The rise of artificial intelligence has completely reshaped the way we interact with search engines. As someone who relies heavily on efficient tools to make business decisions, I wanted to find out if these AI-powered search solutions could truly deliver better results. So, I put 11 different AI search engines through rigorous testing to measure what they could do in terms of accuracy, depth of information, and overall user experience. Out of the lot, only four lived up to the expectations I had as a serial entrepreneur who needs laser-focused answers quickly, without the fluff.
In this article, I’ll reveal the key findings, give actionable tips on optimizing your content for AI engines, and show you why some tools stood out while others didn’t make the cut.
What Sets AI Search Apart From Traditional Tools?
Traditional search engines like Google made a name for themselves by listing links that match keywords. AI search engines, meanwhile, are changing the game by summarizing multiple sources and providing direct answers in a conversational format. The best part? Many AI tools can incorporate data from smaller, niche sources that often wouldn’t rank on Google’s first page. For entrepreneurs, this reduces time wasted sifting through irrelevant search results.
The Four Standout AI Search Engines
Here’s a rundown of the top four performers, with honest insights into where they shine and where they fall short.
1. ChatGPT with Web Browsing
Powered by OpenAI, ChatGPT has taken answering queries to another level. Its ability to pull together details from various websites and create detailed responses impressed me from the get-go. For example, when I searched for "best tools for bootstrapping a SaaS business," ChatGPT not only listed tools but also broke them into categories (marketing, finance, project management) and added summaries of their pros and cons.
Pros:
- Ability to handle complex queries with follow-up context.
- Delivers clear, structured answers, sometimes with comparison charts.
- Extremely visual when it adds tables or bullet points.
Cons:
- Some cited sources lack credibility. You’ll need to verify info, which can be an extra step.
- Tends to err on the agreeable side, it doesn’t "push back" on potentially unsafe advice.
For founders exploring niche topics, double-checking its responses is crucial. Unlike tools designed purely for research, ChatGPT occasionally sacrifices accuracy for intuitiveness.
2. Google AI Mode
Google’s experimental AI functionality deploys generative answers based on its vast index. Think of it as your usual Google Search but on turbo. When I tested product-related searches, Google AI Mode delivered direct reviews and pricing data, making it my favorite for decision-making around purchases.
Pros:
- Best for shopping and product queries, showcasing real user reviews.
- No need to explore further, you immediately see suggestions linked to trustworthy e-commerce platforms.
Cons:
- Weak for deep research on abstract topics. It focuses more on what can be bought.
- Unavailable to users in certain regions, something to watch if you’re traveling frequently.
For businesses that require quick access to recommendations and marketplace insights, Google AI Mode is unmatched.
3. Microsoft Copilot
Copilot stood out for its clean, organized interface and effortless navigation. It excels at skimming through enormous data pools and extracting just what you need. I tested it by asking about new funding trends for startups, and the results were a concise breakdown of key regions, typical funding cycles, and even pitch deck tips.
Pros:
- Quick, scannable answers that cater well to entrepreneurs.
- Categories are clearly grouped with subheadings.
Cons:
- Shallow depth, it’s not ideal for when you need details or citations.
- Limited clarity around data sources.
If you’re looking for surface-level information that lets you move fast, this is your tool. Its main strength is time-saving simplicity.
4. Perplexity
Known for its way of integrating Q&A-style answers, Perplexity was a revelation when I needed background research for specific professional concepts. The tool dives into lesser-seen web pages and highlights viewpoints not often represented on traditional search engines.
Pros:
- Summarizes conclusions from niche articles, often sourcing academic or less-seen resources.
- Free to use and easy to navigate.
Cons:
- Lacks the polish of tools like ChatGPT and Google.
- No visual elements or deep formatting.
Perplexity is a great alternative when Google’s top-ten links feel repetitive or biased toward well-trafficked domains.
How to Optimize Your Business for AI Search Engines
As businesses adapt to AI search trends, entrepreneurs need to rethink their content strategies. Here are practical ways to ensure your brand stays discoverable:
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Invest in Structured Data
AI search engines thrive on organized information. Use schema markup to signal important details like pricing, reviews, and FAQs directly to search engines. -
Produce Comprehensive Content
Engines like Perplexity and ChatGPT reward depth. Build articles and resources that cover not just the "what" but also the "how" and "why" behind common industry questions. -
Focus on Originality
AI pulls information from multiple sources. If your content quietly duplicates others, it’ll be overlooked. Instead, incorporate unique case studies or experimental results. -
Encourage Reviews
For products or services, customer reviews are king. Google AI Mode specifically elevates businesses with verified reviews as part of its output. -
Consistency Across Platforms
Every detail matters. AI tools crawl company profiles on LinkedIn, TrustPilot, and niche directories. Ensure updates are timely and consistent.
Common Mistakes Businesses Must Avoid
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Expecting AI Searches to Do All the Work
Even though tools like ChatGPT can generate answers, they work best when combined with your industry expertise. Blind trust will backfire. -
Overloading with Keywords
Keyword stuffing doesn’t work for AI tools. Instead, write naturally and focus on relevance. -
Failing to Update Content
Old information is one of the biggest turn-offs for these engines. Outdated data points, or infrequent updates, will push you further down results. -
Ignoring Smaller Engines
You.com, Claude, and others may not have the same recognition, but they often cater to niche audiences that might matter to your business.
Final Word of Advice to Entrepreneurs
AI search engines have proven they can deliver value, but not all platforms are built for the same roles. ChatGPT and Perplexity are ideal for research tasks, while Google AI Mode and Copilot specialize in practical, quick responses. To maximize their benefits, don’t just consume passively, optimize your own business offerings to fit into the AI-driven search world.
Every entrepreneur I know is obsessed with saving time while uncovering actionable strategies. These tools offer precisely that, when used wisely. So, jump in, explore the best fits for how you work, and start reaping the benefits. If you’re not already adjusting to this shift, others are, and that’s a risk no business owner can afford.
FAQ on AI Search Engines
1. What are AI search engines, and how do they work?
AI search engines leverage natural language processing and generative AI to both retrieve and summarize information. Unlike traditional search engines, they provide direct answers, summaries, and conversational context. Learn more about AI search engines
2. Which AI search engine is the best for product searches?
Google AI Mode is ideal for product queries, offering direct reviews, prices, and visuals from trusted sources. Explore Google AI Mode
3. Is ChatGPT a good choice for business-related research?
Yes, ChatGPT excels in complex queries by offering detailed, structured responses with category breakdowns, comparison charts, and summaries. However, always verify its sources. Discover ChatGPT’s features
4. Which AI search engine is best for discovering niche or academic content?
Perplexity is highly effective for sourcing lesser-known or academic materials, using Q&A-style answers to explore niche web pages. Learn more about Perplexity
5. What are the limitations of Microsoft Copilot as an AI search tool?
Microsoft Copilot provides quick, clean answers but often lacks depth and detailed data sources, making it less suitable for detailed research. Explore Microsoft Copilot’s features
6. Can AI search engines replace traditional ones like Google Search?
While AI search engines offer advanced conversational answers and niche insights, traditional engines like Google still excel in delivering comprehensive top-domain results. Discover how AI search differs from Google
7. Which tool was rated best for handling purchasing decisions?
Google AI Mode stood out for buyers, offering concise product reviews, ratings, and direct marketplace links. Check out Google AI Mode
8. What’s the key to optimizing content for AI search engines?
To improve discoverability, use structured data, create comprehensive and original content, and encourage customer reviews for better indexing. Learn how to optimize for AI searches
9. Are there other options aside from the most popular AI search tools?
Yes, engines like You.com and Andi serve niche purposes but may not always offer the depth or polish of mainstream tools. Explore alternative AI search engines
10. Which AI search engine is best for entrepreneurs or businesses?
ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot cater well to entrepreneurial needs by offering straightforward and contextual answers, helping streamline decision-making processes. Discover ChatGPT and Copilot for entrepreneurs
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.