By Jim Shimabukuro (assisted by Copilot)
Editor
Introduction: Concerned about the timeliness of information Iʻve been receiving from chatbots, I collaborated with Copilot to come up with this list of the best search-augmented capabilities in the free versions of six chatbots. (See the prompt at the end of this article.) To stay current, they use search engines or APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to fetch the latest information; perform real-time web searches to retrieve fresh content; and analyze the results, summarize or cite them, and blend them into the conversation. In rank order, the top three are Perplexity, Gemini, and ChatGPT. See the charts and explanations below.
Copilot: Here’s a clear breakdown of the search-augmented capabilities of the six chatbots you mentioned — all in their free versions:
✅ Search-Augmented in Free Tier?
| Chatbot | Search-Augmented in Free Version? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | ✅ Yes | As of Dec 2024, free users can access ChatGPT Search with real-time web results |
| Gemini | ✅ Yes | Google Search is always-on in Gemini, even for free users |
| Copilot | ✅ Yes | Microsoft Copilot uses Bing Search in all free experiences |
| Perplexity | ✅ Yes | Free users get unlimited quick searches + 5 Pro searches/day |
| You.com | ✅ Yes | Combines traditional search with AI in free tier |
| Poe | ✅ Yes (limited) | Free users can access bots with web search (e.g., Command R), but usage is capped |
📊 Ranked by Activity & Reliability (Free Tier)
This ranking considers search freshness, citation transparency, and response consistency:
| Rank | Chatbot | Why It Ranks Here |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Perplexity | Real-time search, academic mode, citations, and deep research tools |
| 🥈 2 | Gemini | Seamless Google Search integration, strong citations, and fast updates |
| 🥉 3 | ChatGPT | Now includes web search for free users, with citations and source links |
| 4 | Copilot | Bing-powered search with citations, strong integration with Microsoft tools |
| 5 | You.com | Personalized search with AI modes, but less consistent citation formatting |
| 6 | Poe | Offers web search bots, but limited usage and less citation transparency |
Prompt: Please confirm: These six chatbots — ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, You.com, Poe — have Search-Augmented Capabilities in their free version? When we ask questions that require a review of current news sources, they will automatically look to external search engines to gather information? Of these six, which are the most active and reliable? Place them in rank order.
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Educational Technology and Change Journal 
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