What Is 360 Search

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 360 Search is a Chinese search engine launched in 2005 by Qihoo 360, capturing over 15% of China's search market by 2023. It integrates web, image, video, and news search with a focus on security and anti-malware features.

Key Facts

360 Search was launched in 2012, not 2005, as part of Qihoo 360's expansion into search
It holds approximately 15.3% of China's search engine market as of 2023
The platform merged with So.com in August 2012 to enhance its search capabilities
360 Search emphasizes browser security and malware protection in search results
It ranks behind Baidu and Google in global search volume but leads in secure browsing features

Overview

360 Search, officially known as so.com, is a prominent Chinese search engine developed by Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. Launched in August 2012, it quickly gained traction by positioning itself as a secure, fast, and user-friendly alternative to Baidu and Google in China’s tightly regulated digital environment.

The platform was designed to integrate tightly with Qihoo’s suite of security software, including its popular 360 Safe Browser and antivirus tools. By emphasizing clean search results and protection from phishing and malware, 360 Search carved out a niche in a market dominated by established players.

Launched in August 2012, 360 Search replaced Qihoo’s earlier reliance on Bing-powered results and marked a strategic shift toward independence in search technology.
The engine is operated by Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd., a Beijing-based cybersecurity and internet services company founded in 2005 by Zhou Hongyi.
Within its first year, 360 Search captured over 10% of China’s search market, rising to challenge Baidu’s dominance through aggressive browser integration.
It leverages a proprietary algorithm that prioritizes safe browsing, filtering out malicious websites and phishing links in real time during searches.
The domain so.com was acquired for an estimated $2 million, reflecting Qihoo’s commitment to establishing a strong, memorable brand presence.

How It Works

360 Search operates through a combination of proprietary crawling, indexing, and ranking technologies tailored for the Chinese internet ecosystem. It delivers results across web pages, images, videos, and news, with built-in filtering for security threats.

Crawling: 360 Search uses automated bots called spiders to scan millions of Chinese-language websites daily, indexing content for fast retrieval and relevance.
Indexing: Indexed data is stored in a distributed database system that supports real-time updates and fast query responses, even during high-traffic periods.
Ranking Algorithm: The engine uses AI-driven ranking signals including user behavior, domain reputation, and content freshness to order search results.
Security Layer: Each result is scanned for malware using Qihoo’s antivirus database, flagging or blocking dangerous sites before users click.
Mobile Integration: The search engine is deeply integrated with 360’s mobile apps, powering search in over 400 million active devices as of 2023.
Language Processing: It employs NLP models trained on Mandarin to understand regional dialects, slang, and context-specific queries common in Chinese search behavior.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparative overview of major search engines in China based on market share, features, and security capabilities as of 2023.

Search Engine	Market Share (China)	Launch Year	Security Features	Parent Company
360 Search	15.3%	2012	Anti-malware, phishing filter, real-time scan	Qihoo 360
Baidu	54.7%	2000	Basic filtering, limited malware detection	Baidu Inc.
Google	2.1%	1998	Advanced security, restricted access in China	Alphabet Inc.
Bing (China)	8.9%	2009	Microsoft Defender integration	Microsoft
Sogou	6.4%	2004	Basic ad filtering, limited security tools	Sohu.com Inc.

This data highlights 360 Search’s strong position in security-focused search, despite trailing Baidu in overall usage. Its integration with antivirus tools gives it an edge in user trust, particularly among less tech-savvy demographics concerned about online safety.

Why It Matters

360 Search plays a critical role in shaping how millions of Chinese internet users access information while staying protected from online threats. Its growth reflects broader trends in cybersecurity-aware technology adoption and localized digital ecosystems.

Enhances online safety by blocking over 300,000 malicious URLs daily, reducing phishing and malware exposure for users.
Supports domestic tech independence in China by reducing reliance on foreign search platforms like Google and Bing.
Integrates seamlessly with 360 Safe Browser, which has over 300 million monthly active users, boosting retention and usage.
Offers ad-free search options in premium versions, appealing to users frustrated with intrusive online advertising.
Contributes to AI development in China by training language models on vast amounts of localized search query data.
Provides an alternative for enterprises prioritizing security, especially small businesses using Qihoo’s bundled software suite.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, search engines like 360 Search that combine information access with robust protection are likely to gain even greater relevance in both consumer and enterprise markets.