Back in October of last year, OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, launched its integrated search engine within the chatbot. Initially, this feature was only available to paying users, but by December, it was rolled out to all users. Now, OpenAI has completely lifted restrictions on the ChatGPT search feature, allowing unlimited access for everyone interested in utilizing it.
With these changes, users no longer need to log in or create an account to access ChatGPT’s search capabilities. This means you can search for information in a manner similar to Google, but with a notable difference in user experience.
ChatGPT search is now available to anyone at https://t.co/nYW5KO1aIg — no sign up required. pic.twitter.com/VElT7cxxjZ
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) February 5, 2025
With around 80% of global users relying on some form of search engine daily, the introduction of this feature could significantly alter the landscape.
One of the standout features of ChatGPT's search engine is its ad-free interface, providing a more focused and straightforward user experience compared to Google, which is often cluttered with advertisements. However, Google’s own AI-driven search engine, Gemini, is also ad-free and aims to position itself competitively—indicating that OpenAI will face significant opposition in this space, especially given Google’s plans to enhance its Search functionalities by 2025.
As the capabilities of AI evolve, the upcoming year is expected to see remarkable advancements in search technology.
With this strategic move to democratize access to its search engine, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a viable competitor in a market that is on the verge of transformation. But how does ChatGPT search operate? It functions similarly to traditional search engines—users input queries, and receive AI-generated summaries rather than a list of links. Citations to the source materials are provided, allowing users to verify the information presented. This transparency is crucial since AI-generated responses can occasionally miss the mark—echoing the challenges Google encountered with its AI Overviews during their initial rollout. Just like Google and Bing, which also utilize AI summaries, ChatGPT still has room for growth in delivering accurate and reliable answers.
