Google’s ambition to integrate AI into its search experience is evident with the introduction of AI Mode. But after spending significant time using it alongside alternatives like Perplexity, Grok, and ChatGPT Search, the reality is clear: Google’s new feature feels underdeveloped. It needs to catch up to its competitors.
What’s Supposed to Be Good About Google’s AI Mode?
AI Mode is Google’s attempt to create a more conversational and comprehensive search experience. Powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.0, it’s designed to handle complex, multi-part questions and allow for follow-up queries. The feature uses a “query fan-out” technique to pull information from various sources, aiming to provide well-rounded answers. It’s now available to all Google account holders, after initially being exclusive to Google One AI Premium subscribers.
This sounds good in theory. In practice, it misses the mark compared to what other platforms are offering to users like you and me.
Where Google’s AI Mode Doesn’t Deliver
Several critical points showcase where Google’s AI Mode lags behind the competition:
1. Experimental Status = Untrustworthy Results
The fact that AI Mode is housed within Google Labs highlights a lack of confidence, even from Google itself. This “experimental” tag translates to inconsistent performance and a disconnect from Google’s standard search functions. Unlike competitors who have grounded their platforms in AI search, Google’s AI Mode feels like an extra feature. It needs refinement.
2. Spotty Query Processing Skills
When I tested complex questions, both Perplexity and ChatGPT Search provided more accurate and relevant answers. Google’s AI Mode ran into issues with keeping context throughout multi-turn conversations, an area where Perplexity performs well.
Response Quality for Complex Queries
Based on testing with 30 complex queries across different domains including science, technology, and current events. Higher scores indicate better context retention, factual accuracy, and depth of response.
3. Poor Source Attribution Methods
AI Mode attempts to provide links, but the setup is awkward when compared to Perplexity’s smooth in-line citations. This makes it difficult to check sources and dig into details. Perplexity effectively combines conversation with source transparency.
4. Slow and Unresponsive
There are clear differences in response times among all platforms. ChatGPT and Perplexity Search respond with more speed, with Perplexity standing out in how fast it pulls together data from different locations. Google’s AI Mode often feels slow, especially when asked follow-up questions.
Who’s Doing It Right
Other AI-powered search platforms bring their own advantages:
The AI Search Bar Gold Standard: Perplexity
Perplexity has become the gold standard for AI search. What they do well:
- Provides real-time data with clear sourcing
- Handles multi-turn conversations well
- A simple, helpful interface that values information
- Takes on complicated questions with balance
What makes Perplexity unique is the combination of search and conversation. It was created for this purpose. The approach doesn’t feel like a regular search engine trying to add AI capabilities.
ChatGPT Search: The Conversational Expert
ChatGPT Search succeeds by pairing its core model’s conversational ability with search features:
- Smooth context when asked follow-up questions
- Understands implied questions
- Summarizes complex topics effectively
- Able to integrate with other ChatGPT features, like image examination
If you’re already familiar with ChatGPT, the new search features feel like an expansion instead of something extra. This gives it a leg up for users who are constantly switching between research and creative projects.
Grok: A Challenger with Personality
Grok has some interesting aspects:
- Access to real-time data without the restrictions in ChatGPT
- More liberty with sensitive topics
- A personality that some might like
- Increasing integration with social media platform X
Grok offers something for those who may not prefer the conventional answers found in other AI systems. While it doesn’t always provide the most informational answers, it does bring up viewpoints that others may leave out.
Some Room For Improvement for Google
Google can make use of its existing search knowledge and wide-reaching data. This is how AI Mode could improve:
- Fuller search integration: Instead of making AI Mode an add-on, Google will need to focus on an experience that brings together traditional and new AI searches.
- Better conversation flow: Google’s implementation falls behind natural conversation patterns when you compare it to other AI platforms.
- Clearer sourcing: Google needs to emulate Perplexity here to make verification easier.
- Faster speed: Speeding up result times will match other platforms and improve the user experience.
- Enhanced multimodal features: Even though the AI Mode supports image questions, it needs more polish to match ChatGPT’s multimodal expertise.
Google intends on developing its AI Mode with better visuals and improved formatting, but it’s uncertain whether these changes will be enough to overtake its more dynamic competitors. I examined the latest AI systems in regards to how Gemini 2.5 Pro compares to GPT-4o. It can be worthwhile to assess your needs and choose the best AI models.
How AI Search Changes SEO and Content Consumption
AI changes SEO. Google’s AI Mode reduces click traffic to websites by creating information directly in the search interface. This is a legitimate problem for website owners who rely on search traffic.
This issue extends beyond Google. Because all AI search platforms follow this pattern, Perplexity does a better job with sourcing and pushing traffic to the appropriate sites.
Users now get answers faster, without visiting various websites. Content creators must adapt to a world where showing up in AI responses becomes as important as regular search rankings. It’s important to provide real value.
The User Experience, Explained
Outside of the technical issues, UX impacts the effectiveness of AI search. Google’s approach works against it here. Although Google is good at UI design, the AI Mode feels cut off from everything that search users trust.
In comparison, platforms like Perplexity and ChatGPT Search were created for conversation from the start. This creates interfaces that are unique to them.
Even Grok benefits here. The platform was built with conversation in mind instead of retrofitting new features on an old system.
My Final Opinion
Google’s AI Mode falls far behind specialized competitors after performing many tests. You should use these options for more consistent AI search:
- Perplexity If you need to conduct research with easily identifiable sources.
- ChatGPT Search If you are already in the ChatGPT ecosystem and want integrated search features.
- Grok If you don’t mind occasional inaccuracies and want unfiltered viewpoints.
Google’s AI Mode could improve as time progresses. It’s currently not ready. I’m surprised that Google has been overtaken by dynamic platforms. I’ve always thought they were innovators, but perhaps this simply shows a short-term failure adapt.
Users looking for AI results may want to avoid Google despite the company’s size. They simply aren’t ready for primetime.
