You wanted to try OpenAI's SearchGPT? It's time to look for AI alternatives

ChatGPT’s capabilities combined with a search engine? Sounds like a perfect duo. That’s why I was so excited to finally try SearchGPT — until I got an email titled “Update on SearchGPT waitlist.” It seems OpenAI had other plans. 

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The email stated that OpenAI has closed its AI search engine waitlist, having already “filled the initial spots for the prototype.” As a result, the company will not invite new users until access is expanded. 

If you visit the SearchGPT Prototype launch page, where you could previously register to join the waitlist, it now reads, “Waitlist closed.” However, those who previously registered will continue to get SearchGPT updates, according to OpenAI’s email. 

When the company unveiled SearchGPT in July, OpenAI told The Verge it would initially extend access to 10,000 users. Since the company disclosed that “initial spots are filled,” there are likely 10,000 users actively testing the platform, some of whom have taken to social media to share their reviews. 

One user, @ananayarora, took to X to share his experience — and if you haven’t gotten access yet, his review should make you feel better. Due to several challenges, such as cluttered linking and sourcing, repeated image results, and refusal to generate “inappropriate content,” Ananay shares that Perplexity is still a better alternative. 

The good news is that by the time SearchGPT’s capabilities are shared with the public, these issues will likely have been addressed, as OpenAI does not plan to release the prototype. Rather, the company plans to integrate SearchGPT’s best features directly into ChatGPT.

Also: The best AI chatbots of 2024: ChatGPT, Copilot, and worthy alternatives

If you want to try an AI-powered search engine but have not been granted access to SearchGPT, there are plenty of alternatives since most search engines have incorporated AI to some extent. ZDNET rounded up the best AI search engines available right now to make your decision about which to try out easier.