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Google AI Mode offers seamless, multimodal search powered by Gemini AI models.
Perplexity AI excels in transparency, real-time data, and research-friendly responses.
Both AI-powered search engines serve different needs based on depth, speed, and privacy.
The rise of AI-powered search engines is changing how people discover information online. Two major tools leading this change are Google AI Mode and Perplexity AI. Both offer advanced features, but they work in different ways and serve different types of users.
Let’s take a look at their features, performance, strategies, and latest updates to understand which one is better suited for modern search needs.
Google AI Mode is the next-generation search engine experience. It utilizes Google’s powerful Gemini model to address intricate queries in a dialogue-based approach. They let users ask questions, type, speak, or even upload images. Google AI Mode synthesizes content from various sources and displays it in plain text, frequently accompanied by follow-up queries, graphs, or product comparison charts. It makes search results feel more immediate and alive.
The tool has rolled out to India and the US, with a focus on voice support and image searches. It works on Android devices with tools like “Circle to Search,” which let you circle content on your screen and receive immediate answers. Wear OS smartwatches are getting AI integration, bringing the AI search experience to even more devices.
Google has bet a lot on the AI space. In 2025 alone, it spent more than $75 billion on AI infrastructure. This means that the tech giant might provide servers, data centers, and enhanced models that make responses speedier and more precise. The goal is to power all Google products: Search, Gmail, Maps, and more, with Gemini as the brain behind it.
Perplexity AI has taken a different approach. It works like a mix of a search engine and a personal assistant. Instead of offering just a single answer, it provides summaries along with sources like news articles, Reddit threads, or academic journals. Every claim is backed by links and references, making it a good choice for research and fact-checking.
Perplexity's most exciting update is the launch of Comet, a powerful browser that uses AI to complete tasks, summarize webpages, and even handle multiple steps in a process. Comet does not store user data in the cloud. It saves everything locally on the device, which gives better privacy and control. The tool also allows users to pick different AI models, including GPT-4.1, Claude, Sonar, and Gemini, depending on the task at hand.
The company reported serving over 780 million search queries in May 2025, which shows how quickly it is growing. Its Pro version offers deeper searches, document analysis, and more powerful tools for professionals and businesses.
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Google AI Mode wants search to feel more conversational. When users pose complicated queries, it dissects them and responds to them conversationally. It can generate shopping lists, suggest travel itineraries, and even compile comparison grids. It’s not always so clear where the information is coming from. Occasionally, it leaches web content without fully crediting the publishers.
Perplexity is more concerned with accuracy and transparency. It cites the source of every piece of information. The tool breaks down complex questions into components, individually responds to them, and displays supporting references. This facilitates fact-checking and deeper sourcing.
Both are quick and provide obvious outcomes. Perplexity has details, Google is quick, and a pretty presentation.
Google still makes most of its money from advertising. Even in AI Mode, sponsored links and products show up in the answers. This keeps Google’s search engine lucrative but worries publishers that they are losing traffic and revenue as users don’t bother clicking through to their sites.
Perplexity employs another model. It has very little advertising, even then, as optional AI-generated follow-up questions. Brands can’t bid on keywords or decide where to show their ads. It shares some revenue with creators, which keeps a more publisher-friendly face on things.
Perplexity provides a Pro variant equipped with supplementary tools and capabilities such as file analysis and multi-stage task processing. With access to premium AI models and quicker response times, it’s a compelling option for enterprises and researchers.
Google has come under scrutiny from European publishers who argue AI answers decrease the incentive to visit source sites. News sites have experienced traffic declines due to AI Overviews, which summarize everything right on the search page. Regulators are now investigating whether this practice breaches competition law.
Perplexity has had legal issues. Some publishers, including big media houses, accused the company of lifting their content. Perplexity responded by adjusting its AI models and its browser tools to deter data scraping. It's a new browser, Comet, that emphasizes local data storage, a feature that resonates with privacy-conscious users.
Google AI Mode works best for users seeking rapid responses in a conversational style. It accepts voice, text, and image inputs and functions across numerous devices. It’s a slick, immersive experience, particularly for planning trips, shopping, or exploring a topic.
Perplexity is more targeted at the crowd that values depth and clarity. It indicates the source of the information and permits users to access the original content. Its standout tools, like Comet, make it helpful for writing, research, and task management. Experts, academics, and privacy-minded users will favor this utility.
Google AI Mode provides rich visuals and bite-sized summaries. It plugs into existing Google services, so you can jump from a query to a calendar appointment or shopping site. Its greatest power is in its seamless integration into daily digital existence.
Perplexity feels more transparent and academic. It displays every step it takes to answer a question and support follow-ups. It manages documents, websites, and even multitasking. It’s less flashy but better for hard drives.
Google intends to continue optimizing Gemini, the AI model powering its services. Rather, it’s building out clever capabilities that recall previous queries, produce superior visuals, and aid in extended dialogues. It’s working on better support for handling more languages and local content to expand its global reach.
Perplexity is scaling out its browser, introducing shopping and travel tools, and developing enterprise capabilities. It’s booming and drawing venture capital. It must uphold publishers’ trust and respect the law to keep moving forward.
Google AI Mode and Perplexity AI are the future of online search. Google provides the fluid, interactive experience you want across devices and is great at common-sense questions. Perplexity provides source-based answers and potent tools for deep research and private browsing.
Which is the better tool depending on the user? For everyday use and voice interaction, Google AI Mode is an excellent option. For dependable sourcing, source transparency, and document access, Perplexity AI provides greater agency and confidence. Both are accelerating and will probably be dominant ways people discover information in the future.
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