SearXNG on a VPS (2026): Private Metasearch Engine
SearXNG is a privacy-friendly metasearch engine you can run yourself.
Table of Contents
- Why SearXNG
- VPS specs
- Install overview
- Instance settings
- Maintenance
- Hardening tips
- Related guides
1. Why SearXNG
Fast, private search for your team or community.
2. VPS specs
Modest CPU and RAM; SSD for speed.
3. Install overview
Use Docker; configure engines and HTTPS. Create an .env for secrets, map a persistent volume, and place SearXNG behind Nginx Proxy Manager or Caddy for TLS. Keep logs modest and set appropriate rate limits.
4. Instance settings
Tune rate limits and enable privacy options. Disable tracking engines you do not need, reduce outgoing.requests concurrency on small VPS plans, and enable safe search where appropriate for communities.
5. Maintenance
Update regularly; monitor usage. Track CPU and RAM footprints, rotate logs, and back up configuration. Consider Prometheus or Uptime Kuma for basic availability checks.
6. Hardening tips
Run behind a reverse proxy with TLS, enforce strong admin credentials, and set sensible request rate limits. Keep the instance private for small teams, or publish public instances with clear usage policies.
7. Related guides
- Nginx Proxy Manager on a VPS
- Uptime Kuma on a VPS
- Vaultwarden on a VPS
- Immich Photo Server
- See hosting options at /vps-hosting
See /vps-hosting for plans.
