by I Tested Google’s New AI Features — Perplexity Still Wins for Me
Like many curious tech users, I recently took Google’s new AI Overview mode for a spin. It’s sleek, integrated directly into Google Search, and promises faster answers with less digging. At first glance, it seems like the future — AI-powered search that summarizes everything for you.
But after a few days of real-world use, I found myself reaching for something else: Perplexity.
Here’s why Google’s AI mode didn’t quite win me over — and why Perplexity remains my go-to AI-powered research companion.
First Impressions of Google’s AI Mode
To be fair, Google’s AI Overview is impressive. When I searched for complex topics like “how intermittent fasting affects muscle growth” or “best time to post on LinkedIn,” it quickly offered summarized results pulled from various sites.
The big promise? Instant answers. No clicking. No digging.
But that’s also where the cracks began to show.
What Didn’t Work for Me
1. Lack of Transparency
AI Overview sometimes showed answers with minimal citation or context. I couldn’t always tell where the information came from. If I’m trusting AI to summarize expert opinions or data, I need links and clear sources — not just a magic paragraph.
2. Oversimplified Answers
In trying to give a quick answer, Google’s AI mode occasionally watered down nuanced topics. I ran searches on tech specs, finance, and health topics — and often the answers felt too generalized or missed important details.
3. Too Passive
Google’s AI just… sits there. You search, it answers. There’s no dialogue, no follow-up prompts, and no real conversation. It’s basically an enhanced snippet, not a true assistant.
Why Perplexity Wins for Me
1. It Cites Everything
Perplexity doesn’t just summarize — it shows its work. Every sentence links to a source, so I can double-check, explore deeper, or verify credibility instantly. For research, that’s essential.
2. Conversational Flow
Perplexity feels like I’m talking to a sharp assistant. I can ask follow-ups, clarify my query, or refine the topic — and it keeps up. Google’s AI, on the other hand, makes me start fresh every time.
3. Focused, Not Commercial
Let’s be honest — Google is an ad-driven platform. That means results are often influenced by commercial interests. Perplexity feels more neutral, with a focus on delivering clean, research-backed answers without trying to sell me something.
4. Real Research Utility
I’ve used Perplexity for everything from academic summaries to comparing tools, exploring programming topics, and even drafting emails. It’s not just a search engine — it’s a thinking partner.
Not to Dismiss Google — But It’s Not Enough
Google’s AI Overview is a smart step forward. For basic queries — like “What’s the weather tomorrow?” or “How tall is Mount Everest?” — it’s fine. But when I need depth, transparency, and interaction, it falls short.
Perplexity, on the other hand, consistently gives me context-rich answers, invites follow-up thinking, and makes me feel in control of the information.
Final Thought
AI is revolutionizing search, but not all AI tools are created equal. If you’re serious about learning, researching, or even just exploring with more nuance, Perplexity deserves your attention.
I gave Google’s AI a fair shot — but I’m still sticking with the tool that thinks with me, not just for me.
