the Qwant search page, making it a valuable resource for people who need to communicate across language barriers.

Intriguing read: Search as a Service

Active Services are designed to keep you connected and up-to-date.

Many platforms offer real-time updates, ensuring you stay informed about the latest developments.

Live streaming services allow you to watch events as they happen, making it feel like you're right there.

Some services even offer interactive features, enabling you to engage with the content in real-time.

For example, online forums allow users to discuss topics and share their thoughts with others.

Check this out: Dwell Time (information Retrieval)

Qwant School was a filtered version of the Qwant search engine designed for teens, especially middle school students.

Qwant School did not display any advertising, making it a great option for kids who want to learn without distractions.

Its filters were otherwise somewhat less restrictive than Qwant Junior, but still a safer choice for young users.

Qwant School was designed to provide a safe online environment for middle school students.

Check this out: Discord Unblocked Website for School Free

Qwant is available for MacOS, Linux, and Windows devices. It also supports nearly all desktop browsers, including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Edge, Opera, Brave, and others.

You can download Qwant's mobile browser for iOS devices from the App Store.

Qwant's popularity has grown significantly since its launch in 2013, with 3.5 million monthly views just a week after its launch. By February 2016, it claimed 17.7 million monthly visits, more than doubling its traffic in the previous six months.

In May 2016, Qwant reported one million visits, with 50% coming from France and 30% from Germany. By the end of July 2017, it claimed 40 million monthly visits, with a 2% market share in France and 1% in Germany.

Qwant's traffic has remained strong, with 51.78% of its traffic coming from France as of February 2021.

Worth a look: Daily Traffic Count Website

Qwant's usage has been steadily increasing, with notable adoption by major French institutions.

The French Ministry of armies' computer stations made Qwant their default search engine on 2 October 2018.

Safran, an aeronautical company, standardized Qwant's use as a search engine within the company by 30 January 2019.

The National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) chose Qwant as the default search engine for its collaborators by April 2019.

The French administration aimed to make Qwant the default search engine on all its computer stations by 30 April 2020.

Qwant's desktop search engine ran smoothly on a 2021 MacBook Pro, delivering relevant links quickly.

The first block of sites consisted mainly of ads, but actual results could be found by scrolling down the page.

Qwant's popularity grew rapidly in its early years, with 3.5 million monthly views just one week after its launch in July 2013.

In February 2016, Qwant claimed 17.7 million monthly visits, a significant increase from its initial launch.

By May 2016, the site had one million visits, with 50% coming from France and 30% from Germany.

In November 2016, Qwant reported nearly 27 million monthly visits and 37 million at the beginning of 2017.

By the end of July 2017, Qwant claimed 40 million monthly visits and held a 2% market share in France and 1% in Germany.

Here's a breakdown of Qwant's monthly visits over the years:

Qwant's traffic continued to grow, with 2.6 billion requests in 2016, 9.7 billion in 2017, and 18 billion in 2018.

In April 2018, nearly 81% of Qwant's traffic came from France, followed by Germany (5%) and Italy (2%).

By the first half of 2020, Qwant was the fourth most popular search engine in France, behind Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

Qwant received public support from Emmanuel Macron, who even called it the "French Google". He was the Minister of Economics at the time.

In 2021, Qwant announced its contribution to the development of the "Manifesto of French startups" by the association France Digitale. This manifesto aimed to bring concrete proposals related to digital for the 2022 presidential election.

The New York Times compared Qwant to Quaero, another search engine that was made to rival Google but shut down in 2013.

Qwant's approach to search results is quite different from its competitors. Qwant's search results are free from tracking cookies and other forms of data collection.

One of the main criticisms of Qwant is that it can be slower than other search engines due to its focus on user data protection. This is because Qwant doesn't use tracking cookies to improve search results.

Qwant's unique approach to search results can sometimes make it more difficult to find relevant information, as it prioritizes user data protection over search engine optimization.

When it comes to searching online, you have several options to choose from. Qwant's main competitors are Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia.

Google and Bing are intuitive search engines that use your previous web searches and other data to curate the best results for your browse.

DuckDuckGo and Ecosia, on the other hand, tout a privacy-focused user experience with minimal tracking.

Ecosia is a unique option, as the company uses 80% of its ad-generated revenue to plant trees across the world.

Google and Bing are known for harvesting user data for third-party means, so they’re not the most secure search engines available.

Intriguing read: List of Search Engines

Qwant's approach to web safety is admirable, but it's not without its drawbacks. The search engine requires a custom cookie to save site preferences, which can be a hassle to set up.

Here are some of the cons of using Qwant:

I've personally found that not being able to remember previous searches can be frustrating, especially if you're searching for something complex and need to refer back to earlier results.