Why I Switched from Google to ChatGPT Search—And Haven't Looked Back

ChatGPT Search isn’t flawless, but it’s become my go-to for finding information.

When OpenAI announced its own search tool, ChatGPT Search, many people wondered if this was a real threat to Google. In July, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, said they saw a huge opportunity to make search better. And it’s hard to disagree with that. Google might be the top search engine, but very few people feel like it’s the ideal search experience.

Now that ChatGPT Search is available publicly—along with a Chrome extension that lets you set it as your default—I’ve been using it almost exclusively. And I have to say, for most of my needs, it’s been a more pleasant experience than Google. Sure, there are exceptions, but overall, I’m convinced.

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What Makes ChatGPT Search Different?

It’s not that Google Search isn’t groundbreaking. It’s probably the most transformative tool ever created for the internet, connecting us to endless information with a few clicks. But over the years, Google has become cluttered. Ads fill the top of nearly every search, and relevant links are often buried under a mountain of "AI Overviews" and sponsored content. It can feel like you’re digging for what you need rather than just finding it.

Google’s incentive structure doesn’t help either. The business model isn’t just about providing useful information—it’s about showing as many ads as possible. And, without real competition, Google has little reason to improve its user experience. It’s so dominant that it even pays Apple billions annually to stay the default search engine on Apple devices, ensuring Google doesn’t lose its stronghold. A monopoly like this means there’s little pressure to innovate or refine the product. And, as a user, it feels like that stagnation shows.

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Enter ChatGPT Search—It’s Not Perfect, But It’s Refreshing

I’m not saying ChatGPT Search is flawless. It still carries the quirks of an LLM (Large Language Model) and, in some cases, it has limitations. For instance, on Election Day, I couldn’t get ChatGPT to display real-time election results—it gave a generic response urging me to check with the Associated Press. So, it’s clear that OpenAI has put some guardrails on what ChatGPT can handle, which can be frustrating.

That said, what ChatGPT Search lacks in speed compared to Google, it makes up for in quality. Google’s speed is impressive, and it’s true that people expect fast results. However, ChatGPT’s responses feel more tailored, more conversational, and—let’s be honest—more human. Rather than skimming through ads, I get an answer that feels direct and informative, with the option to click through to the original sources if I want to dive deeper.

Why I’m Sticking With ChatGPT for Now

Over the past week, I’ve realized something: I don’t miss Google. ChatGPT Search has done a fantastic job providing information in a straightforward way. Sure, Google isn’t disappearing anytime soon. But, as a user, it’s hard to ignore that Google has become so ad-focused that its original purpose—to help us find what we’re looking for—feels almost secondary.

If ChatGPT Search continues to evolve, I think it has a real shot at challenging Google. A search tool that prioritizes delivering answers over ads? That’s something many people would appreciate. So, while Google will always have its place, I’m finding that, for now, ChatGPT Search is where I’m getting the answers I actually need. And who knows? If more people give it a try, Google might finally have to step up its game.

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