After giving the newly launched ChatGPT Search a week-long trial as my default search engine, I'm ready to go back to Google. This shift was prompted by ChatGPT’s rollout for logged-in users starting on October 31, which later became available to anyone with a free account on December 16.

While I was excited to utilize ChatGPT Search, I soon found myself frequently opening a separate browser just to get reliable answers from Google. Although it excels in handling open-ended prompts, its ability to manage keyword searches left a lot to be desired.

OpenAI pitched ChatGPT Search as a blend of a natural language interface with real-time updates on sports scores, news, and stock quotes. However, the limitations became glaringly obvious in practical use. ChatGPT generated summaries that occasionally proved useful, but those moments were overshadowed by times when I wished to delve deeper into sources and verify information myself.

The Big Differences: Visual Options vs. Summarized Results

One of the core differences I quickly noted between the two platforms is how information is presented. With Google, I could scroll endlessly through countless options. For instance, a search for "55 inch TV stand" on Google would yield an extensive array of options, much like browsing a marketplace. The ability to filter results, explore images, or review product comparisons provides users with a comprehensive viewing experience.

By contrast, ChatGPT Search limited my options to just a handful of product recommendations, directing me to a source tab that felt constricted and less visually engaging. While some users might appreciate the straightforwardness of fewer choices, I missed the breadth that Google offers, especially for broader queries.

The Need for Speed and Accessibility

Another significant point of frustration was speed. Several times, I found the response times of ChatGPT Search to be slower compared to Google. As someone accustomed to the instantaneous results of keyword-based searches, waiting longer for summarized answers felt cumbersome.

Google's SEO optimization allows it to deliver relevant links almost immediately, a fact recently emphasized by Google's head of search, Liz Reid. Her assertion that "Google will do the Googling for you" rings true—when searching for news, companies, or social media links, the organization of results is unmatched.

When ChatGPT Shines Brightest

That being said, ChatGPT Search excels in specific, open-ended inquiries. If I'm looking for structured information, such as "What was President Gerald Ford's most notable accomplishment?" or "What were the key events of Gerald Ford's presidency?" I found ChatGPT's responses to be concise and well-organized, often saving me from combing through hundreds of articles.

However, for broad searches, Google's lead is hard to challenge. Given its decades of refinement, Google's keyword access to information remains superior, at least for now.

In conclusion, while I see the potential and usefulness of ChatGPT Search, it simply cannot compete with Google's established dominance in search functionality—especially for someone like me who thrives on efficiency and comprehensive options. For now, I’ll be returning to my good old Google Search, but who knows what advancements the future might hold for ChatGPT?