If you spend a lot of time surfing the web, then you should not limit yourself to just Google to find what you are looking for. Although Google is the king of internet Search, there are quite a few search engines with a different approach that may give you better results in less time, depending on your taste and on what you are searching for.

Here are the top seven alternative search tools. Give them a try, and you may end up pleasantly surprised.

1. Spezify

   Spezify is a search engine that presents results from a large number of websites in different visual ways. So instead of seeing endless lists of blue text links you are taken towards a more intuitive experience. It can be overwhelming at first, but once you get used to the visual flash, you’ll find Spezify an extremely useful online tool.

   Spezify aggregates websites aiming to use as many relevant, free and open APIs as possible to generate extensive and diverse search results. It mixes all media types and makes no difference between blogs, videos, microblogs and images because visually, everything communicates and helps to build the bigger picture.

   Spezify

2. blekko

   blekko is a relatively new search engine, but the one to watch out for. It has introduced some very useful and innovative features when it comes to online search. With the simple use of slashtags, it lets you cut through the chase, avoid commercial and spam sites, and quickly find what you are looking for. A truly original concept! Watch this video to understand better how blekko works.

   blekko

3. SearchMenu

   SearchMenu (also known as KallOut) is a unique and innovative concept in web search. It works as a Firefox plugin with any website, Microsoft Office doc, and Adobe PDF, displaying search results adjacent to your selected search term in floating information palettes. Seeing your results in context, instead of opening a new window, avoids the disruption of constantly switching between applications.

   With SearchMenu, you are in full control of the search process. You have the power to turn any word or phrase into a super-smart hyperlink that opens up the information you want right in the context of the web page you’re reading.

   SearchMenu

4. Duck Duck Go

   Duck Duck Go is a search engine, like Google. But unlike Google, they respect your privacy and don’t track you. The results displayed are clear, there is much less spam and ads and much more content. Official sites are labeled and displayed on top. You are able to customize the page — change the fonts and much more. Also, Duck Duck Go lets you search other sites — check out !bang syntax. Last but not least, you can actually expect to get a response to your feedback.

   Duck Duck Go

5. NowRelevant

   NowRelevant is a very useful new search engine for niche topics. It is the link to The Internet Time Machine’s back-end search engine that gives you information about any topic that has been posted within the last 14 days, and only information posted in the last 14 days.

   NowRelevant scans over 55 million news sources and blog feeds to find only the latest information about your niche. There is also a slider that appears after you perform your search so you can select a date range of anything from the last day to the complete last 14 days worth of data.

   NowRelevant