Blog | Growth Tribe

ChatGPT Search Unveiled: Should You Make The Switch Now?

Written by Darja Cernousova | November 21, 2024

Picture this: You’re no longer just “searching” the web—you’re having a conversation with it. 

 

So... no more "googling"? 👀

 

ChatGPT has introduced the long-anticipated AI-powered search engine that you can now set as a default browser.

 

But does it have what it takes to compete with Google Search?

 

Should you switch to this advanced AI-powered search already?

 

Let’s break it down together!

 

In this article, we will talk about...

  1. What is ChatGPT search?
  2. ChatGPT Search vs. Default Search Engines
  3. Key features of ChatGPT Search
  4. How to get access and use ChatGPT Search
  5. Conclusion

 

What is ChatGPT search?

 

OpenAI recently launched its ChatGPT Search model, which is available for Premium users and Search GPT waitlist users.

 

The good news? They expect it to open up to all users in the coming months!

 

ChatGPT Search aims to help users search the web using simple, everyday language in ChatGPT.



Not only does it give clear and trustworthy answers! It also includes clickable links to useful web sources.

 

ChatGPT uses data from trusted partners. This helps search queries find relevant information.

 

Sounds great, right? But if you’re still wondering how it compares to your usual search engine, let’s dive in!

 

ChatGPT Search vs Default Search Engine

 

The first question that you might have is:

 

How is it different from Google or Bing?

 

As Ajay Dadheech, principal of AI and management consulting lead at World Wide Technology, said-

 

"While Google and Bing are robust in retrieving vast amounts of information, ChatGPT’s edge lies in its ability to provide a more personalised, interactive experience that resembles consulting a knowledgeable assistant rather than sifting through links."

 

Traditional search engines use keywords to create lists of relevant links. In contrast, ChatGPT Search gives concise answers and includes links in a chat.

 

This means you can ask questions as you want!

 

Get summaries with sources in the chat, and follow up with additional questions.

 

It feels more like chatting with an assistant than sifting through search results.

 

Another major difference? ChatGPT’s user experience is ad-free, creating a streamlined interface that makes research feel smoother.

 

While Google is great for short, direct queries, ChatGPT is designed for deeper, interactive searches.

 

It’s less about “Googling” and more about engaging in a dynamic, human-like conversation for complex inquiries.

 

So let's dig deeper and look at the key features of this new search engine!

 

Key features of ChatGPT search

 

Intrigued? Us too!

 

Wondering what makes ChatGPT’s search feature a fresh addition to your digital toolkit?

 

Here’s a breakdown of the features that make ChatGPT Search a standout experience:

 

Context-Aware Responses

 

One of the most powerful features is ChatGPT’s ability to maintain context.

 

You can ask follow-up questions without having to restate what you’re talking about!



Search GPT will keep the conversation flowing, keeping the context of your search query intact.

 

Real-Time Summaries with Inline Citations

 

Say goodbye to a cluttered browser with a hundred open links!

 

ChatGPT Search pulls together summaries of information with direct citations, letting you verify sources at a glance.

 

It gathers info from relevant web sources and provides authoritative sources when needed!

 

Specialised Categories for Relevant Data

 

Need the latest sports scores or stock prices?

 

ChatGPT Search includes specialised categories like: Weather, Stocks, News, and more!

 

It pulls data directly into your chat from trusted third-party search providers.

 

Clean, Ad-Free Interface

No more ad noise!

 

ChatGPT Search offers a user experience free from ads, that keeps you focused.

 

Perfect for when you want a simple, no-frills approach to your research.

 

Depth for Complex Queries

 

ChatGPT utilises advanced language models to handle your nuanced questions.

 

It provides detailed, contextual answers, which are especially useful when you need more than quick facts.

 

How to get access and use ChatGPT Search


 

If you are reading this, it means that you are convinced to try it out at least! 😀

 

If you weren't lucky enough to get on the waitlist, don't forget that you need a Premium subscription!

 

Besides that, you just need to simply install the browser extension to set it as a default search option.

 

Click here to install the Google Chrome extension, and voilà, you’re all set!

 

But if you’re not quite ready to replace Google entirely, you can create a shortcut to search with ChatGPT anytime in Chrome.

 

This lets you type a quick command like “@chat” in the address bar, followed by your search, so you can jump straight to ChatGPT without going to the site first.

 

Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Open Chrome Settings
  2. Choose Search Engine from the menu
  3. Click Manage search engines and site search
  4. Under Site Search, click Add
  5. Name it “ChatGPT”
  6. Set the shortcut to “@chatgpt” (or whatever you like!)
  7. Change the URL to: https://chat.openai.com/?q=%s, then click Add


Now, try it out!



Type something like “@chatgpt best coffee shops in Amsterdam” in the Chrome address bar, and your search will automatically run with ChatGPT.



Watch the address bar switch to “Search with ChatGPT” after typing your shortcut and hitting space—now you’re all set for fast, direct searches!

 

Conclusion

 

So, is ChatGPT Search the Google replacement we’ve all been waiting for?

 

It's on you to decide, but what we know for sure- it’s bringing something fresh to the table.

 

With its conversational style, context-aware responses, and ad-free experience, ChatGPT Search offers a unique and more interactive approach to finding information online.

 

It’s ideal for those deeper dives and complex questions, especially when you’re looking for more than just a list of links.

 

If you’re after fast, easy summaries with reliable sources at your fingertips, it’s worth a try.

 

Who knows, you might just find yourself typing “@chatgpt” a lot more often! 

 

FAQ

 

What is ChatGPT Search, and how is it different from traditional search engines?


ChatGPT Search is an AI-powered search tool that uses conversational responses instead of providing a long list of links. Unlike traditional search engines like Google, which rely on keywords, ChatGPT Search gives detailed answers, maintains context, and includes citations directly in the chat. It feels more like consulting a knowledgeable assistant than sifting through search results.

 

Can ChatGPT Search replace Google as a default search engine?


While ChatGPT Search offers a unique, interactive experience with features like ad-free browsing and context-aware responses, it complements rather than entirely replaces Google. Google is ideal for short, direct queries, whereas ChatGPT excels in handling complex, nuanced questions with deeper context.

 

How do I access ChatGPT Search?


To access ChatGPT Search, you need a premium subscription. Install the ChatGPT browser extension to set it as your default search engine, or create a shortcut in Chrome to easily use ChatGPT for specific queries. This flexibility lets you switch between Google and ChatGPT effortlessly.

 

Is ChatGPT Search suitable for real-time information like news or stock prices?


Yes! ChatGPT Search includes specialised categories such as weather, news, stocks, and more. It pulls data from reliable third-party search providers to provide up-to-date information right in your chat.

 

How does ChatGPT ensure the accuracy of its answers?


ChatGPT Search uses data from trusted web sources and provides clickable citations for verification. While it aims to be accurate, users are encouraged to review the sources and cross-check for critical decisions or highly sensitive information.