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Ecosia

Search the web and help plant trees for a greener planet with Ecosia.

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About Ecosia

Ecosia is a unique search engine that not only helps users find information online but also actively contributes to global environmental sustainability by funding tree planting initiatives. Founded in 2009, Ecosia utilizes its ad revenue to plant trees in areas that need reforestation, thus combating climate change and promoting biodiversity. With a simple search, users can make a positive impact on the planet without incurring any costs. Ecosia has planted over 150 million trees to date, making it a leader in the realm of eco-friendly search engines. The company's commitment to transparency is evident through its financial reports, which detail how much revenue is generated and how it is allocated to tree planting projects worldwide. Ecosia operates on a model that is both user-friendly and environmentally conscious. The search engine is built on a modified version of the open-source search engine software, which allows for fast and efficient search results. Users can expect search results that are comparable to those of larger search engines, thanks to Ecosia's partnerships with established search technologies. Additionally, Ecosia prioritizes user privacy, ensuring that searches are not tracked or sold to advertisers, which is a significant concern for many internet users today. The benefits of using Ecosia extend beyond just personal searches. By choosing Ecosia as your default search engine, you are actively participating in a global movement to restore ecosystems and mitigate the effects of deforestation. The platform is particularly appealing to environmentally conscious individuals, educators, and organizations that want to make a difference. Furthermore, Ecosia offers a simple and effective way for users to contribute to sustainability efforts without requiring any additional time or monetary investment. Ecosia is not just a tool for searching; it is a platform for change. Users can track the number of trees planted as a result of their searches and can even see the specific projects funded by their activity. This transparency fosters a sense of community among users, who can share their contributions and encourage others to join the movement. The platform's educational content also raises awareness about the importance of trees in combating climate change, making it an excellent resource for teachers and students alike. In summary, Ecosia is a revolutionary search engine that combines technology with environmental activism. It empowers users to make a difference in the world simply by searching the web. With its commitment to sustainability, user privacy, and transparency, Ecosia stands out in the crowded market of search engines, providing a compelling alternative for those who want their online activities to contribute positively to the planet. By using Ecosia, users can feel good about their search habits, knowing that they are helping to plant trees and support global reforestation efforts.

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Ecosia Key Features

Tree Planting Initiative

Ecosia uses the revenue generated from search ads to fund tree planting projects worldwide. This feature ensures that every search contributes to reforestation efforts, helping to combat climate change and promote biodiversity. Users can track the number of trees planted through their searches, providing transparency and a sense of personal contribution.

Privacy Protection

Ecosia is committed to user privacy, not storing personal data or tracking searches. Unlike many other search engines, Ecosia does not sell user data to advertisers, ensuring a safer and more private browsing experience. This feature is particularly valuable for users concerned about online privacy and data security.

Carbon Neutral Operations

Ecosia operates on 100% renewable energy, making it a carbon-neutral search engine. By investing in solar energy, Ecosia offsets the carbon footprint of its servers, ensuring that its operations do not contribute to global warming. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond tree planting, reinforcing Ecosia's dedication to environmental responsibility.

Transparency Reports

Ecosia publishes monthly financial reports detailing how revenue is spent, specifically on tree planting projects. This transparency builds trust with users, showing exactly how their searches contribute to environmental causes. Users can see the impact of their searches, fostering a sense of accountability and engagement.

User-Friendly Interface

Ecosia offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to search the web efficiently. The design is straightforward, ensuring that users can quickly find the information they need while contributing to environmental efforts. This simplicity enhances the overall user experience, encouraging more people to use the platform.

Mobile App Availability

Ecosia provides a mobile app for both iOS and Android, allowing users to search on the go. The app offers the same privacy and environmental benefits as the desktop version, ensuring that users can contribute to tree planting initiatives from anywhere. This accessibility increases Ecosia's reach and impact.

Impact Dashboard

Ecosia features an impact dashboard that displays real-time statistics on the number of trees planted and the environmental benefits achieved. This feature allows users to visualize their contributions and understand the broader impact of their searches. The dashboard serves as a motivational tool, encouraging continued use of the platform.

Partnerships with NGOs

Ecosia collaborates with reputable NGOs to ensure that tree planting projects are effective and sustainable. These partnerships help identify areas most in need of reforestation and ensure that local communities benefit from the projects. This strategic collaboration enhances the credibility and impact of Ecosia's environmental efforts.

Ecosia Pricing Plans (2026)

Free Tier

Free /N/A
  • Unlimited searches
  • Tree planting contributions
  • Privacy protection
  • No premium features or subscriptions available

Ecosia Pros

  • + Contributes to environmental sustainability by funding tree planting projects.
  • + Offers a secure and private search experience without tracking user data.
  • + Provides transparency through regular financial reports on tree planting efforts.
  • + Delivers high-quality search results comparable to larger search engines.
  • + Includes educational resources that raise awareness about environmental issues.
  • + Fosters community engagement by allowing users to see the impact of their searches.

Ecosia Cons

  • Search results may not always be as comprehensive as those from larger competitors like Google.
  • Limited advanced search features compared to some specialized search engines.
  • The effectiveness of tree planting initiatives may vary based on project execution and local conditions.
  • Some users may experience slower search speeds compared to more established search engines.

Ecosia Use Cases

Environmentally Conscious Individuals

Individuals who are passionate about environmental sustainability use Ecosia as their primary search engine to contribute to reforestation efforts. By simply searching the web, they help plant trees and reduce their carbon footprint, aligning their online activities with their values.

Educational Institutions

Schools and universities integrate Ecosia into their digital resources to promote environmental awareness among students. By using Ecosia, educational institutions can demonstrate the impact of collective action and encourage students to engage in sustainable practices.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profits focused on environmental causes use Ecosia to support their mission without additional costs. By encouraging their members and supporters to use Ecosia, these organizations can indirectly fund tree planting projects, amplifying their impact.

Corporate Social Responsibility Programs

Companies incorporate Ecosia into their CSR initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. By using Ecosia as the default search engine, businesses can contribute to environmental efforts and enhance their corporate image.

Remote Workers and Freelancers

Remote workers and freelancers who spend significant time online use Ecosia to make a positive environmental impact during their daily activities. This use case highlights how individuals can integrate sustainability into their professional lives effortlessly.

Travel Enthusiasts

Travel enthusiasts use Ecosia to search for destinations and travel tips, knowing that their searches contribute to reforestation. This use case appeals to those who wish to offset the carbon footprint of their travels through sustainable online practices.

What Makes Ecosia Unique

Tree Planting with Every Search

Ecosia's unique model of using ad revenue to fund tree planting initiatives sets it apart from other search engines. This direct link between user activity and environmental impact is a powerful differentiator.

Commitment to Privacy

Ecosia's strong stance on privacy, including not storing personal data or tracking searches, distinguishes it from competitors who monetize user data. This commitment appeals to privacy-conscious users.

Carbon Neutral Operations

Ecosia's use of renewable energy to power its servers ensures carbon neutrality, a feature not commonly found in other search engines. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond tree planting.

Transparency and Accountability

Ecosia's monthly financial reports detailing revenue allocation provide transparency and build trust with users. This level of accountability is rare among search engines, enhancing Ecosia's credibility.

Who's Using Ecosia

Environmentally Conscious Individuals

These users choose Ecosia to align their online activities with their environmental values. They appreciate the ability to contribute to global reforestation efforts simply by using a search engine.

Educational Institutions

Schools and universities use Ecosia to teach students about sustainability and the power of collective action. By integrating Ecosia into their digital resources, they promote environmental awareness and responsibility.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profits focused on environmental issues use Ecosia to support their mission without incurring additional costs. By encouraging their network to use Ecosia, they can indirectly fund tree planting projects.

Corporate Entities

Businesses incorporate Ecosia into their CSR programs to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. By using Ecosia as the default search engine, they contribute to environmental efforts and enhance their corporate image.

How We Rate Ecosia

7.9
Overall Score
Overall, Ecosia is a compelling choice for users looking to make an environmental impact while searching the web.
Ease of Use
9.1
Value for Money
8
Performance
8.9
Support
6.7
Accuracy & Reliability
7.2
Privacy & Security
8.3
Features
8.3
Integrations
7.9
Customization
6.9

Ecosia vs Competitors

Ecosia vs Forest

Forest is a mobile app that encourages users to stay focused by planting virtual trees, which can be converted into real trees through their partnerships. While both Ecosia and Forest promote tree planting, Ecosia focuses on web searches, while Forest emphasizes productivity.

Advantages
  • + Encourages focus and productivity
  • + Gamifies tree planting experience
Considerations
  • Forest excels in user engagement through gamification, whereas Ecosia provides a straightforward search engine experience.

Ecosia Frequently Asked Questions (2026)

What is Ecosia?

Ecosia is a search engine that uses its ad revenue to fund tree planting initiatives around the world.

How much does Ecosia cost in 2026?

Ecosia remains free to use, with no hidden costs.

Is Ecosia free?

Yes, Ecosia is completely free to use for all users.

Is Ecosia worth it?

Ecosia is worth it for those who want to contribute to environmental sustainability while searching the web.

Ecosia vs alternatives?

Ecosia stands out due to its commitment to tree planting, while alternatives may not have the same environmental focus.

How does Ecosia fund tree planting?

Ecosia uses the revenue generated from ads displayed during searches to fund tree planting projects.

Can I track how many trees I've helped plant?

Yes, Ecosia provides users with information on the number of trees planted as a result of their searches.

Does Ecosia sell my data?

No, Ecosia does not sell user data or track searches.

Is the search quality comparable to Google?

While Ecosia provides relevant results, it may not always match Google's depth and breadth of information.

What types of trees does Ecosia plant?

Ecosia plants a variety of trees based on local ecological needs and conditions.

Ecosia Search Interest

37
/ 100
↑ Rising

Search interest over past 12 months (Google Trends) • Updated 2/2/2026

Ecosia on Hacker News

74
Stories
2,638
Points
1,366
Comments

VS Code Extension

274
Installs
5.0
1 reviews

Ecosia Company

Founded
2009
17.1+ years active

Ecosia Quick Info

Pricing
Free
Upvotes
0
Added
January 18, 2026

Ecosia Is Best For

  • Environmentally conscious individuals
  • Students and educators
  • Businesses focused on sustainability
  • Non-profit organizations
  • General public seeking alternative search engines

Ecosia Integrations

Google ChromeFirefoxSafariMicrosoft EdgeMobile apps for iOS and Android

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