OpenAI recently released SearchGPT, its highly anticipated AI-powered search tool, designed to give users a new way to navigate the internet. Often called a potential “Google killer,” SearchGPT offers an alternative approach to finding information online. But can it truly replace Google for everyday searches?
Here’s what we discovered after a deep dive.
How SearchGPT Stacks Up Against Google
SearchGPT aims to provide quick, AI-generated responses for a range of inquiries, from real-time answers to complex research questions. Unlike Google’s results filled with ads and SEO-heavy articles, SearchGPT attempts to offer concise answers with clearly marked sources.
For instance, while Google may show you a list of links when you search for “best French restaurants near me,” SearchGPT cuts straight to the recommendations, listing a few top-rated places with basic info. It’s efficient, but it also has limitations.
The Struggle with Short, Everyday Searches
Can ChatGPT Search Handle Short, Everyday Searches?
For many of us, Google has become a daily go-to for quick, one-line searches. Think about those moments when you need something fast: “movie showtimes,” “weather tomorrow,” or “nearest pharmacy.” These short, navigational queries are the bread and butter of traditional search engines.
So, how did SearchGPT perform with quick queries? We tried a few simple ones like “museum hours” and “upcoming Marvel movies.” Rather than providing an exact answer right away, SearchGPT seemed to take longer to interpret these brief requests and often responded with information that was a bit off or outdated.
| Query Type | Google Result | SearchGPT Result |
|---|---|---|
| “museum hours” | Direct link to museum’s hours | Provided a brief history and general info instead |
| “upcoming Marvel movies” | Exact list of release dates | Gave a summary of recent Marvel releases |
| “fastest route to airport” | Map with step-by-step directions | Offered general and not-so-accurate advice |
SearchGPT’s Strength
Where SearchGPT shines is in handling more complex questions — especially ones that benefit from detailed explanations. Think about the times you need a well-rounded answer, like “What’s the impact of plastic pollution on marine life?” or “How does climate change affect agriculture in Africa?”
Google might link you to several articles, leaving you to sift through each. SearchGPT, on the other hand, provides a summary answer with links to sources.
For these deep-dive questions, ChatGPT Search gives an answer that feels almost like having a conversation with an expert. Instead of sending you to a collection of sites, it pulls together relevant information in seconds. This feature makes it a handy tool for students, researchers, and anyone trying to grasp complex topics quickly.
A Few Quirks: “Hallucinations” and Outdated Links
One challenge with AI-driven search engines like SearchGPT is what’s called “hallucination.” In this context, it means that sometimes the AI generates responses that sound factual but aren’t actually true.
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Then there are the links. SearchGPT does provide sources for its responses, which is great for verifying information, but not all links work as expected. For instance, when I searched for “best hikes in California,” it listed some gorgeous trails and linked to articles—but a few of those links didn’t open or redirected incorrectly.
This inconsistency can make SearchGPT feel a bit unreliable when you’re looking for up-to-date or location-based information.
Can SearchGPT Replace Google?
So, is SearchGPT ready to replace Google for everyday search needs? Here’s the short answer: not yet. Google is a seasoned player with 25 years of refining its algorithms for everything from real-time updates to predictive text.
For now, SearchGPT feels like a useful supplement rather than a full replacement. It’s a tool that shines with more involved questions but struggles with those quick, navigational searches we rely on throughout the day.
OpenAI, however, has stated that they’re working on improvements, especially for short, everyday queries. According to OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix, “We plan to improve the experience for these types of queries over time.” So, while Google remains the primary search engine for many, SearchGPT could become a more competitive option as it evolves.
| Feature | SearchGPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Short, navigational queries | Highly accurate and real-time | Struggles with short, everyday queries |
| Complex research questions | Links to multiple sources | Provides concise, conversational answers |
| Real-time accuracy | Consistently up-to-date | Occasionally outdated or “hallucinates” info |
| Usability for casual users | Intuitive and widely accessible | Still developing and occasionally misses the mark |
What’s Next for AI in Search?
As AI continues to develop, tools like SearchGPT will likely keep improving. While it’s not yet a “Google killer,” SearchGPT hints at a future where search engines can understand complex questions and deliver conversational answers. But for now, Google still has the edge, especially for quick searches and real-time information.
Curious about the future of AI search? Give SearchGPT a try and see how it works for you—just keep Google close by for those rapid-fire queries we rely on every day.
