Google’s AI Mode vs. ChatGPT and Perplexity—Who’s Winning AI Search?

Google just flipped the script on search with AI Mode, a next-generation feature that moves beyond the usual list of links and delivers full-page AI-generated answers.

At the core of this shift is Gemini 2.0, synthesizing information from multiple sources into a single, citation-backed response. In practice, it feels less like a search engine and more like an integrated research assistant, handling complex queries with ease.

Users can toggle AI Mode on and off, turning Google Search into an interactive AI chatbot that supports follow-up questions and refines results in real time. And because it pulls from Google’s Knowledge Graph, Shopping Graph, and live web indexing, it’s significantly more dynamic than static search results.

When Is AI Mode Available?

Google launched AI Mode in March 2025 through Search Labs, but access is limited—for now, it’s only available to Google One AI Premium subscribers in the U.S. Users have to opt in manually, and Google hasn’t provided a timeline for a broader rollout. The company is gathering feedback from early adopters before expanding access.

How AI Mode Compares to Other AI Search Tools

• Perplexity AI: Strong on citations and concise summaries, but lacks Google’s real-time web indexing.

• ChatGPT Search: Great for deeper discussions, though its browsing mode depends on Bing and requires a subscription.

• Microsoft Copilot (Bing Chat): Uses GPT-4 and Bing, provides inline citations, but doesn’t have Google’s scale or proprietary search infrastructure.

• Other AI search tools (DuckAssist, YouChat, NeevaAI): More niche, with limited data sources and reach.

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What’s Google’s Endgame?

This isn’t just a feature update—it’s a strategic move to cement Google’s dominance in AI-powered search, especially as ChatGPT and Bing push deeper into AI-driven results. Google is evolving beyond a traditional search engine into a full-fledged AI-powered knowledge platform, while still balancing ad revenue and publisher relationships.

Looking ahead, Google’s roadmap likely includes:

• More advanced AI assistants seamlessly integrated into search

• Greater personalization to tailor results to individual users

• Multimodal search—incorporating images, videos, and AR-powered AI tools

• Proactive search assistance, anticipating queries before users even type them

Google isn’t just refining search—it’s redefining how we interact with information online.