Why trust Greenbot
Tired of scrolling through pages of links? AI search engines get straight to the point. Instead of just matching keywords, they understand what you’re looking for.
The best AI search engines don’t just search—they summarize, personalize, and adapt. You can research, check the news, or dive into any topic; these tools will make it faster and smarter.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top picks in AI-powered search, what makes them stand out, and which search AI suits your style.
Top 6 AI Search Engines
We picked these AI search engines for their smart use of large language models (LLMs), real-time answers, and personalized results. Each delivers AI-generated summaries, refines your search with context, and saves you from sifting through endless links.
These tools don’t just fetch results—they understand your query and give you what matters.
- Perplexity – Best AI-Powered Search Engine
- ChatGPT – Best Free AI Search Engine
- Arc Search – Top AI-Driven Search Tool
- Brave Search – Best AI Search Tool for Personalized Answers
- You.com – Best AI Search Engine for Research & News
- Andi Search – Best AI Search Engine for Multimedia & Web Content
1. Perplexity – Best AI-Powered Search Engine
| Starting Price | $20/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Unlimited standard searches and 5 Pro searches per day |
| Top Features | AI-Driven Search Optimization, Direct answers with citations, File analysis, Advanced AI models, Flexible integration |
| Payment Type | Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Paypal, ACH Transfer, Google and Apple Pay, Cash App |
| Support Contact | [email protected] |
Perplexity is an AI search engine that provides fast, fact-based answers in a chat format. It focuses on context, not just keywords, and lets you ask follow-up questions without repeating yourself. It is clean, simple, and smart.
Key Features
- Conversational Search: Users can continue searches without retyping previous queries.
- AI-Generated Summaries: Provides clear, structured responses instead of long lists of links.
- Pro Mode AI Selection: This option lets users choose advanced AI models like Deepseek R1, OpenAI, and Claude 3.7 Sonnet for detailed searches.
The Good:
- Delivers accurate, real-time answers with summarized insights.
- Supports file uploads for searching within documents.
- Offers unlimited free searches, making it widely accessible.
The Bad:
- Limits Pro searches in the free plan.
- Some AI models require a paid plan.
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Professional Plan: $20/month
- Enterprise Plan: $40/month per seat
AI Capabilities
Perplexity pulls key facts from top search results and turns them into easy-to-read summaries. It feels like chatting with a smart assistant. You can ask follow-up questions and even save your history for smoother, faster searching.
Who Is This For
Perplexity is for you if you’re a student or researcher or just want quick, no-fuss answers. It’s perfect for pulling info from files, asking follow-up questions, and quickly getting clean, accurate results—without digging through many links.
Why We Picked This
We tested Perplexity while researching a tech article, saving us tons of time. The summaries were solid, and the follow-up questions made it feel super natural. It just worked—and that’s why it’s on our list.
2. ChatGPT – Best Free AI Search Engine
| Starting Price | $20/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Access to basic features with standard response times. |
| Top Features | Versatility, API integrations, Conversational ability, Multi-Industry applications, Language support |
| Payment Type | Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Diners Club |
| Support Contact | help.openai.com |
ChatGPT is a free AI-powered search engine that delivers quick, relevant answers. It processes natural language queries, making searches more intuitive. Unlike traditional search tools, it provides direct responses instead of just listing web links. Users can also refine searches with context-aware follow-ups.
Key Features
- Conversational Search: Generates responses in a chat-like format, making searches more interactive.
- Real-Time Data Access: Fetches the latest information from the web for accurate and updated answers.
- Custom GPTs & File Uploads: Lets users interact with AI through personalized GPT models and document searches.
The Good:
- Completely free with essential AI-driven search functions.
- Supports ongoing queries, allowing users to refine results.
- Provides up-to-date information, enhancing research quality.
The Bad:
- Limited access to advanced AI models in the free plan.
- Some features, like file uploads, are restricted without a subscription.
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Plus Plan: $20/month.
- Pro Plan: $200/month.
- Team Plan: $25/month per user, billed annually.
AI Capabilities
ChatGPT gives you straight answers, not just a list of links. It pulls info from trusted sources and wraps it up in an easy-to-digest reply. You can ask more questions without starting over—it keeps the flow going.
Who Is This For
Anyone who wants quick answers without the fluff. It’s excellent for casual searches, work stuff, or school tasks. If you’re not ready to pay but want solid AI help, this free tool does the trick.
Why We Picked This
We used ChatGPT while planning a content brief, and it nailed it. The real-time information and fast replies saved us time. It’s smooth, helpful, and perfect when you need clarity on the fly.
3. Arc Search – Top AI-Driven Search Tool
| Starting Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Yes (no known limitations) |
| Top Features | “Browse for Me,” Ad & Tracker Blocking, Reader Mode |
Arc Search is a free AI-powered mobile browser designed for efficient online searches. It understands natural language queries and delivers relevant results instantly. The “Browse for Me” feature automates web searches, compiling information into a single tab. This makes research faster and more organized, reducing the need for manual searches.
Key Features
- Browse for Me: Automates searches and presents key information in a structured summary.
- Ad and Tracker Blocking: Enhances privacy by removing ads and preventing tracking.
- Reader Mode: Simplifies web pages, making content easier to read.
The Good:
- Free to use with advanced AI-driven search.
- Blocks ads and trackers, improving privacy.
- User-friendly interface with distraction-free reading.
The Bad:
- Available only on mobile, limiting desktop users.
- AI-generated summaries may sometimes miss important details.
Pricing
- Basic: Free
Note: No premium plan details are available on the official site.
AI Capabilities
Arc Search handles the digging for you. Type your query, and its “Browse for Me” pulls key info from different sources into one clean summary. It’s built for mobile, so research is smooth, fast, and super efficient.
Who Is This For
Perfect for mobile users who hate jumping between tabs. Studying, working, or casually browsing gives you solid answers without the noise. Great for anyone who wants clean, focused results on the go.
Why We Picked This
We tested it for a quick product comparison, and it nailed it in one tab. There was no bouncing between sites—just straight answers. Its clutter-free, privacy-first vibe makes it an easy win for mobile research.
2. Brave Search – Best AI Search Tool for Personalized Answers
| Starting Price | Free (Basic), $3+/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Yes (free basic version) |
| Top Features | AI Summarizer, Private Search, Goggles for personalized ranking |
| Payment Type | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal |
| Support Contact | support.brave.com |
Brave Search is a privacy-focused AI engine that delivers personalized, accurate results. It prioritizes user control, ensuring searches remain private without tracking. Unlike traditional engines, it generates customized responses based on search behavior and relevance, offering a more tailored search experience.
Key Features
- AI Summarizer: Extracts key information from search results and presents a concise overview.
- Private Search: Blocks trackers and ads, ensuring searches remain secure and anonymous.
- Goggles Feature: Allows users to adjust search rankings based on personal preferences.
The Good:
- No ads or tracking, protecting user privacy.
- Customizable search experience with Goggles.
- AI-generated summaries enhance result clarity.
The Bad:
- Fewer indexed sites compared to Google.
- Advanced AI features may be limited in the free plan.
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Search Premium: $3.00/month or $29.99/year
- Brave VPN + Firewall: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Leo AI Premium: $14.99/month or $149.99/year
- Talk Premium: $7.00/month or $69.99/year
AI Capabilities
Brave Search pulls clean, summarized answers from trusted sources. Its Goggles feature lets you tweak rankings based on what matters to you, cutting through clutter and making results more accurate and personal.
Who Is This For
This is great for anyone who values privacy. If you’re tired of trackers and ads, this one’s for you. It’s also ideal if you want complete control over ranking your search results.
Why We Picked This
We tried Brave for research on a niche topic. Its custom filters delivered spot-on results fast. With zero ads and real privacy, it felt like searching on your terms—clean, safe, and actually useful.
5. You.com – Best AI Search Engine for Research & News
| Starting Price | $20/month (Pro Plan) |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Yes (Free plan available) |
| Top Features | YouChat, Custom Search Agents, Real-time Filters, Writing & Research Tools |
| Payment Type | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal |
| Support Contact | you.com/support |
You.com is a powerful search engine designed for real-time research and news discovery. It processes complex queries and delivers relevant, up-to-date results. The platform combines traditional search with AI-driven tools, making it a strong choice for those who need accurate information quickly.
Users can also create custom agents for tasks like drafting emails, conducting research, and streamlining workflow.
Key Features
- Enhanced Search Capabilities: Processes detailed queries and provides precise results.
- YouChat Integration: Enables interactive, conversational search experiences.
- Custom Search Agents: Allows users to set up agents for specific tasks, improving efficiency.
The Good:
- You.com does not track user data, ensuring private searches.
- Users can customize search settings for more relevant results.
- The platform includes writing assistants, summarization, and research tools.
The Bad:
- It has a smaller index compared to major search engines.
- Advanced features may take time for users to learn.
Pricing
Monthly Plans
- Pro Plan: $20/month
- Team Plan: $30/month per person
Annual Plans
- Pro Plan: $15/month (billed annually)
- Team Plan: $25/month per person (billed annually)
AI Capabilities
You.com pulls real-time results from solid sources. It sorts, filters, and summarizes fast. You can even build custom agents to help with writing, research, or anything else—perfect for keeping your workflow tight.
Who Is This For
It is ideal for researchers, writers, and busy pros. If you want clean results, task automation, and control over what you see—this one’s built for you.
Why We Picked This
We used You.com to research a complex topic. Its smart filters and YouChat helped organize everything quickly. The custom agents were a bonus. It’s like having a research buddy who actually listens.
6. Andi Search – Best AI Search Engine for Multimedia & Web Content
| Starting Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Yes (no premium features yet) |
| Top Features | AI-Powered Summaries, Visual & Multimedia Search, Text/Image/Voice Input |
Andi Search is a privacy-focused AI search engine for multimedia and web content discovery. It provides ad-free search results while integrating live data, AI summaries, and visual search tools. Users can search images, YouTube videos, and web pages more accurately.
Unlike traditional search engines, it continuously learns and adapts to user interactions, improving search relevance.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Summaries: Provides instant answers instead of long lists of links.
- Visual Search: Supports image and video searches, enhancing multimedia discovery.
- Multimodal Input: Accepts text, images, and voice, making searches more interactive.
The Good:
- No ads or trackers, ensuring private searches.
- Instant AI summaries make searches faster and easier.
- Strong multimedia support, ideal for image and video discovery.
The Bad:
- Still in early development, so features may evolve.
- There are no advanced paid features yet, but plans for premium tiers exist.
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Future Paid Plans: Available for professionals and businesses
AI Capabilities
Andi combines AI with semantic search to deliver fast answers. You can search using voice, text, or images. It gets smarter the more you use it, giving you sharper results every time.
Who Is This For
Perfect for creators, writers, or anyone tired of cluttered search pages. Andi’s your match if you want fast, visual, and private search without digging through links.
Why We Picked This
We tried Andi to search for images and YouTube clips—it nailed both. Its clean interface and quick summaries made research a breeze. It’s a total win for visual content and focused results.
How to Choose the Right AI Search Engine
AI search engines use large language models, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP) to generate direct answers instead of just ranking links. Choosing the right AI search engine depends on features, accuracy, and accessibility.
AI Features & Personalization
A good AI search tool understands intent, not just keywords. Features like chatbots, follow-up questions, and summaries refine searches. Some learn from past queries, while others support voice, text, and image searches for better flexibility.
Accuracy & Reliability
Not all AI search results are equal. Some pull real-time data, while others rely on older sources. Look for transparency—credible sources and frequent updates ensure better accuracy.
Free vs. Paid AI Search Engines
Free plans cover basic searches, but premium versions offer better AI models, faster results, and advanced tools—paid options suit professionals who need priority access and deeper research capabilities.
FAQs About AI Search Engine
What is the best AI search engine?
It depends on what you need. Perplexity AI is great for fact-based answers. You.com lets you customize results, and Brave Search keeps searches private. Some focus on AI chatbots, while others refine queries for helpful results.
Is there a free AI search engine?
Yes, several offer free access. Andi Search provides ad-free browsing, while ChatGPT Search gives AI-generated summaries. Free plans include basic tools, but paid versions unlock advanced AI tools and more refined searches.
How do I turn on Google AI search?
Google AI Overviews are usually enabled by default. Check Google Search settings for the AI-generated section. If you don’t see it, it might still be rolling out.
What is an AI search engine?
Unlike traditional search engines that show a list of blue links, AI search tools use generative AI to analyze data and provide direct answers. They adapt to user intent, refining results over time.
Why do AI search engines sometimes provide incorrect answers?
AI tools rely on available internet data, but if sources are outdated or biased, they can generate incorrect answers. Always verify source links for up-to-date information before relying on AI-generated results.
Can AI search engines replace traditional ones?
AI search tools summarize data, but Google Search and Microsoft Bing still provide deeper research options with source links. AI is great for quick answers but not always for complex searches.
Which AI search engine is best for real-time updates?
Arc Search and Perplexity AI provide fast, up-to-date information, making them ideal for breaking news or recent research.
Do AI search engines favor certain AI companies?
Some AI search engines prioritize results from affiliated AI companies or partnerships. Always compare multiple sources to get a balanced view.
Final Thoughts
AI search engines are changing how we find information. They go beyond traditional search engines, offering direct, relevant information without sifting through endless blue links.
With features like AI chatbots, real-time updates, and personalized results, they make searching faster and smarter. For quick answers, deep research, or up-to-date information, AI search tools deliver.
Try one today and discover a better way to search.
