SearchGPT vs Perplexity AI: Check Features, Performance and Capabilities

SearchGPT vs Perplexity AI: The age of ordinary search engines seems to be coming to an end. AI-powered search engines have emerged and are promising internet users a safer, smarter, and more secure way of browsing. Perplexity AI, released in 2022, used to be the dominant AI search engine in the market with its user-friendly interface and informative responses, that is, up until now. 

OpenAI, one of the most successful AI startups in the world, introduced its own AI-powered search engine called, SearchGPT. OpenAI announced that SearchGPT is a “prototype of new search features designed to combine the strength of our AI models with information from the web to give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources.”

Not only is SearchGPT a rival of Perplexity AI but it is expected to be a fierce competitor of globally dominant search engines like Google and Bing. 

With this, the question arises- how are SearchGPT and Perplexity AI, two search engines powered by artificial intelligence, different from each other? 

In this article, we will explore the differences between the two on different parameters including, but not limited to, features, performance, and capabilities. Let’s begin. 

Aravind Srinivas Net Worth, CEO of Perplexity AI

SearchGPT vs Perplexity AI

While OpenAI’s SearchGPT and Perplexity AI share a few similarities, they definitely differ in speed, accuracy, source attributions, features, and other parameters. 

These are some of the most prominent differences between the two AI search engines: 

1. Speed

In terms of speed, Perplexity AI is twice as fast as SearchGPT. This result is probably because Perplexity AI uses a quicker default model while SearchGPT likely employs a custom model that could be GPT-4o Mini/GPT-3.5 Turbo. The difference in speed shows how effective Perplexity AI is at giving faster responses, an important aspect of user satisfaction and work efficiency.

This Reddit thread by user r/Worst_Artist, compares the two AI search engines on their respective speed. You can look at the results here: 

2. Accuracy and Relevance

As search engines, both platforms should aim to provide accurate and relevant information. However, there have been instances where SearchGPT showed mostly accurate responses but conjured up wrong or inaccurate information. 

Similarly, Perplexity AI, which is generally accurate, occasionally includes extra details in its results that may not be entirely true.

When it comes to relevance, Perplexity AI includes a greater level of detail in its responses. Whereas, SearchGPT offers more general information without the same depth.

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3. Features and User Interface (UI)

One feature that SearchGPT and Perplexity AI have in common is the integration of chat functionalities powered by AI that respond to user inquiries. The AI search engines provide direct links to sources, allowing users to verify information and browse more. 

However, Perplexity AI stands out more than SearchGPT. It offers a more vivid and prominent display of sources, such as adding a sidebar that includes all references.  

On the other hand, SearchGPT includes links after summaries with hyperlinks to domain names. The interface of Perplexity AI includes a list of suggested follow-up questions, offering a more interactive experience. Also, Perplexity AI Pro offers advanced features like access to different AI models (Claude 3 Opus, Llama 3) and the ability to focus searches on specific areas, such as academic or technical content. 

4. Visual and Interactive Content

Both SearchGPT and Perplexity AI support visual and rich content, however, SearchGPT takes the point for this one because of its interactive data display. 

The results on SearchGPT are displayed with interactive visual elements that allow users to grasp information easily. 

Perplexity AI also supports visual content, but it does not have the same level of interactivity as what is seen in SearchGPT’s features. 

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5. Interaction

If you search for something on SearchGPT, you will be able to ask follow-up questions. The conversation flow is expected to be “au naturel,” just like a human would respond, with the shared context expanding with each query.

Whereas, Perplexplity AI provides a list of suggested five follow-up questions, pertaining to the original query. 

6. Trust

Trust is one of the most important factors when it comes to search engines, apart from speed and accuracy. This is why some search engines have been reigning supreme for decades, whereas some faded into oblivion. 

Regretfully, both OpenAI and Perplexity AI have had their fair share of controversies regarding trust and transparency. 

OpenAI’s Publisher Partner Program prioritizes content from partner publishers, which might lead to a lack of transparency in identifying promoted content and organic results. This is a great way to lose the trust of users. 

Perplexity AI also faced issues where plagiarized content from major media publishers was shown in the AI search engine’s results without any credit or source citation. The company has also announced a Publisher’s Program to combat these issues and provide proper accreditation.

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The Bottom Line

When it comes to comparing SearchGPT and Perplexity AI, the latter emerges as the winning AI search engine with its unparalleled speed, accuracy, and performance. Still, Perplexity AI has a few areas it could improve upon, mainly in terms of interaction and authenticity. 

SearchGPT, the latest product of OpenAI, is bringing something new to the table with its interactive and engaging elements. However, it is a temporary prototype at present and accessible to a certain few for testing and feedback. It is currently unknown when it will be available as a full-fledged search engine. Even then OpenAI has to take some drastic measures to build trust and ensure privacy and security for the users.