Sometimes it seems like the only way to browse the internet is through the Google Search bar. But with recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the way we search for information online is changing. 

AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard have paved the way for a whole new era of online search where information is served directly to the user rather than in the form of pages and pages of text across the internet. 

But, while these chatbots are great for finding information quickly, they lack key features of search engines and have the tendency to show outdated or inaccurate information. 

This makes them more suited to conversations or to complete specific tasks within their domain rather than browsing the internet

For those looking for an AI search experience, AI search engines are your best option. 

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What are AI search engines? 

AI search engines are platforms that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand your search queries and provide more relevant and accurate results.

They go beyond the traditional keyword matching of traditional search engines by delving deeper into the meaning and intent behind your search, using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze your query and consider things like context, grammar, and even sarcasm.

AI search engines personalize results based on your past searches, browsing history, and location. This helps them understand what you're truly looking for, even if your keywords are vague or imprecise. 

They can also handle multimedia content like images and videos, understanding their context and relevance to your query. 

What’s the difference between AI search engines and traditional search engines?

The main difference between AI search engines and traditional search engines lies in their approach to understanding your query and delivering results.

Traditional search engines rely on keyword matching and ranking based on page authority and backlinks while AI search engines understand the meaning and intent behind your query using factors like content, grammar and sarcasm. This allows them to interpret even imprecise keywords and grasp your true search goal.

ai search engines vs traditional search engines

Traditional search engines also tend to return websites containing your keywords, often prioritizing popular sites and paid ads. These results may not always be directly relevant to your intent, making it difficult to find the information you’re looking for. 

Read: Top 10 AI Chatbots Your Business Should Know About 

AI search engines, on the other hand, use AI algorithms to rank content based on relevance, not just keyword presence. They can also tailor results based on your past searches, browsing history, and location, showing you content more likely to interest you.

In some cases, AI search engines can even provide direct answers to your questions, summarizing information from various sources instead of just linking you to websites.

Choosing an AI search engine

Choosing the right AI search engine can be tricky since they're a each built for different purposes. You first need to consider which type of AI search engine you're looking for depending on your needs and interests when searching the web.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of AI search engines:

  1. General-Purpose AI Search Engines:

These are all-rounders like You.com and Perplexity, aiming to handle diverse queries with NLP and knowledge graphs. They strive for:

  • Personalized results: Tailoring results based on your search history and preferences.
  • Relevance beyond keywords: Understanding the intent behind your query and surfacing relevant content, even if keywords don't perfectly match.
  • Direct answers: Sometimes providing summaries or answers directly, instead of just linking to websites.
  1. Privacy-Focused AI Search Engines:

For privacy-conscious users, options like Brave Search and DuckDuckGo prioritize data security and anonymity. They:

  • Avoid tracking and profiling: Don't collect your search history or personal data.
  • Offer unbiased results: Aim to avoid filter bubbles and present diverse perspectives.
  • May prioritize open-source technologies: Emphasize transparency and user control over data.
  1. Visual AI Search Engines:

These engines, like Andi, leverage image recognition and visual understanding to process your queries. They're ideal for:

  • Finding images and videos: Search by content within images or videos, not just by text descriptions.
  • Exploring visually rich topics: Discover visually appealing content related to your search, like fashion trends or travel destinations.
  • Combining text and image search: Refine your search by using both keywords and visual elements.
  1. Specialized AI Search Engines:

Some engines cater to specific niches, like Metaphor AI for scientific research or Luminous for creative writing. They offer:

  • Domain-specific knowledge graphs: Deep understanding of their respective fields, leading to more accurate and relevant results.
  • Tailored functionalities: Features and interfaces designed for specific needs, like scientific notation search or creative writing prompts.
  • Community-driven focus: Some engines, like Luminous, emphasize user-generated content and collaboration in their niche.

Choosing the right AI search engine depends on your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different options and find one that complements your search habits!

Top AI Search Engines 

There are a range of AI search engines available today, each with its own set of features purpose-built to improve your search experience. 

In this list, we’re counting down ten of the best AI search engines available today exploring the features and functions that make them so popular in 2024.