ChatGPT vs Google Search – a rivalry that could reshape the internet search landscape. On October 31, 2024, ChatGPT officially launched as an internet search engine. OpenAI introduced SearchGPT, a real-time internet search function integrated with ChatGPT. In a world where Google has held a 90% dominance in internet search for decades, this is BIG NEWS.

By integrating real-time internet search, ChatGPT vs Google search becomes a hot topic, with ChatGPT now closing a significant competitive gap with rivals like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, which already offer real-time internet access in AI conversations. This move positions ChatGPT as the most substantial threat to Google’s search dominance among all competitors.

OpenAI’s release of SearchGPT came just two days after Google announced the expansion of its AI Overviews to over 100 countries worldwide (though not yet including Croatia or other EU countries). Meta is also gearing up to launch its own AI search engine.

What Is SearchGPT and How Does It Compare in ChatGPT vs Google Search?

SearchGPT is an internet search function within the ChatGPT interface. Instead of launching as a separate product, the search engine is integrated within the existing interface, allowing users to access real-time information without leaving ChatGPT.

When users ask questions that require the latest information, ChatGPT uses the SearchGPT function to browse the internet. It relies on search engines like Bing to access current data, expanding beyond its pre-trained knowledge base.

Although SearchGPT can autonomously access the internet depending on the user’s query, users can also manually trigger it to gather broader insights beyond ChatGPT’s model. After a user enters a question in ChatGPT, they can click the “Search” button, and the resulting response includes a “Sources” button with links to references.

Currently, this option is only available to ChatGPT subscribers, but in the coming months, it will be accessible in the free version. Additionally, a Chrome extension allows users to set ChatGPT search as their “default” search engine.

ChatGPT vs Google Search – Similarities and Differences

How does ChatGPT’s search function compare to Google?

Firstly, it’s essential to note that ChatGPT vs Google search shows key differences, as SearchGPT retrieves information through Bing and other sources, not Google.

Secondly, 73% of SearchGPT’s results overlap with Bing, while only 46% match Google’s results.

Thirdly, while Google provides a list of links for users to find information, SearchGPT delivers comprehensive information directly.

Benefits of ChatGPT’s SearchGPT:

1. Speed: SearchGPT provides fast results, overcoming initial criticisms about the slow speed of early AI chatbots.
2. Ad-Free: Users appreciate the absence of ads on SearchGPT, describing it as reminiscent of early Google before monetization.
3. Clarity and Coherence: SearchGPT offers answers in natural language, presenting information concisely for easier understanding. Searches feel meaningful as they consolidate diverse insights into a coherent text.
4. Conversation Tracking: SearchGPT continues the conversation, meaning follow-up searches build on previous ones without rephrasing. Everything remains on one screen, unlike Google searches that require opening multiple sources for information.

Google’s Advantages:

Despite its strengths, ChatGPT vs Google search reveals SearchGPT’s limitations:

1. Accuracy Concerns: OpenAI includes a disclaimer stating, “ChatGPT can make mistakes,” as AI still sometimes generates inaccurate information, known as “AI hallucinations.”
2. Limited Results: SearchGPT provides an average of 13 results, whereas Google offers over 100.
3. Smaller Index: SearchGPT has only 57.04% unique domains in its results, compared to Google’s index, which covers hundreds of billions of web pages.
4. Lacks Multimedia Options: SearchGPT lacks video, maps, and other useful functions found in Google.

Moreover, a third of SearchGPT’s results come from media outlets, favoring mainstream news sources. In contrast, Google often prioritizes platforms like Reddit, Quora, Medium, or Forum.hr, with Reddit frequently topping search results due to a lucrative financial partnership with Google.

Conclusion:

The ChatGPT vs Google search debate intensifies, echoing the competitive battles of the smartphone industry. Just as Android devices have found a strong user base despite Apple’s ecosystem dominance, ChatGPT presents a viable alternative to Google’s search monopoly. Will this rivalry mirror the “cat and mouse” game of smartphones, with Google maintaining its dominant lead? Only time will tell.