I Put Perplexity to the Test Against Google in These 8 Searches: Here’s How It Went

While Google has been the search engine for decades, Perplexity Pro’s comprehensive features and AI-powered internet search could make it a serious competitor.

But which search tool should you use? I tried Google and Perplexity in several search categories to see which tool is better.

1

Recipes

To begin with, I wanted to Google and Perplexity Pro to find a recipe for gluten-free Christmas cookies. The Google search results were largely visual, and for each recipe presented, I had a brief summary of the ingredients needed. You can also see a star rating, but honestly, I don’t pay attention to these for recipes.

Perplexity Pro, on the other hand, was largely text-based. The tool gave me an overview of the wider source, but the lack of in-app pictures was a problem. I can select Search images on the right side, which was a little better, but I prefer Google’s layout.

While Google has better layouts for recipes (and you can use Google more effectively for better results), I thought Perplexity’s descriptions for each recipe were way ahead of Google. In essence, the perfect search engine would be a cross between Google images and Perplexity descriptions. Since their strengths and weaknesses cancel each other out, I give them one point each.

Winner: Tie

2

Travel and destination tips

Later, I started traveling and planned an imaginary 10-day trip to Switzerland. First, I asked Perplexity for an itinerary I could follow. In addition to providing sources, the tool gave me a day-to-day plan that I could follow.

Since I wanted to start and end in the same place, I gave this prompt:

Give me a 10-day itinerary in Switzerland, starting and ending in Zurich.

My results were more accurate, and I also received better travel advice from Perplexity.

Then I did a long Google search:

10 day itinerary in Switzerland starting and ending in Zurich

Google gave me a mix of articles and forums, but only one of them actually answered my question. Given how easy it is to refine a search in Perplexity and how much detail it goes into, Perplexity has the point. However, I still use Google to find high quality blogs that support my research and offer more unique advice.

Winner: Perplexity

3

General knowledge

In addition to more complex searches, I wanted to compare Google and Perplexity for basic queries. So, I then tested it with some general knowledge questions:

• The southernmost permanent settlement in the world

• The largest eagle species by wingspan

• The year of the first commercial flight

Google was much faster when finding the answer to the first question, but I had to refine my search for both. For example, when I typed “the southernmost city”, the results varied, and I had to search for the latitude. Puerto Toro, Chile, had a slightly more southern latitude than Ushuaia, Argentina. However, it was worse for the second question. The perplexity gave a more absolute answer, while Google compiled lists and also gave me lists of many non-eagle birds.

Both reached the same conclusion with the third question, but Google was much faster. For most general knowledge questions, I go to Google for speed and accuracy. However, cross-checking with Perplexity is also a good idea for more disputed claims.

Winner: Google

Next, I tried Google and Perplexity to recommend outdoor clothing for a trip to Iceland in winter. I wanted specific brands and not just a quick overview, so I searched specifically for fleeces.

Google gave me a list of videos and forum discussions before going to articles. Finding my answer required some digging, but I liked how you can see the specific brands mentioned when you click on each video.

The perplexity was more direct. I didn’t care for his overview, but he ended the summary by recommending specific brands. I can then do a follow up search to go into more detail for the best brands and learn more about the different types of wool. Because Perplexity answered my specific question and let me go into more detail, I get another point. The perplexity has also a useful AI shopping feature.

Winner: Perplexity

5

TV and Movie Suggestions

Next, I asked Google and Perplexity to recommend TV shows and movies. Layouts aside, they were very similar. Perplexity gave me a list of recent releases and then a separate list of all-time greats.

Meanwhile, Google provided an overview of the press before revealing articles on the topic. Both apps list similar results when searching for movies; this section is a tie.

Winner: Tie

6

How-Tos

Knowing what to do if something goes wrong is always good, and since I used search engines to find solutions, I then tried Google and Perplexity to help unclogging a blocked drain.

Perplexity is the best AI-powered research tool for questions like this; I received clear steps for the different things I could do. When it comes to solving a problem, it’s often easier to read each step than play sections of a video.

Unfortunately, Google gave me a list of videos first. In this situation, I want the quick answer – and watching many videos will not meet that (nor need to sift through numerous results).

Winner: Perplexity

7

The Local Time

Sometimes I quickly look up the weather on Google, and I wanted to see if Perplexity could match. Considering how slow Perplexity was for general knowledge, I was surprised at how quickly he picked up the weather forecast. I received a chart and a breakdown of the weather for each day, although I didn’t need it.

Google, meanwhile, also gave an overview. However, I also liked how I could see weather warnings. Therefore, I gave Google a point in this category.

Winner: Google

8

Searching for information about people

For my final experiment, I wanted to see how Google and Perplexity fared when finding information about a famous soccer player. I specifically selected a professional athlete so I could see additional information, such as their current season stats.

I usually go to Google for brief overviews of this type, and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon. Google showed me the player’s stats, his most recent game, and an overview of his transfer value.

Perplexity, on the other hand, effectively reads like a Wikipedia page. I had to be more specific with my search when looking for statistics, but I prefer to just type in the person’s name instead. So, Google gets the point.

Winner: Google

9

Google vs. Perplexity: Which is better?

Google is better for quick searches, but Perplexity is better for more in-depth research. Their strengths and weaknesses are highlighted by the fact that they have the same number of points in this comparison.

Perplexity is also useful to check statistics and statements that may not be clear in Google. Since you can search any source, I think these will be more accurate.