In Summary
- Since ChatGPT was announced, everyone has been wondering whether it is the end of Google or if ChatGPT will replace Google.
- ChatGPT has recently gained the ability to search the web and offer real-time updates, joining the list of other AI search bots that are challenging Google. I have tested both ChatGPT and Google Search with 100+ queries, and here is my experience.
- I found Google Search offers real-time and up-to-date information, while ChatGPT Search offers more interactive and tailored responses, which is more efficient and better for specific queries. But it is not a replacement for Google. At least, not yet.
OpenAI is going after Google. Since ChatGPT became available to the public in 2022, the chatbot has consistently gained popularity, and with the recent search iteration, it is challenging Google.
ChatGPT can search the web for you like other search bots and display results. While Google has responded with Gemini and AI overviews in search, ChatGPT is still seen as Google’s biggest competitor. I have compared the ChatGPT and Google Search results with 100+ queries to determine which produces better results. In this guide, I will share my experience and tell you how the new ChatGPT Search compares to Google Search and whether it represents the future of search. Could it replace Google and take it out of our lives? Let’s see.
Table of Contents
How do both searches work?
ChatGPT is a generative AI model, basically a chatbot that answers questions to your query based on its trained data knowledge. It was launched with a knowledge cut-off in September 2021 and was recently updated to include more current information and very search features with the ability to search the web. I recently received search support, which allows me to access the web and receive similar results.
On the other hand, Google Search indexes web pages, analyzes them, and ranks them based on its principles. Google is very familiar and is the default search engine for most people, deeply integrated into our lives. As users, we don’t have direct control over the search results, but we can control what you want to see using advanced search tools.
ChatGPT Search is available for paid subscribers; currently, OpenAI charges $20 per month for the premium version. On the other hand, Google is entirely free.
How we ranked this comparison?
To test both search engines, I have conducted one hundred queries as a common user would use, varying across various searches like navigational search, informational search intent, and more. For a search to be complete, I must be satisfied and find exactly what I need. That is the search core principle, and all other factors fall under secondary and nice-to-have features. I also focused on other terms like how much time it took, the quality of the search results, and more.
Aspect | ChatGPT Search | Google Search | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
Cost | Paid subscription ($20/month). | Free to use. | Google |
Informational Search (e.g., Blockchain) | Provides clear, easy-to-follow explanations with references; continuous conversation possible. | Offers broader range including images, videos, etc.; more traditional browsing options. | ChatGPT |
Health Search (e.g., Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes) | Provides detailed responses but lacks alerts for potential inaccuracies in sensitive topics. | Offers detailed answers with a small alert about health information being AI-generated. | Google |
Financial Search (e.g., Cryptocurrency Risks) | Detailed explanation with pros and cons; warns about researching investments. | Lists authoritative sources for self-reading; more reliable but requires more user effort. | Google |
Commercial Investigation (e.g., Product Comparisons) | Offers detailed comparisons and pros/cons but lacks visual elements. | Lists multiple sources with real-time product prices but may require user effort to compare. | Tie |
Image & Video Search | Lacks image search capabilities and displays limited videos with mostly text-based links. | Clear and extensive image results, video previews, and a dedicated video tab. | Google |
Local Searches | Provides location-based information but not precise directions or opening times. | Customizes results to user location with clear directions, opening hours, etc. | Google |
Educational Searches | Highly adaptable to user needs; allows modifying answers for different levels of understanding. | Comprehensive resources including study guides, PDFs, courses, etc., but less adaptable than ChatGPT. | Tie |
Navigation & Real-Time Searches | Limited capabilities for direct navigation and real-time queries. | Superior in navigation, real-time updates, and various online tools. | Google |
Overall Recommendation | Best for quick answers, personalized responses, and concept explanations. | Superior accuracy, authoritative sources, and comprehensive multimedia results. | Google |
Informational Searches
1. How does a blockchain work?
- Search type: Informational conceptual search
- Search intent: I want a clear explanation of blockchain technology and references from reliable sources.
Both Google and ChatGPT search clearly explained blockchain technology and references to reliable sources. However, ChatGPT search results are easy to grasp and also make it easy to have continuous conversations.
At the same time, Google Search allows you to find and learn more about information, including images, videos, and more. We have ChatGPT search and Google Search as the winners and get one point for each.
Winner: ChatGPT Search
2. What are the major differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
- Search type: Health Search
- Search intent: I want a clear explanation of the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Next, I asked Google about the major difference between type one and type two diabetes. This is a health-related search, so both search engines should be extra careful in providing answers.
Google and ChatGPT search provided detailed answers with similar explanations for both terms. While ChatGPT provided a detailed response, Google uses AI to offer the same level of detail about the major differences. Google is known to provide inaccurate health information, and it has been criticized for displaying inaccurate citations on health topics for specific queries. However, this is a general query, so the differences were answered well.
The main concern is that ChatGPT search does not provide any alert saying that health information might be inaccurate. In Google’s case, it added a small text at the end of the answer, but it would be better if it were highlighted more clearly for the user. I prefer both ChatGPT and Google Search results to have a clear alert that the information is AI-generated and might not be completely accurate for health concerns.
ChatGPT search and Google have provided the answers to exactly what I want. Both are top contenders, but for topics like these sensitive searches, it is recommended not to depend on AI overviews and to rely on reliable health websites to get suggestions. Considering this as of now and considering the topic as sensitive, I would rank Google as the winner.
Winner: Google
3. What are the benefits and risks of investing in cryptocurrency?
- Search type: Financial Advisory Search
- Search intent: I want a detailed answer to investment pros and cons for informed decision-making.
Next, I chose another sensitive topic: financial advice search, and I wanted a detailed answer to cryptocurrency information and the risks of investing in it.
ChatGPT search has provided a detailed answer in the text, covering the benefits and risks of investing in cryptocurrency. It also included a caution saying it is crucial to research and consider different factors before investing. However, Google doesn’t provide any direct answer; instead, it lists available sources on investing in cryptocurrency.
I like the ChatGPT search, but it’s AI-generated. Google offers popular authoritative sites, though it takes some effort to read them, but the information is more reliable to depend on.
So, while ChatGPT search offers an easy way to understand things, it doesn’t have the same authority as Google. However, it provides direct links to readable and reliable information. ChatGPTsearch is also great for quick understanding. However, I won’t rely solely on a generated AI answer regarding reliable topics.
If Google also provided a simple summary, I would have given points to both, but since Google has its ranking system and listed authoritative sources, the point goes to Google for this topic.
Winner: Google
4. History of the Bluetooth Versions?
- Search type: Information search
- Search intent: I want a history of Bluetooth versions, including the recent changes.
Next, I searched for “What is the history of Bluetooth versions? ” on both ChatGPT search and Google search to check how up-to-date information both searches offer, as Bluetooth 6 was announced recently, just about a month ago. I wanted to check how updated information both searches provide.
Both ChatGPT search and Google Search have provided results on the bluetook history. ChatGPT search initially offered me a list of Bluetooth versions from Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0 B. Google Search has offered Bluetooth 2.0, 4.0, and 5.3. On the other hand, ChatGPT has listed Bluetooth information up to 5.4, but neither of these searches included Bluetooth version 6.0, which was also announced recently.
In this case, I would prefer ChatGPT search to list all the Bluetooth versions quickly, but I also prefer Google Search for better and more accurate information. Points for ChatGPTsearch for providing a historical timeline along with the years, but keep in mind that both of these searches failed in including the latest release of 6.0 (Google in AI overviews), which could be important for a standard user looking for up-to-date information.
I also tested this with ten more questions, including questions like looking up facts like who won the 2024 election Olympics, how-to guides like how to restart a smartphone and definitions in general information like tips to learn and use productivity tips and also for research on both ChatGPT Search and Google Search are neck and neck.
However, in conclusion, ChatGPT search is better for quick answers for basic general information like facts. However, if you want more reliable and accurate information that you can rely on, Google Search is still the best option. Still, it requires an effort to click several links and gather your information independently. While ChatGPT search does that all for you, it is not accurate, and especially for financial advice and health issues, I wouldn’t recommend ChatGPT search.
Winner: ChatGPT search
For Commercial Investigation Searches
Next, I tested results for the most controversial commercial searches on ChatGPT search and Google. Both of them have their own limitations. If you are unfamiliar with commercial searches, these are generally transactional searches for finding the right product and software and comparing multiple options to pick the best one.
These searches aim to find the best option I am looking for while maintaining and providing accurate information instead of sponsorships and ads, which is currently a big concern on Google. Let’s see how they perform in this test.
1. iPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Search type: Commercial investigation search
- Search intent: I want to compare the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and determine which is better.
In the first query, we compared the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra to decide which was better. I liked the ChatGPT search comparison with features required for the comparison, including design, display, performance, and all. The ChatGPT search compared the specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The information is sourced from websites, which might not always be accurate, so this is a little concerning.
Apart from this, I liked the result of the ChatGPT search. On the other hand, Google followed the traditional approach we have seen for ages, listing plenty of sources that directly compared the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the iPhone 16 Pro.
It takes a bit of effort to visit a website, find the differences yourself, and decide which one to choose, so here the point goes to ChatGPT search. However, third-party websites have the added advantage of displaying real-time smartphone prices, which benefits Google. In this case, I prefer the ChatGPT search result because it exactly answers my question and what I am looking for.
One of the biggest downsides of ChatGPT search is that it doesn’t display images like Google, so you only have to depend on the text to decide which is good, which is very unlikely. You will probably use Google Search results for visuals of this, so we have a point for Google, but it takes a little effort to find what it takes.
Winner: Tie
2. Is Dyson worth it?
- Search type: Commercial Information search
- Search intent: I want to know if Dyson is worth it. Getting information from real users who are using it is a plus.
Next, I used a query style, and here I am, waiting for the result of the user experience sharing on Dyson. ChatGPT search once again offered detailed answers with source citations that are easy to grab. The ChatGPT search display is a text-generated display of all the experiences of using Dyson, why Dyson is better, and why it’s not, ending with an opinion. This is incredible because I am not looking for a single source.
Next, Google has started displaying the reviews on the top, which is again easy to grasp. I can pick and look at real-world search results and user experiences, which is quite helpful.
While buying, if I wanted to make a decision, I would consider both ChatGPT search and Google reviews and, based on the reviews, decide on the product. Both results fall short by not showing the latest information. In this case, points go to Google and also to ChatGPT.
Likewise, I also tested with other queries such as best washing machine reviews, the MacBook Air discount price, top running shoes for daily jogging, best power bank for Type-C port, and more. In all the searches, even though the ChatGPT search offered detailed text and a good comparison to read, it is more towards Google because it is more reputable and is also where your navigation is done. You have to use the sites and price comparison between them and more accurate real details about it, so points for Google and ChatGPT search are still not yet here to replace Google regarding commercial and navigation searches.
Winner: Google
ChatGPT Search vs Google: Image Searches
Next, we have an image search, which ChatGPT search has not yet displayed. The images on Google have an edge and are a clear winner in this segment. You type any query, such as an example of the best image of the latest Apple iPhone 16 Pro, and in every image search, Google will display images, but ChatGPT search cannot, which makes Google a clear winner.
Winner: Google
ChatGPT Search vs Google: Video Searches
The same goes for videos. ChatGPT search displayed direct video links but was limited, mostly text, without previews. However, Google has an edge by displaying the video in the front and a dedicated video tab to find more related videos. So again, the point goes to Google.
Winner: Google
Google vs ChatGPT Search: Local Searches
Local searches are also one of the most popular searches on Google, and again, ChatGPT searches display information but do not provide exact location-based information. On the other hand, when searching for a local service, Google identifies your location and customizes the search for you. You can get more information with clear directions, the opening times, and the status of outlets. Again, we have a clear winner, and ChatGPT search cannot be used as an alternative to Google.
Winner: Google
Google vs ChatGPT Search: Educational Searches
I have a mixed opinion on educational research on Google and ChatGPT search. I graduated in 2023 and spent all my time in 2022 using ChatGPT for almost all my queries. So, let’s break down my experience. First, using ChatGPT, you can search for terms like explanations in question-based answers where it displays a clear answer.
One of the biggest advantages is that you can modify this answer based on your level and understanding of the topic. For instance, if you ask how abstraction works in programming, most of the information displayed on Google and ChatGPT search default result might not be suited for you, On Googlr, you have no other option than to go to other sources on Google.
However, in ChatGPT search, you can modify the response by explaining it to me in simple words or Using an example, which is helpful, especially for students. ChatGPT search is greatly helpful for all question-based and opinion-based queries, but it cannot display the most recent information, which again is a downside of ChatGPT. However, it is a great tool for educational searches. On the other hand, Google has an advantage, especially for study guides, free courses, video courses, PDFs, quizzes, and textbooks.
Winner: Tie
For Navigation, Educational, Travel, Realtime Searches
For all other times, including direct navigation, such as accessing websites directly like Facebook.com and Netflix, finding specific company websites like Apple, Flipkart, Walmart, and Amazon, as well as job openings and tools like YouTube video downloader, and searches including entertainment like movie ratings, movie reviews, celebrity news, game updates, TV shows, travel such as latest hotel reviews, shopping centers, and real-time searches like current events, election 2024 results, live cricket scores, Google takes the lead.
ChatGPT search is new and takes a different approach to online search. However, it’s really good for text-based queries with a messaging interface. I prefer ChatGPT search over Google any day because of the lower effort required and the ability to generate personalized results for you.
Winner: Google
Final Take: ChatGPT for Quick Answers, Google for Accuracy
However, for all other needs, like finding images, reviews, real human experiences, navigation, specific websites, real-time searches, and more, Google is the best option; it is the only better option for many people. Moreover, ChatGPT is currently only available for paid subscribers, and while some might use ChatGPT over Google for certain queries, Google isn’t going anywhere. It is tightly integrated into our lives through Gmail, Google Maps, and other forms. ChatGPT, for now, is not a replacement for Google Search. You can best use both to get the most out of your search and find what you seek. Google is the winner in search as of now.
