Why Hobnob AI shows ads
Short version: ads are how we keep AI search free, unlimited and open to everyone, no matter where they live or what they can afford.
Every search costs us money
A single Hobnob AI answer triggers real-time web crawls across multiple sources, a large language model running inference on GPUs, and TrustScore checks that rate every link before it reaches you. Multiply that by hundreds of thousands of queries a month and the bill gets real fast — bandwidth, model tokens, databases, storage and a tiny indie team to keep it all running.
Most AI search products solve this with paywalls or strict daily limits. We didn't want to do that. A student in Delhi, a researcher in Lagos and a developer in São Paulo deserve the same powerful AI search a Silicon Valley engineer uses — for free, forever.
So we chose ads instead of paywalls
A few non-intrusive ads are the trade we made so that anyone with an internet connection can run unlimited cited searches without a credit card. Ads never appear inside an answer, never edit a citation, and never change which sources you see. Editorial integrity is non-negotiable.
If ads bother you, upgrade — it's the best vote you can cast
Starter, Pro and Business plans remove ads instantly the moment you log in. Upgrading also directly funds the people building this for you — better models, faster crawls, deeper research modes and TrustScore improvements. Every paid user keeps the free tier alive for thousands of others.
FAQ
How do I remove ads?
Upgrade to Starter, Pro or Business on the pricing page. Ads are removed instantly for logged-in users on a paid plan.
Are the ads safe?
We work with vetted ad networks. We never sell your search history or personal data, and ads never appear inside the answer area.
Do ads influence which sources I see?
No. Ads are completely separate from the search engine. TrustScore, citations and source ranking are never affected by advertisers.
Can I block ads?
Technically yes, but please consider upgrading instead — it's the only thing that keeps unlimited free search sustainable for everyone else.
Want the longer story? Read the same explainer inside our AI search FAQ.