For 20+ years Google was my go-to resource for finding answers to almost anything. In the last few years I started noticing search results were increasingly cluttered with ads, SEO-driven content, and unhelpful clickbait. I needed real answers quickly, without sifting through numerous pages.

Last year I discovered Perplexity AI, and it has completely replaced Google as my go-to search engine. Here’s why.

1. AI-Powered Search Delivering Direct Answers

Unlike Google, which presents a list of links, Perplexity AI provides direct answers in a clean, digestible format. It compiles the most relevant information from multiple sources without having to navigate through numerous pages, open a bunch of links and keep track of all your open tabs.

Google vs. Perplexity AI Example:

• Google: Searching for “influencer marketing best practices in beauty” returns a bunch of sponsored filled with superficial content.
• Perplexity: It synthesizes recommendations from reputable sources, offering tailored suggestions for various use cases—saving you time and effort.

2. Transparent Sources and Citations

Some AI platforms generate inaccurate answers and users take them and run with them because they don’t know or don’t care. Perplexity builds trust and promotes transparency by providing clickable citations for all information.

While Google ranks pages based on SEO and backlinks, which doesn’t always equate to high-quality information, Perplexity aggregates data from multiple trusted sources, resulting in more balanced, valuable insights.

3. An Ad-Free, Clickbait-Free Experience

Google’s search results are often dominated by paid placements and content optimized for traffic rather than value. With Perplexity, you receive straight-to-the-point responses without the distraction of ads or dubious SEO-optimized articles.

This is particularly important given how Google’s search results have evolved. As Ben Thompson discussed in The Aggregator Paradox, Google has steadily transitioned from an open web discovery tool to a gatekeeper prioritizing its own ecosystem. A follow-up article, The Google Squeeze, highlighted how Google’s increasing reliance on ads has led to a cluttered and less user-friendly search experience.

4. Context-Aware Searches with Seamless Follow-Ups

A standout feature of Perplexity is its ability to understand follow-up questions. Instead of starting a new search, you can refine your query and **continue the conversation. **It’s like having a knowledgeable researcher working for you.

Perplexity AI Example:

• You ask: “What’s the best programming language for beginners?”
• Perplexity provides an overview (e.g., Python, JavaScript).
• You follow up: “Which is best for AI development?”
• It refines the answer, considering your previous query—something traditional search engines struggle to achieve.

5. A Robust Tool for In-Depth Research

When researching more complex, esoteric topics, Perplexity functions more like an AI research assistant than a conventional search engine. It summarizes lengthy articles, extracts insights from academic sources, and synthesizes intricate subjects in an accessible manner.

This makes it an invaluable tool when you want to get smart on a topic quickly.

Have I Completely Abandoned Google?

Basically. Google remains useful for quick searches like finding a store’s hours. But for comprehensive research, AI-driven answers, and cutting through the noise, Perplexity has become my first choice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re frustrated with the declining quality of traditional search engines, Perplexity AI is worth exploring. It’s faster, more efficient and provides direct answers without unnecessary links.