Top AI Search Engines for 2025
Table of Contents
Top AI Search Engines For 2025
AI search is evolving fast. What was cutting edge last year is getting replaced by new powerful LLMs. Let's look at some of the top AI search engines in 2025. We'll focus on ChatGPT, DeepSeek R1, and X.com Grok-3, among others. Each tool has unique strengths, subscription options, and an approach to deep research. Let's look.
1. ChatGPT Free and Plus/Pro version With Deep Research
ChatGPT free version includes search and premium version ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) also includes "deep research" feature. Overall, ChatGPT from OpenAI remains a leader with few hundred million users every week. Its new feature called "deep research" that crawls more sites and data, plus a built-in web search. You can toggle normal or deep mode. The normal mode is quick. The deep mode uses more resources to gather thorough references, sometimes citing original URLs. This is useful for complex research or big tasks. Many professionals stick to ChatGPT for everyday queries, but that deep mode can be a game-changer if you need more details.
For instance, product comparisons or specialized data retrieval can be done by prompting ChatGPT to do so with "deep research" mode. It even links relevant citations from across the web. You can run [up to 10 deep research requests](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10500283-deep-research-faq) with $20/mo subscription or [up to 120 with $200/mo PRO subscription](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10500283-deep-research-faq). The only drawback is the monthly subscription fee. There's no free version for the deeper research feature. If you only have the free ChatGPT, you won't get full web search or "deep research."
2. DeepSeek R1
DeepSeek R1 is the new star from China. It's fully free. Everyone can try it at chat.deepseek.com. The company behind it, DeepSeek, developed a large language model that runs on fewer GPUs than many rivals, which keeps costs low and supposedly allows them to run free version which includes web search and deep research features. Comparing to ChatGPT and other popular AI, it is running on servers located in China but available for download and on-premise installation.
DeepSeek R1 is also available for on-premise verison to run on your local environment via ollama, Hugging Face and LM Studio app with version of the different size so it can be run even on a Apple Macbook. With on-premise eversion running on your own computer/server the data is staying on your own computer/server. You can also run it on your own cloud server if you don't want to install it on your own computer/server.
3. X.com Grok-3
X.com (formerly Twitter) introduced Grok-3 in February 2025, developed by xAI under Elon Musk. They claim a big jump in computing power used for training, about 10x more than the older model, Grok-2. That training took place in Colossus, a data center with roughly 200,000 GPUs. xAI also showed test results suggesting Grok-3 outperforms older GPT-4-based models in advanced benchmarks. There's some debate about the testing method, but overall the new engine is impressive.
Grok-3 is available in the cloud for all users for free (previously was available to paid subscribers only). It includes "deep research" mode as well so it can quickly run web search and scan results to extract required information. It requires to have X.com account to access it.
4. Other Notable AI Search Engines
- Google AI Search – Still integrated into Google’s search page, with new improvements every few months but available only in the US (for users running Google search in the USA). Also, it may not show for some requests. But it is currently overshadowed by ChatGPT’s capabilities.
- Microsoft Bing AI – They continue improving CoPilot features with GPT-based chat. But overshadowed by free solutions like DeepSeek in some user segments.
- You.com and Others – Still around, but overshadowed by ChatGPT Plus and the new free players on the block.
Things move quickly, so keep an eye out. But if you want advanced research right now, the top picks are ChatGPT Plus, DeepSeek R1, or X.com’s Grok-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to pay for ChatGPT Plus web search?
Yes. The deep research and web search features require ChatGPT Plus, which is $20/month.
2. Is DeepSeek R1 really free?
Yes. DeepSeek R1 is fully free with advanced reasoning, though future paid add-ons might appear.
3. What is Grok-3's main advantage?
xAI claims Grok-3 surpasses older models on certain benchmarks and offers DeepSearch for extensive internet scanning.
4. How can I access Grok-3 if I'm not a Premium+ user?
Currently, X provides Grok-3 for Premium+ at $40/month. xAI might open broader access or free trials in the future, but no guaranteed timeline.
5. Does DeepSeek R1 have a Big Brain mode like Grok-3?
Yes. DeepSeek R1 offers a Think button and a Big Brain mode, letting you get more elaborate reasoning at no extra cost.
6. Is ChatGPT Plus better than DeepSeek R1 for complicated tasks?
ChatGPT Plus deep research mode is top-tier for scanning large sets of data. DeepSeek is free and surprisingly capable. The choice depends on your needs.
7. Is Grok-3 truly better than GPT-4?
They say so on certain metrics. Some critics question the test methods. It's still an impressive model, but direct comparisons can vary depending on your workload.
8. Does Bing AI still matter in 2025?
Bing AI continues to improve. It's overshadowed by these new offerings, but some users still rely on it for free GPT-based search with Microsoft integration.
9. What about privacy on DeepSeek R1 or Grok-3?
DeepSeek R1 claims minimal data retention. Grok-3 is integrated with X, so data policies may differ. Always check their privacy statements for details.
10. Do I need to train these models myself to use them?
No. All these AI search engines come pre-trained and ready to use. You just sign up or pay the subscription if required.
11. Are there any cheap or free alternatives if I can't pay for ChatGPT Plus?
Yes. DeepSeek R1 is free. Some other older AI search engines might still offer free limited versions too.
12. Will ChatGPT lower its pricing to match DeepSeek or Grok-3's free access times?
No official word. Right now, ChatGPT sets a stable $20/month for premium features. That might change later, but no signs yet.
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