DuckDuckGo just made its subscription far more tempting.
The privacy-focused search company now bundles access to advanced AI models — including GPT-5 and Claude 4 — with its $9.99 per month plan, raising the stakes against rivals like Poe and ChatGPT Plus.
Key Takeaways
- DuckDuckGo adds GPT-5 and Claude 4 to its subscription tier.
- Plan costs $9.99/month and bundles VPN, ID protection, AI.
- Free tier still offers GPT-4o mini, Claude Haiku, and Llama 4.
- Duck.ai provides access without linking directly to Big Tech.
- Rival Poe charges $5+ for similar multi-model access.
DuckDuckGo now includes GPT-5, Claude 4 Sonnet, and Meta’s Llama Maverick in its $9.99 subscription plan. The package also covers VPN, identity theft protection, and data removal services. Free users still get smaller models like GPT-4o mini, but the paid plan offers deeper, more private access to cutting-edge AI systems.
DuckDuckGo Expands Its Subscription With AI Heavyweights
DuckDuckGo, the privacy-first tech company best known for its search engine, has upgraded its paid subscription bundle to include some of the world’s most advanced AI models. The move, announced Thursday, puts OpenAI’s GPT-5, Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4, and Meta’s Llama Maverick directly into the hands of subscribers at no extra cost.
The $9.99 per month plan already covered VPN service, personal data removal, and identity theft restoration. Now, AI access joins the mix — potentially shifting the value equation for privacy-conscious users seeking multi-model access outside of traditional Big Tech platforms.
🚨 New Subscription Feature 🚨
— DuckDuckGo (@DuckDuckGo) September 4, 2025
Our subscription now unlocks premium AI models like GPT-5 and Claude 4 Sonnet in https://t.co/gZKADER7S8 at no extra cost (along with our VPN, Personal Info Removal and ID Theft Restoration)! ✨
Learn more 👇https://t.co/kMAgWpkJFH pic.twitter.com/iFB97qTvC2
Free Tier Still Offers Lightweight Models
For those not ready to pay, DuckDuckGo continues offering its Duck.ai chatbot for free. That tier includes lighter, faster models such as OpenAI’s GPT-4o mini, Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Haiku, Meta’s Llama 4 Scout, and Mistral AI’s Mistral Small 3 24B.
These free models excel at short-form queries and casual chats, while the paid versions promise richer, context-aware conversations.
Why DuckDuckGo Is Leaning Into AI
The company frames the update as a natural extension of its mission. “These bigger models are better at following detailed instructions, maintaining context through extended chats, and delivering deeper, more nuanced responses,” DuckDuckGo wrote in its announcement. “The subscription offers a way to use some of these models, but with more privacy.”
That last point may prove crucial. Unlike using AI chatbots directly on platforms run by OpenAI, Anthropic, or Meta, DuckDuckGo serves as an intermediary, reducing direct data ties between the user and large AI providers.
Competitive Pressure From Poe and Others
DuckDuckGo is not alone in the multi-model race. Quora’s Poe platform offers access to a variety of chatbots, starting at $5 per month, while OpenAI’s own ChatGPT Plus costs $20.
By undercutting ChatGPT Plus and bundling privacy services, DuckDuckGo positions itself as a value-driven alternative for global users who care about both cutting-edge AI and online anonymity.
What Happens Next
DuckDuckGo confirmed it plans to add even larger models under higher-tier subscription packages in the future. The company did not clarify whether usage limits will apply to the current plan, leaving some uncertainty for heavy users.
With AI adoption accelerating worldwide, DuckDuckGo’s bet is clear: offer access to the best models, but wrap them in a shield of privacy and convenience.
Conclusion
For $9.99 per month, DuckDuckGo users now get AI firepower once locked behind pricier subscriptions. In a crowded AI marketplace, its privacy-first spin could become a compelling differentiator — and a wake-up call for competitors.