List of Search Engines

🧭 Legacy Search Engines That Still Work in 2025

Despite the rapid evolution of the web, several classic search engines and directories from the early 2000s still survive—and some even thrive. Here’s a curated list of those that remain functional, with a brief note on each.

1. Google
   The undisputed king of search. Its algorithms, speed, and ecosystem (Maps, News, Scholar, etc.) make it the most powerful tool for finding anything online.
2. Yahoo
   Once a pioneer, Yahoo now uses Bing’s backend for search. Still relevant for news, finance, and email, but no longer a search innovator.
3. YouTube
   Technically a video platform, but its search capabilities are unmatched in the multimedia space. Owned by Google, it’s the second-largest search engine by volume.
4. Archive.org
   The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine lets you search and view historical versions of websites. A goldmine for digital archaeologists.
5. AcronymFinder.com
   Still one of the best resources for decoding acronyms across industries. Clean interface, fast results.
6. Abbreviations.com
   Offers definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations with contextual examples. Part of the STANDS4 network.
7. Definitions.net
   Another STANDS4 property, focused on dictionary-style definitions with multilingual support.
8. Answers.com
   Now AI-powered, this site offers conversational answers to user queries. A quirky blend of search and personality.
9. FaganFinder.com
   A hidden gem. Offers meta-search tools, translation, and reference links. Ideal for researchers and librarians.
10. FindSounds.com
    A niche search engine for sound effects and audio samples. Still useful for multimedia creators.
11. Excite.com
    One of the oldest portals still online. Minimal updates, but functional as a basic homepage.
12. Factbites.com
    Now a curated blog-style encyclopedia. Offers bite-sized facts across categories.
13. Jayde.com
    A business directory search engine. Useful for B2B discovery and niche listings.
14. Mamma.com
    Still active, though its interface feels dated. Offers general web search and news aggregation.
15. Quotes.net
    A rich repository of famous quotes, movie lines, and literary snippets. Great for editorial use.
16. References.net
    Part of the STANDS4 suite, offering links to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and glossaries.
17. ScrubtheWeb.com
    An old-school SEO directory. Still online, though not widely used.
18. Search.com
    Now branded as “SearchGPT Plus,” it blends traditional search with AI-powered results.
19. WhatUseek.com
    A relic from the early web. Still online, though largely static.
20. Buzzle.com
    Once an article directory, now pivoted to crypto and blockchain news. Still searchable.
21. BrainBoost.com
    No longer a search engine, but now a lifestyle blog. Worth noting for its transformation.
22. Exalead.com
    Now part of Dassault Systèmes. The original search engine is gone, but the platform powers enterprise search tools.
23. Infopeople.org
    A library consortium offering curated search tools. Useful for educators and researchers.