How to Replace Google Search with AI Chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity on Chrome Today
October 19, 2024 – If you are tired of traditional Google searches and want faster, more accurate answers, it’s time to consider replacing Google search with AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity. These AI tools are growing popular for offering conversational responses rather than long lists of links.
Both ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, and Perplexity, another advanced AI tool, can transform how you search for information on Chrome. This article will explain how you can set them up and start using AI chatbots as your primary search tool.
Why Replace Google Search?
Google is great for delivering a wide range of results, but it has its limitations. It often provides long lists of websites instead of giving direct answers. On the other hand, AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity provide immediate, conversational responses tailored to your specific question.
Here are some reasons to consider switching:
- More Accurate Answers: AI chatbots are trained to understand natural language better than search engines. This means they can give you more relevant information quickly.
- No Need to Click Links: Unlike Google, where you have to sift through various links to find your answer, chatbots deliver answers directly.
- A Personalized Experience: AI tools can remember past conversations and offer more personalized responses based on your preferences.
What Are ChatGPT and Perplexity?
Before we dive into how to replace Google with these tools, it’s important to understand what ChatGPT and Perplexity are:
- ChatGPT: Created by OpenAI, ChatGPT is one of the most advanced AI chatbots available. It can engage in conversations, answer complex questions, and assist with writing, coding, and much more.
- Perplexity: Perplexity is another powerful AI tool designed to simplify your search experience by providing direct answers and summaries instead of endless web links.
Both of these AI chatbots work well in Chrome, and with a few tweaks, they can become your default search tool.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Google Search with AI Chatbots on Chrome
Follow these steps to start using ChatGPT and Perplexity as your primary search assistants on Chrome:
Step 1: Install Chrome Extensions
You can use both ChatGPT and Perplexity through Chrome extensions, making it easier to access these AI tools directly from your browser.
- Install the ChatGPT Extension:
- Go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for the ChatGPT extension by OpenAI.
- Click on “Add to Chrome” and follow the installation instructions.
- Install the Perplexity Extension:
- Head to the Chrome Web Store.
- Look for the Perplexity AI extension.
- Add it to Chrome by clicking “Add to Chrome” and following the prompts.
Once both extensions are installed, they will appear on your Chrome toolbar and be ready to use.
Step 2: Set Up ChatGPT or Perplexity as Your Default Search Tool
You can set one of these chatbots as your default search assistant by following these steps:
- Change the Default Search Engine:
- Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Search engine” section.
- Click on “Manage search engines.”
- Click “Add” to create a new search engine, then paste the URL of the AI chatbot extension. For example:
- ChatGPT URL:
https://chat.openai.com/
- Perplexity URL:
https://perplexity.ai/
- ChatGPT URL:
- Set it as the default by clicking “Make default.”
Now, every time you type a query in the Chrome search bar, it will use ChatGPT or Perplexity instead of Google.
Step 3: Use AI Chatbots for Instant Answers
Once you’ve set up the AI tool, here’s how to start using it for everyday searches:
- Simple Queries: Type basic questions like “What’s the weather today?” or “Who won the last NBA game?” You’ll receive quick, conversational responses instead of a list of websites.
- Complex Queries: For more detailed information, such as “How does quantum computing work?” or “Explain the causes of the French Revolution,” ChatGPT or Perplexity will break down the answer in an understandable manner.
Both AI chatbots can handle a wide variety of questions, making them a more dynamic tool than Google search.
Tips to Improve Your Experience
Using ChatGPT and Perplexity will change how you interact with the internet. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this experience:
- Ask Specific Questions: The more specific your question, the better the response. AI chatbots thrive on clear, detailed questions.
- Follow-Up with Context: Unlike Google, you can ask follow-up questions to get even more information. For example, if you ask about a historical event, you can immediately ask for more details without starting a new search.
- Use Natural Language: AI tools are designed to understand natural language, so you don’t need to use keywords or formal search terms. Feel free to phrase your queries as you would in a conversation.
Limitations of AI Chatbots
While ChatGPT and Perplexity offer numerous advantages, they are not without limitations:
- Accuracy Issues: AI chatbots might sometimes provide incorrect or outdated information, especially when the data is based on training from older sources.
- Lack of Visual Search: Unlike Google, these tools do not offer image search functionality. So, if you’re looking for images or visual data, Google may still be a better choice.
- Limited Real-Time Information: While Perplexity has access to more real-time information compared to ChatGPT, neither chatbot can match Google’s ability to provide real-time updates in areas like news and sports.
Is Replacing Google Worth It?
If you frequently ask questions that require direct, detailed answers, switching to an AI chatbot could save you a lot of time. These tools are particularly helpful for research, education, and daily problem-solving. However, if you rely on visual data, real-time updates, or broad searches, Google might still be necessary for certain tasks.
The Future of AI Search
AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity are constantly evolving. They are not yet perfect, but they represent the future of search. As they continue to improve, we could see AI replacing traditional search engines entirely, giving users a faster, more intuitive way to find information.
Replacing Google search with AI chatbots on Chrome is a straightforward process that can enhance your browsing experience. While AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity have their limitations, they offer unique advantages over traditional search engines, such as faster responses, personalized answers, and an engaging conversational experience.
With the continued rise of AI, it’s only a matter of time before more people start turning to chatbots instead of Google. If you’re looking for a new way to search, now might be the perfect time to make the switch.