Google Search has long been the undisputed leader in online search, but recent advancements in AI search engines like SearchGPT and Perplexity have started to pose a significant challenge. After extensive testing, it’s clear that Google is facing a real threat to its cash cow. In this blog, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each search platform and discuss whether Google’s search monopoly is finally being threatened.
The Rise of AI Search Engines
What is AI Search?
AI search engines like SearchGPT and Perplexity use advanced language models to deliver search results. Unlike traditional search engines, which rely heavily on indexing and ranking web pages, AI search engines generate responses by understanding the query context and delivering more conversational and direct answers.
Why AI Search is Disruptive
The key difference between AI search and traditional search engines is that AI search focuses on providing answers rather than a list of links. This shift in focus makes AI search more user-friendly for those looking for quick and concise information without sifting through multiple pages.
Testing the Competitors: SearchGPT vs. Perplexity vs. Google Search
Search Query 1: Olympic Results
For the first test, we searched for “Olympic results” across SearchGPT, Perplexity, and Google Search.
SearchGPT Performance
SearchGPT delivered a list of Olympic results with images on the left side. While it presented the results in a clean and simple format, the reliance on AI-generated content raised concerns about the accuracy of the information provided. The platform allowed follow-up questions, which were handled effectively, but the interface was somewhat basic compared to its competitors.
Perplexity Performance
Perplexity also provided Olympic results but with a more feature-rich interface. It allowed users to generate images, collect different searches, and share or rewrite the results. Perplexity’s advanced features made it more user-friendly, but like SearchGPT, the potential for AI hallucinations (providing confident but incorrect information) was a notable downside.
Google Search Performance
Google Search offered a straightforward result with a well-designed graphic showing the medal count by country. This result was easily digestible and interactive, making it the most user-friendly option for this type of query. Google’s strength lies in its ability to deliver reliable and accurate results quickly, which was evident in this test.
Search Query 2: How to Get Your IP Address Using the New IP Command in Linux
This query tested the ability of each search engine to provide up-to-date technical information.
SearchGPT Performance
SearchGPT delivered a basic step-by-step guide on how to retrieve your IP address using the new IP command in Linux. However, the lack of specificity in some areas and the inclusion of unrelated images made the experience less than ideal.
Perplexity Performance
Perplexity provided a more detailed and accurate response, including the correct command (ip addr show) and additional context about its usage. The interface was clean and focused on delivering the information without unnecessary distractions.
Google Search Performance
Google Search, even with its generative AI features turned on, did not perform as well in this test. It required users to click through to find the most up-to-date information, which was less efficient compared to the direct answers provided by SearchGPT and Perplexity.
Search Query 3: Recent News on Unitary’s New Robot
We tested the recency and accuracy of search results by looking for the latest video on Unitary’s new robot.
SearchGPT Performance
SearchGPT struggled with this query, returning outdated videos and links that did not match the recency criteria. This highlighted a significant weakness in its ability to deliver the latest information.
Perplexity Performance
Perplexity provided a title and description of the latest video but failed to direct the user to the actual video, which was a missed opportunity to prove its capability.
Google Search Performance
Google Search excelled in this test, delivering the most recent video from the official Unitary YouTube channel as the top result. This demonstrated Google’s continued strength in delivering up-to-date and relevant content.
Search Query 4: Business Use Case – Event Venues for 1,500 Delegates in Melbourne
This query tested the ability of each search engine to handle specific business-related queries.
SearchGPT Performance
SearchGPT provided a list of potential venues with some details, but the results included venues that did not meet the 1,500 capacity requirement, indicating a lack of precision.
Perplexity Performance
Perplexity outperformed SearchGPT by delivering a focused list of three venues in Melbourne that could accommodate 1,500 delegates. The information was accurate and directly relevant to the query.
Google Search Performance
Google Search failed to deliver targeted results, offering only a generic list of venues without specific capacity details. This required additional manual searching, making it the least efficient option for this query.
Search Query 5: Dreamforce Conference Presenters
For this query, we looked at who the main presenters at the upcoming Dreamforce conference are and why they were selected.
SearchGPT Performance
SearchGPT provided a list of presenters but failed to accurately verify the information. It included incorrect details and offered a generic explanation for the selection process.
Perplexity Performance
Perplexity also provided a list of presenters but with fewer errors. However, it lacked detailed reasoning behind the selections, which was a key part of the query.
Google Search Performance
Google Search delivered relevant links to official sources where users could manually verify the information. However, it did not directly answer the “why” part of the query, making it less comprehensive.
Search Query 6: Local Search – Top Movie Theaters
This query tested the ability of the search engines to handle local search queries.
SearchGPT Performance
SearchGPT delivered excellent results, listing the top movie theaters in the local area with reasons why they were highly rated. The information was accurate and directly relevant to the location.
Perplexity Performance
Perplexity failed in this query, providing results that were not geographically relevant. This highlighted a major limitation in its ability to handle local searches.
Google Search Performance
Google Search provided a traditional list of movie theaters but failed to offer any reasoning behind the rankings. The lack of context made it less useful compared to SearchGPT.
Search Query 7: Politics and Bias – Trump Assassination Attempt
We explored how each search engine handled politically sensitive topics by searching for information on a recent alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
SearchGPT Performance
SearchGPT provided a detailed and balanced response, including various perspectives and sources. It handled the topic with care, ensuring that multiple viewpoints were represented.
Perplexity Performance
Perplexity also provided a well-rounded response but was slightly less comprehensive than SearchGPT. It focused on key details but lacked the depth of coverage provided by SearchGPT.
Google Search Performance
Google Search provided a mix of news articles from various outlets, but the results were cluttered with unrelated content. The user had to sift through multiple articles to get a full understanding of the event, which was less efficient.
The Future of Search: AI Search Engines vs. Google
AI Search Engines as Answer Engines
One of the most significant advantages of AI search engines like SearchGPT and Perplexity is their ability to function as “answer engines” rather than traditional search engines. This shift allows users to get direct answers to their questions without the need for extensive manual searching. However, this also comes with the risk of AI-generated hallucinations, where the system confidently provides incorrect information.
Google’s Response to AI Search
Google has begun integrating generative AI into its search results to maintain its dominance. While this enhances the user experience in some cases, Google’s search results remain cluttered with ads and other distractions, which can detract from the overall usability.
The Battle for Search Supremacy
In the battle between AI search engines and Google, the outcome will likely depend on the specific needs of users. For those seeking quick answers to straightforward questions, AI search engines offer a compelling alternative. However, for users who need to find specific websites, track down multimedia content, or access the most recent information, Google Search still holds a clear advantage.
Conclusion: Is Google’s Search Monopoly Under Threat?
After testing SearchGPT, Perplexity, and Google Search, it’s clear that AI search engines represent a significant threat to Google’s search monopoly. However, each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which to use will depend on the specific needs of the user.
While AI search engines excel in providing direct answers and handling complex queries, Google Search remains superior for tasks that require speed, accuracy, and access to the most up-to-date information. As AI search technology continues to evolve, the gap between these platforms may narrow, but for now, Google Search maintains a slight edge in the broader search landscape.
Summary: The future of search is undoubtedly moving towards AI-driven platforms, but Google’s deep integration with the web and its speed make it a formidable competitor. For users, the choice between these search engines will come down to personal preference and the nature of the query at hand.