Best SafeSearch Engines: Which One Should You Use?

In my last article, I covered Google SafeSearch — how it works and how well it filters explicit content. But how does it compare to other safe search engines?

Now, I’ll break down Google SafeSearch alternatives like Bing SafeSearch, DuckDuckGo SafeSearch settings, and Norton SafeSearch, so you can decide which one fits your browsing needs best.

Which Filters Content Better? Google SafeSearch or Bing SafeSearch

Both Google SafeSearch and Bing SafeSearch aim to block inappropriate content, but they work differently. Google SafeSearch filters adult, violent, and gory material, making it a well-rounded option. Bing SafeSearch, on the other hand, focuses mainly on blocking adult content, which means it may still show violent or disturbing images.

Since many people are looking for Google SafeSearch alternatives, I’m here to break down how Bing SafeSearch vs. Google SafeSearch compares and which one might work best for you.

1Bing SafeSearch vs Google SafeSearch Key Functions

While both search engines are designed to create a family-friendly browsing experience, their filtering mechanisms are different. Google SafeSearch removes adult material, violent content, and graphic images, making it the better option for comprehensive content filtering. Bing SafeSearch, however, mainly blocks adult content, meaning some violent images may still appear.

So, if your priority is removing all explicit and violent content, Google SafeSearch is the stronger choice. But if you only need adult content filtering, Bing SafeSearch is still effective.

2Bing SafeSearch vs Google SafeSearch Filtering Levels

Both Google SafeSearch and Bing SafeSearch settings provide three levels of filtering: Strict, Moderate and Off. However, they aren’t exactly the same.

Bing SafeSearch settings include:

• Strict – Completely removes explicit text, images, videos, and web pages.
• Moderate (Default Setting) – Filters explicit images and videos but allows explicit text results.
• Off – Displays all search results with no restrictions.

Google SafeSearch settings work similarly but also filter violent and gory content, while Bing focuses primarily on adult material.

For both search engines, SafeSearch won’t turn off for users under 18 with a Microsoft or Google account. In some regions, such as China and Iran, SafeSearch settings are locked, so users can’t change them even if they want to.

3Ease of Control

So, which one is simpler to use? If you want a SafeSearch engine that’s easy to adjust, Google SafeSearch wins. You can change Google SafeSearch settings directly from the search page, making it quick and convenient.

With Bing SafeSearch, adjusting settings requires extra steps. If you’re using Moderate or Strict mode, you can change Bing SafeSearch settings from the search results page. But if you switch SafeSearch Off, you have to manually go into Bing Settings to turn it back on. Plus, Bing requires users to save changes, while Google updates instantly.

For parents, schools, or workplaces managing SafeSearch restrictions, Google SafeSearch is more user-friendly thanks to its instant updates and simpler controls.

🏆Winner: Google SafeSearch

4Filtering Mechanism

Similar to Google SafeSearch, Bing SafeSearch uses the following filtering mechanisms to block inappropriate content:

• AI-based Classifiers for SafeSearch

To prevent explicit content from appearing in Bing search results, Microsoft uses AI-powered classifiers. These classifiers analyze search queries and web content in real time, flagging anything that might be inappropriate. The system relies on metaprompting, a technique that helps filter out harmful content before it appears in search results.

• Microsoft Photo DNA for Child Protection 

This tool helps detect and remove child exploitation material, including erotic and violent images. PhotoDNA works by creating a digital fingerprint (hash) of an image and comparing it against a database of known harmful content. If a match is found, Bing automatically removes the image from search results, ensuring that such content never reaches users.

• Users Feedback:

Both Google SafeSearch and Bing rel on user feedback to refine its filtering process. When users report explicit or inappropriate search results, Microsoft reviews the content and updates Bing SafeSearch filters accordingly. Once flagged, the content is blocked from appearing in future searches.

• Effectiveness of Filtering

So, how effective Is Bing SafeSearch compared to Google SafeSearch? Well, I tested both Bing SafeSearch and Google SafeSearch using the strictest settings to compare their effectiveness. While Google SafeSearch scored a 7 out of 10, Bing SafeSearch performed slightly better for adult content filtering.

• Filtering Adult Content

Is Bing SafeSearch stricter than Google SafeSearch? When it comes to filtering adult content, Bing SafeSearch in Strict mode is far more effective than Google SafeSearch. With Strict filtering enabled, Bing removes all explicit web pages, images, and videos, whereas Google SafeSearch, even with its highest filter setting, still displays some text-based results containing erotic content.

For example, when I searched for explicit terms, Bing SafeSearch with Strict mode blocked all results, while Google still displayed certain webpages.

Even more noticeably, when testing Pornhub, Bing, Norton SafeSearch, and DuckDuckGo all blocked access to the homepage, while Google SafeSearch, despite having the Filter on, still allowed entry.

🏆Winner: Bing SafeSearch

5Can Bing SafeSearch filter violent or gory content?

Unlike Google, Bing SafeSearch doesn’t specifically claim to filter violent or gory content, but I found that it does block some extremely gory images.

When I searched for “murder scene” using the strictest SafeSearch settings, Bing removed all violent images from search results, but still displayed text-based results and links to graphic content. Meanwhile, Google SafeSearch blocked most websites containing violent material but still displayed some gory images in search results.

🏆Winner: Draw

My testing showed that Bing SafeSearch is better at filtering violent images, while Google SafeSearch is better at blocking violent websites.

Is Google SafeSearch Better than Norton SafeSearch?

If you're looking for the best SafeSearch engines, both Google SafeSearch and Norton SafeSearch are two top choices. While both filter content, Norton SafeSearch goes beyond by blocking malicious sites and online threats. With over 20 million users, it’s a strong Google SafeSearch alternative, but how does it compare?

1Key Functions

How does Norton SafeSearch work? Unlike Google SafeSearch, which filters adult and violent content, Norton SafeSearch also blocks phishing and malware-infected sites. Acting as a mix of Google SafeSearch and Google Safe Browsing, it ensures a safer browsing experience.

If you’re exploring Google SafeSearch and Google Safe Browsing alternatives, Norton SafeSearch is ideal if you’re concerned about both content filtering and online security.

2Filtering Levels

Unlike other SafeSearches, Norton SafeSearch does not have a varying filter level. Once you start Norton SafeSearch, it will enforce a single, strict filtering standard on your search results. And Norton SafeSearch is integrated into its independent parental control app -- Norton Family.

3Ease of Control

How easy Is Norton SafeSearch to use? Unlike Google SafeSearch or Bing SafeSearch, where settings need adjustment, Norton SafeSearch is automatically enabled. Simply visit search.norton.com to turn it on or off—no complicated settings required.

🏆Winner: Norton SafeSearch

4Filtering Mechanism

While Google SafeSearch focuses on blocking adult and violent content, Norton SafeSearch also protects users from malware, phishing sites, and other online threats. But how exactly does it work? The filtering approach of Norton SafeSearch differs from Google SafeSearch alternatives. Powered by Norton Safe Web, it relies on multiple security layers to detect threats and block unsafe content. Its combination of content filtering and cybersecurity protection makes Norton SafeSearch a powerful option for users looking beyond traditional SafeSearch filtering. Here’s how it works:

• Signature-Based File Scanning: 

Every time you search, Norton SafeSearch scans websites and compares them to a massive malware database. If a website has been flagged as dangerous due to hosting viruses, phishing scams, or malicious downloads, it is automatically blocked from your search results. This method ensures that only safe and trusted websites appear, making Norton SafeSearch a powerful option in any SafeSearch engine comparison.

• Intrusion Detection Engines 

While Google SafeSearch and Bing SafeSearch settings focus primarily on content filtering, Norton SafeSearch actively monitors network activity. It looks for suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized access attempts, unusual traffic patterns, or attempts to install hidden malware. If a site tries to steal login details, push harmful ads, or hijack browser settings, Norton SafeSearch immediately blocks access before it can cause harm.

• Behavioral Detection 

Norton SafeSearch actively monitors network activity. It looks for suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized access attempts, unusual traffic patterns, or attempts to install hidden malware. If a site tries to steal login details, push harmful ads, or hijack browser settings, Norton SafeSearch immediately blocks access before it can cause harm.

5Effectiveness of Filtering

I tested and compared both Norton SafeSearch and Google SafeSearch using the same explicit and gory search terms to see which one offered stronger filtering.The outcome was interesting.

How Well Does Norton SafeSearch Filter Adult Content?

When I searched for "blow job" on both search engines, and Google SafeSearch and Norton SafeSearch successfully removed explicit text-based results, showing only educational content. However, when it came to videos, Google SafeSearch completely blocked pornographic results, while Norton SafeSearch still allowed access to some explicit videos.

🏆Winner: Google SafeSearch

Does Norton SafeSearch Block Violent or Gory Content?

When I used the term "murder scene," both SafeSearch engines blocked violent websites, ensuring safer browsing. However, Google SafeSearch still displayed some graphic images, while Norton SafeSearch was better at filtering gory visuals, especially in videos.

🏆Winner: Norton SafeSearch

Is Google SafeSearch Better than DuckDuckGo?

DuckDuckGo SafeSearch is a well-known option among the best SafeSearch engines, offering privacy-focused search filtering that many users prefer. With over 70 million users as of 2021, it’s often considered one of the top Google SafeSearch alternatives. Here’s the comparison.

1DuckDuckGo Key Functions

Unlike Google SafeSearch, DuckDuckGo SafeSearch strictly focuses on adult content but does not block violent or gory material. This makes it similar to Bing SafeSearch, but with the added advantage of not tracking user data or search history.

If you prioritize privacy over strict filtering, DuckDuckGo SafeSearch is a solid choice. However, it lacks the comprehensive filtering capabilities found in other SafeSearch engine comparisons.

2Filtering Levels

Like Google SafeSearch, DuckDuckGo SafeSearch offers three filtering levels—Strict, Moderate, and Off. However, DuckDuckGo provides additional technical options for enforcing strict filtering. For example, users can enable SafeSearch by searching via safe.duckduckgo.com or adding &kp=1 to the search URL.

3Ease of Control

How simple is it to Adjust DuckDuckGo SafeSearch? Just like Google SafeSearch, DuckDuckGo SafeSearch settings can be easily adjusted in the search settings or directly within the drop-down menu on the results page. However, there are some limitations users should be aware of.

If you are searching through safe.duckduckgo.com, the Strict filter may be automatically enforced, meaning you cannot turn off SafeSearch under that domain. This restriction can make DuckDuckGo less flexible for users who want more control over filtering options.

🏆Winner: Draw

4Filtering Mechanism

How does DuckDuckGo block content? It employs a content detection algorithm similar to Google SafeSearch alternatives, analyzing text, metadata, and images in real time to identify and block any explicit content.

• AI-Based Content Filtering

DuckDuckGo’s algorithm scans search queries and website data to determine whether content is inappropriate.

• Users Feedback:

Like Google SafeSearch and Bing SafeSearch, DuckDuckGo allows users to report explicit content. Reported results are reviewed and, if necessary, filtered out to improve accuracy.

5Effectiveness of Filtering

After testing both Google SafeSearch and DuckDuckGo SafeSearch, I can say DuckDuckGo is a strong competitor. But does it outperform Google when it comes to blocking explicit content? Let's break it down.

Filtering Adult Content

When I searched for "blow job", DuckDuckGo SafeSearch completely removed all explicit results, including webpages, images, and videos. Google SafeSearch also filtered most inappropriate content, but I still came across a non-explicit yet suggestive image. Thus, DuckDuckGo SafeSearch is better in filtering adult content.

🏆Winner: DuckDuckGo SafeSearch

However, DuckDuckGo SafeSearch tends to over-filter. For example, when I looked up "Eroticism of the 19th Century," it blocked all results, even those that were educational and historical. Google SafeSearch, on the other hand, was more selective, filtering out only explicit content while keeping relevant educational material.

Filtering Violent or Gory Content

Here, Google SafeSearch wins. When I searched for "murder scene," DuckDuckGo SafeSearch still displayed graphic images and websites, while Google filtered out most violent content. Even Bing SafeSearch does a better job at blocking gory visuals, as it actively hides disturbing images.

🏆Winner: Google SafeSearch

Which SafeSearch Should You Use?

Your choice of SafeSearch engine depends on your priorities.

💡If blocking adult content is key, Bing SafeSearch and DuckDuckGo SafeSearch are solid options, with DuckDuckGo ensuring privacy by not tracking searches. However, its strict filtering may block useful educational content.

💡For filtering violent or gory content, Google SafeSearch and Norton SafeSearch perform better. Google balances filtering with accuracy, while Norton adds extra security by blocking malware and phishing sites, making it ideal for comprehensive online safety.

No SafeSearch is perfect, so pairing it with parental controls or security tools ensures a safer browsing experience.

Having trouble with Google SafeSearch locked settings? Next, I’ll explain why SafeSearch won’t turn off and how to unlock Google SafeSearch settings for more control. Stay tuned!