Browser Extension vs Full Browser: What's the Difference?
DuckDuckGo offers both a browser extension for other browsers (like Chrome or Firefox) and its own standalone browser app. Here's a general framework for understanding the difference.
Extension adds protection to your existing browser
An extension generally layers tracker blocking and related privacy features on top of a browser you already use, without switching browsers entirely.
A standalone browser is a separate app
The full DuckDuckGo browser is its own application, with privacy features built into its core rather than added on top.
Feature parity can differ
Some features (like the Fire Button) are generally more central to the standalone browser experience than to the extension.
Switching costs matter
An extension requires less change to your existing setup (bookmarks, extensions, workflow), while a full browser switch is a bigger commitment.
Feature sets change over time on both the extension and the standalone browser — check DuckDuckGo's own site for the current comparison before deciding which fits your setup.