Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Kagi · 🛠️ dev tools
Kagi vs SearXNG
Self-hostable metasearch engine that aggregates results from 270+ sources without tracking or profiling users, with optional JavaScript and Tor support. Here is how SearXNG ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Kagi ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
SearXNG is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Kagi. Switching from Kagi ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Kagi.
SearXNG
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Kagi vs SearXNG Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Kagi (Paid) | SearXNG (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 39.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Kagi to SearXNG
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Kagi.
How to deploy SearXNG
Clone https://github.com/searxng/searxng or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork SearXNG instead of vibe-coding a Kagi clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Kagi or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 1 battle-tested open-source alternatives like SearXNG.
Kagi vs SearXNG FAQ
Is SearXNG a good free alternative to Kagi?+
Yes. SearXNG is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Kagi. Self-hostable metasearch engine that aggregates results from 270+ sources without tracking or profiling users, with optional JavaScript and Tor support.
What is the catch when switching from Kagi to SearXNG?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Kagi.
How much do you save switching from Kagi to SearXNG?+
Kagi costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas SearXNG is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host SearXNG instead of Kagi?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/searxng/searxng or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
