The search engine that plants trees where people need them most

Ecosia for Chrome

Ecosia for Chrome

  -  Freeware
  • Latest Version

    Ecosia - Browse to plant trees LATEST

  • Review by

    Juan Garcia

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Ecosia GmbH / External Link

Ecosia for Chrome is a free search engine alternative that can be accessed in any modern internet browser via a simple-to-install plugin. The main attraction of this search engine is that its revenue generation is utilized to plant trees around the globe, empowering internet users to potentially remove up to one kilogram of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with their every search.
  • 20 Million People using this search engine
  • 900+ Native species
  • 35+ Countries
  • 70+ Active projects


With this simple approach, developers of this unique app and service have enabled anyone to become more ecologically aware of the impact modern technology and internet services can directly tackle the issues of sustainability and climate change.

The founders of this project are proud to note that according to its current pace of usage, they are able to plant a new tree with funds collected from just 45 searchers. As of early 2024, this search engine alternative has been responsible for planting almost 190 million trees at over 9 thousand planting sites worldwide. The service has attracted over 20 million active users, with many more projected to join over the following years, helping Ecosia to stay CO2 positive, transparent, and evolving.

To get the Ecosia Desktop app up and running on any modern PC, users are required to download and install the incredibly small add-on for internet browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Vivaldi. After the installation is complete, the user's main search engine will be automatically configured to use the service, and their tab start page will be customized to enable anyone to plant trees with every search. The search engine can handle all types of searchers, including categories such as images, videos, news, and maps, with listing filters and even more options.

It takes care of its customers by not exploiting their goodwill. It does not save users searchers, it does not track users’ activity, and absolutely does not sell any type of data to 3rd party advertisers, data brokers, or tracking services.  Everyone has the ability to access transparent monthly financial statements of Ecosia organization, enabling them to see where the money that is generated by its users Is being spent on.

Ecosia is 100%FREE and can be used on any modern or legacy PC that can run updated versions of internet browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Vivaldi.

Main Features

Eco-Friendly Search: Ecosia's primary feature is its commitment to reforesting the planet. Every time you search the web, it uses a significant portion of its ad revenue to plant trees. Users can track their tree-planting contributions through a dedicated counter on the interface.

Privacy and Security: It values user privacy and uses end-to-end encryption for search queries. It also doesn't sell your data to advertisers, ensuring a secure and private browsing experience.

Fast and Accurate Results: It delivers search results quickly, powered by Bing's search engine. It provides accurate and relevant information, making it a reliable choice for your daily web searches.

User-Friendly Interface: Ecosia's user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. It resembles popular search engines, making the transition seamless for users.

Customizable Settings: Users can personalize their Ecosia experience by setting it as their default search engine, changing the default language, and configuring search preferences.

Browser Extensions: It offers browser extensions for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, making it effortless to integrate into your daily browsing routine.

How to Use
  • Open your web browser.
  • Type your search query into the search bar.
  • Hit "Enter" or click the search icon.
  • Browse through the search results displayed.
FAQ

How does Ecosia make money?
It generates revenue through ads displayed alongside search results. A significant portion of this revenue is then used to fund tree-planting projects.

Can I use Ecosia on my mobile device?
Yes, it offers mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, ensuring that you can contribute to tree planting even on the go.

How many trees does Ecosia plant?
It has already planted millions of trees across the world and continues to increase its impact. You can track the number of trees planted in real-time on their website.

Is Ecosia as effective as other search engines?
Ecosia's search results are powered by Bing, which is known for its accuracy. In terms of search results, it is on par with other leading search engines.

Can I trust Ecosia with my data?
It takes privacy seriously and uses encryption to protect user data. They also have a strict policy against selling user information to advertisers.

Pricing

Ecosia is completely FREE to use. There are no subscription fees or premium versions. You can contribute to the reforestation efforts simply by searching the web.

PROS
  • Environmentally friendly mission.
  • Secure and private browsing.
  • Fast and accurate search results.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • No cost to the user.
CONS
  • May not have some advanced features found in other search engines.
Conclusion

Ecosia is a commendable piece of PC software that combines the convenience of a search engine with a strong commitment to environmental conservation. By simply using Ecosia for your web searches, you can contribute to reforesting the planet and combatting deforestation. Its user-friendly interface, privacy features, and fast search results make it a viable alternative to other search engines.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its competitors, its mission to save the environment sets it apart. If you're looking to make a positive impact on the planet without sacrificing your search experience, Ecosia for Chrome is an excellent choice. Give it a try, and start searching the web with a purpose.