Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How much does it cost to build an app like

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like DuckDuckGo?

Scrums.com is revolutionizing the way growth companies scale their engineering teams. Our platform offers access to top-notch remote software engineering teams at an affordable subscription price.

Get started
Tick box
World-class development teams
Cube icon
Flexible subscriptions
How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like DuckDuckGo?
SovTech UK software development
SovTech UK icon clock
statistics

Don't take our word for it

The stats are in our favour. Scrums.com doesn't just help you with your software development teams, we get you results that last.
95%
Sprint completion
82
Net promoter Score
1,200+
Projects delivered
13
Years of software specialistion
SovTech UK software development
SovTech-UK-Leading-Software-Development
SovTech graphic leaf
pricing

How much does it cost to build an app?

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like DuckDuckGo?

App Feature 01
App Feature 02
App Feature 03
App Feature 04
App Feature 05
App Feature 06
Get in touch
Arrow
App development

Develop Credibility and Trust

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Building a custom app can boost your brand's trust and credibility, ultimately benefiting your business in the long run. We will discuss the following topics:

1. Reputation Management
2. Customer Support and Engagement
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
4. Demonstrating Social Responsibility

A well-made custom app can dramatically improve your brand's marketability and reputation. A trustworthy app will show that you are dedicated to providing top-notch goods and services. As a result of knowing they can rely on you, your clients and business partners will have more faith in you.

A custom app also strengthens your brand identification by demonstrating your professionalism and attention to detail.

Customer Support and Engagement
Blue plus sign

A custom app enables you to offer personalized customer support and engagement, helping you address the unique needs and pain points of your African target market. 

By incorporating in-app support features, such as chatbots, help centres, or direct communication channels, you can provide timely assistance to your users, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. 

This level of support also encourages users to share their positive experiences with others, further boosting your brand's credibility.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Blue plus sign

You may get useful user data through custom app creation, giving you insights into user behavior and preferences. You may improve your app and broader business strategy by studying this data and making wise decisions.

Delivering a more individualized experience for your users is made possible by a data-driven strategy. This helps to increase their faith in your brand and ultimately ensures that they will stay visiting.

Demonstrating Social Responsibility
Blue plus sign

Putting money into a customized app that caters to your target market's needs demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility.

You can showcase your brand's dedication to having a beneficial influence by developing an app that takes into account regional difficulties, environmental issues, or social issues that are pertinent to your audience.

This thoughtful approach to app creation not only strengthens the integrity of your brand, but it also appeals to customers who value companies with a clear sense of mission.

Custom App development

Benefits of Custom App Development

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Imagine custom app development as an expert chef crafting a personalised menu for their restaurant. Just as a meticulously planned and executed meal can leave diners with a memorable culinary experience, a custom app is specifically designed to cater to your business's distinct needs and objectives, leaving a lasting impression on your users. 

Investing in custom app development offers several advantages, including:

  1. Improved user experience
  2. Increased efficiency
  3. Competitive advantage
  4. Higher profitability
  5. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
  6. Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability
Improved user experience
Blue plus sign

A custom app allows you to create an interface that is tailored to your target audience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. By focusing on the preferences and expectations of your users, you can craft an app that not only meets their needs but also delights them with personalized features and intuitive navigation.The best part? If you develop an app that your users love, you ensure that they keep coming back for more and turn them into lifelong customers.

Custom apps can be designed to streamline business processes and boost productivity. By automating repetitive tasks, integrating with existing systems, and providing real-time data access, custom apps empower your team to work more efficiently and make informed decisions quickly, just like a well-tailored suit that enables effortless movement and comfort.

A unique app helps you stand out from the competition and attract more customers. In a world where off-the-shelf solutions are abundant, a custom mobile app acts as a distinctive and exclusive suit that sets you apart in the crowd, showcasing your brand's personality and commitment to providing a superior experience.

A well-designed app can generate increased revenue and improve customer retention. By offering a memorable and engaging user experience, your custom app encourages users to continue using your services and make purchases. It's akin to wearing a sharp, tailored suit that not only grabs attention but also instils trust and confidence in your brand, ultimately resulting in increased profitability.

Custom app development enables seamless integration with your existing systems and third-party applications. This ensures a smooth flow of data between various platforms, enhancing communication and collaboration within your organization. The ability to integrate effortlessly is like having a versatile tool that easily connects and works in harmony with other components in your business ecosystem.

As your business evolves, a custom app can be easily modified or expanded to accommodate changing requirements and market trends. This adaptability is like having a dynamic strategy that can be adjusted and fine-tuned to suit your business's changing needs, ensuring continued relevance and success in an ever-changing environment.The benefits don’t just stop there though. If you want to build trust and credibility with your customers, a custom app is a great way to do so.

App development

Pivoting and Iterating

Investing in custom app development can be expensive, but being open to pivoting and iterating based on market feedback is crucial to ensure long-term success. By adapting your app to the ever-changing needs and preferences of your target market, you can stay ahead of the competition, increase user satisfaction, and maximize your return on investment.

Encourage users to provide feedback and reviews, which will help you identify pain points and areas for improvement. By addressing these concerns, you demonstrate your commitment to serving the unique needs of your users, enhancing your app's credibility and increasing user satisfaction. Tools like in-app surveys, app store reviews, or social media can be used to gather feedback and gauge user sentiment.

Iterate Based on User Data
Blue plus sign

Analyze user behaviour and engagement data to understand how your app is being used and identify potential bottlenecks or areas of friction. By making data-driven decisions, you can prioritize improvements and new features that will resonate with your audience, maximizing the impact of your development budget and efforts.

As you adapt your app based on market feedback, be prepared to allocate resources for ongoing updates and improvements. While this may increase your app's overall cost, the benefits include increased user satisfaction, reduced churn, and ultimately, higher long-term profitability. Regular updates also demonstrate your commitment to delivering a high-quality app experience tailored to your users' needs.

Adopt a flexible, agile development methodology that enables prompt iteration and change in response to market feedback.

Your app will stay relevant and helpful to your target market if you are receptive to user needs and can swiftly pivot and make adjustments.

By prioritizing products and enhancements that have the greatest impact, an agile methodology can also assist you in managing development expenses more successfully.

While it's essential to iterate and adapt your app based on user feedback, it's also crucial to balance this with innovation and forward-thinking. Continuously explore new technologies, trends, and market opportunities to ensure your app stays ahead of the curve and caters to the evolving needs of your user base. By striking the right balance between adaptation and innovation, you can maintain a competitive edge and secure long-term success for your app.

App development

The Importance of UX and UI

Creating an outstanding user experience and design is crucial for a successful app. A well-designed app should be visually appealing, intuitive, and user-friendly.

  1. Consistency: Consistent design elements throughout the app, such as typography, colours, and button styles, create a unified look and feel. This consistency reduces the cognitive load on users, helping them navigate your app with ease and understand its functionality more quickly.
  2. Simplicity: A simple and uncluttered interface reduces distractions and makes it easier for users to focus on the tasks at hand. Strive for a minimalistic design by eliminating unnecessary elements, using whitespace effectively, and prioritizing essential features.
  3. Feedback: Providing feedback, such as visual cues and confirmation messages, helps users understand the results of their actions. This can include animations for button clicks, success messages for completed tasks, or error messages when something goes wrong. Clear feedback enhances user satisfaction and encourages continued use of your app.
  1. Understand your target audience: Research your users' demographics, needs, preferences, and behaviours to tailor your app to their expectations. Conduct surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather insights that help shape your app's features and design.
  2. Use clear navigation: Intuitive navigation is essential for a positive user experience. Implement well-organized menus, easily accessible search functions, and recognizable icons to help users find their way around your app effortlessly.
  3. Optimize for performance: Fast loading times and smooth performance are critical for user engagement. Optimize your app's code, reduce file sizes, and use efficient algorithms to ensure your app runs quickly and seamlessly on various devices.
The Impact of Good Design on App Adoption and Retention
Blue plus sign

Higher app adoption rates and greater client retention result from spending money on excellent design and user experience. A well-designed app has a higher likelihood of being passed along by users and being used again, which leads to better ratings, word-of-mouth advertising, and long-term success.

App development

Security Considerations for App Development

In today's interconnected digital world, app security is paramount. We take a look at some vital security considerations.

The Privacy Act of 1974 is the primary privacy regulation in America that regulates the sharing of data. The Privacy Act governs how federal agencies may gather, utilize, and disclose personal information. Individuals are given specific rights under it, including the ability to access and update their personal information, and federal agencies are required to protect such data from illegal disclosure.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for health information, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) for financial information, and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for children's online data are just a few federal laws that deal with privacy and data sharing in addition to the Privacy Act. Additionally, each state has its own privacy laws that could offer additional protections.

Keep up with the latest security threats and best practices, such as incorporating multi-factor authentication, securing APIs, and using secure coding practices. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify potential weaknesses and protect your app from emerging threats.

Working with Trusted Vendors
Blue plus sign

Select a reputable development partner with a proven track record in security best practices, like Scrums. A reliable vendor will prioritize security throughout the development process and help you build a secure app that meets industry standards and best practices.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

How much does it cost to build an app?
Blue plus sign
testimonials

Don't take our word for it

Hear it from global businesses like yours
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Scale Your Development Team
Faster With Scrums.com
Get in touch and let's get started
Book a Demo
Tick
Cost-effective
Tick
Reliable
Tick
Scalable
Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like DuckDuckGo?

Explore how platform compatibility, privacy features, and compliance affect DuckDuckGo app development costs in the U.S.
How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like... Hero Image
Reliability

95%

Quality user stories into production rate

Happy customers

82

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Consistent delivery

1,200+

Successful projects delivered

Work with experts

13

Years of software specialisation

Introduction

DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine and app that has gained considerable traction in the U.S. by offering the ability for users to browse and search the web without being tracked. Apps like DuckDuckGo need to prioritize user privacy, enhanced security features, and compliance with strict data protection laws like CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) and GDPR. Building a similar privacy-centric app involves significantly higher development costs because of these hard-to-implement privacy guarantees.

Developing an app like DuckDuckGo poses unique challenges compared to other app types. Most notably, handling secure search queries, anonymizing the user experience, and developing performance-driven search algorithms that translate privacy principles into tangible features are difficult and resource-heavy.

In this article, we'll break down the various factors influencing the app development cost for building a DuckDuckGo-like app, from platform compatibility and privacy control to advanced security measures. Understanding these factors will help you budget effectively while also keeping in mind the distinctive nuances of developing a mobile-first, privacy-centric search app for U.S. users.

Platform and Device Compatibility

Developing an app like Duckduckgo requires a lot more than just platform compatibility for mobile; many functionalities and support systems must ensure the smooth working of privacy features across devices and operating systems.

iOS and Android Development

In the U.S., both iOS and Android dominate the mobile market, each with distinctly different ecosystems. iOS users have a higher concern for privacy, especially given Apple's clear positioning on user privacy in the U.S. Therefore, your app needs to conform not only to Apple's App Store Guidelines but also to the stringent privacy expectations of iOS users. On the other hand, Android covers a bigger global footprint, with U.S. users still constituting a significant portion. Developing for Android requires handling a fragmented ecosystem, with various OS versions and device capabilities, which often increases testing and optimization costs.

If you’re planning to cover both platforms, native development will ensure optimal performance but at a higher development cost. Key functionalities like secure browsing and tracker blockers need device-optimized coding, especially when working with browser plug-ins or system-wide privacy settings.

Explore Custom Android AppDevelopment and Custom iOS App Development services.

Cross-Platform Development

To cut development costs, you might consider developing the app using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native. A shared codebase between iOS and Android can reduce the initial outlay; however, certain native privacy features, like Apple's Private Relay or Android's device-level privacy settings, require platform-specific configurations, which will need further customization despite the cost-saving benefits of cross-platform tools.

Desktop and Browser Extensions

Though DuckDuckGo gained prominence for its mobile app, it also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and others. If developing a DuckDuckGo-like app, you may want to extend your platform to the desktop through apps for Windows, Mac and browser extensions. Browser extensions add another layer of development but dramatically increase user access and visibility—especially on desktop devices where privacy concerns are paramount.

Basic Features
Plus icon
Intermediate Features
Plus icon
Advanced Features
Plus icon
Looking for the most value for money app development?
Join over 400+ companies already growing with Scrums.com.

Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

Design and user experience (UX/UI) play a critical role in retaining users, especially for a privacy-focused app like DuckDuckGo. Users need to feel that they are in control of their privacy without going through complicated setups.

Minimalist and Privacy-First Design

Privacy-focused consumers in the U.S. expect a clean, minimalist UI that prioritizes functionality over flashy designs. The onboarding process should clearly explain how your app protects user privacy while maintaining ease of use. Given that the target user base is privacy-conscious, design elements like privacy toggles, incognito mode branding, and privacy dashboards are critical to educating and building trust. Overcomplicating the design can alienate users, so frictionless navigation between privacy settings and search functionalities is key.

Focus on Performance and Speed

U.S. users expect a fast and smooth user experience, especially when performing searches or loading web pages. Given DuckDuckGo's selling point is both privacy and speed, design choices should focus on reducing loading times for both search results and webpage content. Built-in features like private browsing and ad-blocking can slow down page loading times if not optimized, meaning you’ll need a performance-centric UI design to balance both privacy and speed.

Mobile-First Design

In the U.S. market, most users will interact with privacy-focused apps via mobile devices, so your design should be mobile-first. Mobile devices offer smaller screen real estate , which means quick access to search functions via simple gestures or swipes should be built into the UX. The “Pull to Search” mechanism used in DuckDuckGo simplifies this process and should be considered when developing mobile-based search functionality.

While investing in an optimal design increases upfront development costs, retaining privacy-focused users depends on a clean, user-friendly interface that both serves their needs and boosts app retention.

Read more about Responsive Design for Mobile First Success.

Integrations with Third-Party Services or External Systems

To fully develop an app like Duckduckgo, you’ll need extensive third-party integrations that cover everything from search engine functionality to added security layers.

Secure and Anonymous Search Partner Integrations

DuckDuckGo partners with search data providers like Bing, Yandex, and Wolfram Alpha to furnish search functionality while maintaining anonymity. If you want to offer features like integrated search while protecting user privacy, you’ll need similar third-party integration. The effort to filter data from these sources through your platform—while ensuring no leakage of user data—is a major cost factor.

Encryption and Data Safety

Additionally, data transmission must always be secure. Encrypted HTTPS traffic means working with providers like Cloudflare’s SSL/TLS encryption services to shield every data transmission point. Integrating end-to-end encryption services for secure emailing or virtual private network (VPN) providers adds another layer of high-cost complexity.

Ad-Free or Minimum-Tracking Partnerships

If your app will allow limited ad options, it’s important to integrate with privacy-compliant ad networks, such as contextual advertising platforms that focus on not storing user data. Managing these integrations while maintaining compliance with U.S. laws like CCPA will increase your backend costs, but it’s pivotal for maintaining user trust in your app's privacy-first goals.

Third-party service integrations extend development time due to the intricate processes needed to ensure smooth interconnectivity, pushing up total app development costs.

Database & Back-End Infrastructure

A DuckDuckGo-like app needs an optimized back-end system focused on fast data retrieval, real-time syncing, user privacy, and data encryption.

Reliable and Scalable Cloud Solutions

Every successful privacy app requires a reliable, scalable cloud solution. You will need distributed cloud storage to offer fast page loads for users while minimizing the footprint of user information tracking. Platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure provide scalable data storage while conforming to stringent security requirements (like storing anonymized, encrypted logs for user activity).

Your backend infrastructure must handle millions of queries while ensuring real-time syncing without logging users’ identification data. Given that U.S. users expect instantaneous response times, your infrastructure must be optimized for maximum server uptime and low latency retrieval times.

Encrypted Data Management

Back-end architecture must not only focus on data management but also emphasize data protection through encryption at rest and encryption in transit. Secure APIs to interact with third-party search engines while avoiding user tracking require precise implementation and secure backend logistics, which further increase your initial build costs.

Building infrastructure that adheres to privacy-first protocols and compliance significantly impacts the overall development cost but is legally required in the U.S. market where data breaches are subject to heavy fines under CCPA compliance.

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

App development doesn’t stop with launch—you’ll need continual support, especially when dealing with privacy regulations and changing user expectations.

Security Updates

Maintaining a privacy-first app means that security updates are a constant necessity. With changes in privacy policies and ongoing data breaches being a concern, your app must be updated regularly to withstand new vulnerabilities and hacks. Additionally, encrypting search queries and user-specific data requires periodic re-auditing to ensure that no critical system breakdowns have occurred.

Feature Rollouts

As user feedback grows, you’ll likely introduce other features, like a built-in VPN, new ad-blocking techniques, or secure email relays. Rolling out these features will require continual investments in both custom app development and quality assurance.

Ongoing maintenance is a critical part of any privacy-first app strategy and will involve additional recurring costs tied to security, compliance changes, and new app versions tailored for updated iOS and Android releases.

Team Expertise and Location

Building an app that’s similar to DuckDuckGo, with its privacy-first approach, requires a specialized development team, which greatly impacts the cost. Teams well-versed in security, encryption, and privacy frameworks are non-negotiable.

U.S.-Based vs. Offshore Development Teams

U.S.-based development teams have the advantage of being well-informed on local regulations like CCPA and U.S. data protection laws—but their rates are generally higher, often between $150 to $250 per hour. The increased cost might be mitigated by better alignment with privacy compliance needs and a deeper understanding of the U.S. market's user behavior.

Alternatively, you can hire offshore development teams (based in Eastern Europe or South Asia), which often offer more affordable rates ($25 - $80 per hour), but may lack the same level of understanding when it comes to issues surrounding U.S. market expectations for privacy-focused applications.

Read about Onshore vs Offshore Outsourcing.

Hidden Costs & Miscellaneous Factors

1. QA & Testing

Rigorous QA testing is particularly important for privacy-focused apps like DuckDuckGo. Ensuring there are no leaks in user data, properly testing incognito modes, and frequently testing encrypted search protocols are crucial. Security testing is essential, especially given the high standards of privacy-seeking audiences in the U.S.

2. App Store Fees and Guidelines

Both Apple's App Store and Google Play charge commissions (up to 30% for in-app purchases) and developer fees. Additionally, with a privacy-first app, you’ll need to ensure your app meets stringent platform guidelines before being approved, which may require adjustments to functionality, further affecting your launch cost.

3. Legal and Compliance Costs

Building a DuckDuckGo-like app means you must comply with laws like CCPA, GDPR, and COPPA. You’ll need legal consultations and audits throughout development to ensure privacy regulations are met not only for the U.S. but internationally. Maintaining legal compliance, hiring specialists, and implementing custom privacy policies into your infrastructure will all increase the total development expense.

What Makes This App Category Unique in Terms of Development?

An app like Duckduckgo is fundamentally different from basic browsing or search-engine apps because of its privacy-first approach. You’ll need to ensure robust data encryption, anonymized search results, and serious consideration of U.S. laws surrounding data collection and privacy. Additionally, local preferences for efficient browsing, secure connections, and minimal lag times while still providing an accurate search experience are critical differentiators for U.S. users.

Development complexities are more profound for search-related apps that prioritize privacy, as they demand additional server configurations, secure API interactions with online content, and an added layer of security infrastructure designed to protect the data from being collected, leaked, or shared accidentally.

Ready to build a privacy-first search app like DuckDuckGo?

At Scrums.com, we specialize in developing secure, privacy-focused applications. Reach out today for a custom app development estimate and let us help turn your vision into reality!