Google introduced its AI Search Mode last month at the Google I/O 2025. Introduced as a smarter way to browse and search the internet, it was limited only to the US. The company is now rolling out the feature widely to more users, pitting it directly against Gemini and Perplexity. Here is a detailed comparison between Google AI Search vs Gemini vs Perplexity.
Table of Contents
Google AI Search vs Gemini vs Perplexity: Which Is The Best AI Model?
1. User Interface And Ease Of Use
Google AI Mode is the easiest to use with a simplistic yet attractive user interface. It is also the quickest one to access with the dedicated AI mode on the Search button. Just enter your query, and you are good to go. Comparatively, the user interface for Gemini Pro and Perplexity feels much more cluttered. For instance, to activate the Search mode, you need to tap on the magnifier glass in Perplexity. While using Gemini is simpler, as you need to enter your query, the AI model will do the rest for you. So, in terms of functionality and ease of use, Google’s AI Search Mode is a clear winner.
Winner: Google AI Search
2. Search And Real-Time Information Gathering
Starting with the basic search queries, all three models offer Search capabilities in their free models. This allows you to get quick answers to your queries from multiple sources. Google AI Search mode touts itself as the future of Search, so you don’t have to dig deep through multiple links to find an answer. Furthermore, Google’s AI Mode is based on Gemini’s 2.5 LLM model, so it can even handle complex queries.
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All models can gather real-time information except for Gemini. Interestingly, the answers between Google’s AI Mode and Gemini are similar, but Gemini’s answers are way more in-depth and detailed. While Perplexity provides a summary for real-time queries about the news, Gemini and Google AI mode don’t. Perplexity also shows you related queries.
For instance, when I asked about upcoming projects in Marvel’s Phase 6, Google’s AI mode provided basic details while Gemini mentioned the director and cast of the movie as well. While Perplexity also mentioned the names of the movie, but failed to mention the cast and director of the film.
Winner: Gemini
3. Fact Checking And Accuracy
All three AI models are equally capable of fact-checking. To test all three models, I asked a question on whether “Elon Musk is the CEO of Twitter’ and all three models replied in the negative. I also tried asking whether the Earth is flat, and all three models gave me the correct answer. So when it comes to fact-checking and accuracy, all three models are good since they clarified that Elon Musk is the owner, not the founder, of Twitter.
Winner: Tie
4. Ability To Generate Media
Perplexity and Gemini can generate images, but Google AI Search mode cannot do so. Another noteworthy thing is that Gemini can even make photos of copyrighted characters like Mickey Mouse, while Perplexity cannot. However, Perplexity can generate generic images such as a mountain or a landscape. If Image generation is a priority for you, then Gemini is your best bet.
Winner: Gemini
5. Deep Research And Sources
Unlike Gemini and Perplexity, Google’s AI mode does not have Deep Research functionality. This means if you need a deep dive into a complex topic, then you will need to rely on either model. That being said, Google’s Research feature is available for free for a few prompts. Similarly, Perplexity Pro can only access the Deep Research functionality. All three AI models draw their information from multiple sources, and you can tap on them to view more details.
Winner: Gemini
6. Pricing And Availability
Google AI Search mode is free for all users, while Gemini and Perplexity have an additional premium tier. To get access to the advanced features of Gemin and Perplexity, you will need an active subscription. However, Google AI mode is free to use for all users, although you need to activate it in the Search Labs. AI Search is only available in the US and India, while the rest of the AI models are available globally. Perplexity starts at $20 per month, while Google’s Gemini AI Pro costs $19 per month.
Winner: Gemini
Google AI Search vs Gemini vs Perplexity
For most tasks, whether it’s deep search or image generation, Gemini is the way to go. However, if you want the latest deets on current affairs without going into a deep dive, then Google’s AI Mode and Perplexity are way better. Since it’s Google’s AI mode is free for all users and does not require a subscription, it’s a no-brainer. If you want an AI model, then it can do it from all generating images to video, Gemini remains the best option; however, if searching on the internet is your main priority, the Google AI model is the best.
