
ChatGPT Search vs. Google Search
We’re bombarded with new tools and platforms claiming to revolutionize the way we access information nearly every day. But in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, two players stand out in the search and AI space – OpenAI and Alphabet. The most popular services for these respective companies are Google Search and ChatGPT – each offering a distinct approach to finding information, answering questions and solving problems.
How ChatGPT Search Works
ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand prompts and generate responses. ChatGPT Search is a feature within ChatGPT that provide responses with search results based on information they crawl and index from webpages – similar to Google Search.
In addition to text-based conversations and web searches, ChatGPT is able to interact with other AI models created by OpenAI, like DALL-E 3 and Sora, to generate images and video.
How Google Search Works
Google Search uses a combination of algorithms to crawl, index billions of web pages and serve them in order of relevancy based on a user’s query. Google Search also features numerous “rich snippets” and other capabilities, such as their AI Overviews – which provide a chatbot-like summary of the information contained in search results.
How They Compare
ChatGPT Search is more conversational whereas Google Search treats queries as separate. Google includes ads, but ChatGPT doesn’t (for now). In my opinion, Google Maps currently stands out as a competitive edge for their search engine as it enhances results with relevant local listings (known as the map pack). However, many people like myself prefer ChatGPT’s generative AI capabilities over the AI overviews in Google Search.
Google Search Pros & Cons
Strengths:
- Localized results
- Breath of information
- Potential traffic
- Diverse formats
Weaknesses:
- Ads
- Authority bias
- SEO manipulation
Tried & True or is Trust Eroding in Traditional SERPs?
Trust in Google’s search results has plummeted in recent years. There’re even credible theories from digital marketing experts that Google is making organic results worse to enhance the benefits of paid search.
ChatGPT Search Pros & Cons
Strengths:
- Direct answers
- Customization
- Creative insights
- Add-free (for now)
Weaknesses:
- Less references
- Local search limitations
- Slow rollout
Will a Slow Rollout Stall ChatGPT’s Search Supremacy?
ChatGPT Search was introduced on Halloween 2024, but the rollout wasn’t necessarily smooth in my opinion. Users that were able to access the new feature seemed to enjoy the experience. The problem was that there was a lot of confusion about who was getting access and when.
If you’re like me, you were super excited to receive an email directly from OpenAI stating that you had access to ChatGPT Search. “You can try it now” the email read (screenshot below).

But if you’re like me, then you were also crushed to learn that it’d take weeks for you to actually get access. Based on the countless LinkedIn & Reddit posts I’ve seen – I’m definitely not alone. As an early adopter I would have been an easy user to “steal from Google” but instead I was left Googling why I couldn’t access this cool new feature for over a month.
In my opinion OpenAI missed a huge opportunity by not ensuring every user had access from the start – especially the ones they emailed. Their share of the search market would almost certainly be higher today if they had.
Side-by-side Comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Google Search and ChatGPT Search using a few different queries chosen at random. My goal here isn’t to show which is necessarily “better overall” but what their strengths and weaknesses are.
Top Video Games
I really like the number of options Google offers, but I suspect ChatGPT Search would be more helpful using a more specific query. Giving different categories of games based on platform and other factors is also helpful. I feel like Google’s search results do a great job of not only offering info here, but also encouraging additional searches.
Google Search:


ChatGPT Search:

Best Phone 2025
I find it a little suspicious that Google almost never ranks the latest iPhone as the “top phone” for these types of queries. I’m not here to ignite an iPhone versus Android argument, but iPhone has more market share in the US currently so you’d think it’d be listed #1 more often. Either way I really prefer ChatGPT Search results for this query.
Google Search:


ChatGPT Search:



Food Delivery Near Me
I thought Google would be the clear winner here, but oddly enough the adds virtually erase their advantage of having the map pack. Both desktop and mobile results have the map pack below “the fold” (which probably explains why I just use the Google Maps app for these types of searches myself).
Google Search:


ChatGPT Search:

How Small Businesses Can Leverage Both
It’s important to compare the pros and cons of Google Search and ChatGPT search as marketers, but thankfully most businesses don’t have to choose. There’s not reason you can’t use both tools at work, and optimize your business to show up organically for relevant queries in both platforms. In fact, most modern SEO strategies should include considerations for both platforms. The days of focusing solely on Google Search for organic search are likely coming to a close. So, it’s probably best to adjust your strategies now to avoid falling behind.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this comparison of ChatGPT Search vs Google Search!
Google Search remains indispensable for research, visibility and localized marketing for now. Meanwhile ChatGPT Search is growing due to its ability to provide creative input and solve problems conversationally.
Small business owner and digital marketing professional don’t need to choose between Google Search and ChatGPT to benefit from them. The key is to understand their strengths and use them strategically to enhance your work.
Integrating both these tools into your business strategies as well as your daily life can help you save time and stay competitive. The future of search is here – and it’s a hybrid of traditional search engines and AI chatbots. Drive your business forward by embracing the new possibilities they offer.