kitio.aiGoogle AI Mode vs Consensus
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Google AI Mode is completely free, while Consensus is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Conversational search
- Query fan-out
- Multimodal questions
- Deep Search
- Follow-up questions
- Answers from research papers
- Consensus Meter
- Deep Search reviews
- Study filters
- Citation export
| Feature | Google AI Mode | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search | AI search engine that answers questions from peer-reviewed studies |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Consensus | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Google AI Mode is completely free, while Consensus is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Google AI Mode
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
- Fewer citations than research tools
- Features vary by country
Consensus
- Answers grounded in studies
- Useful study-quality filters
- Easy for non-experts
- Free plan has few Pro searches
- Simplifies nuanced findings
Which one should you choose?
Choose Google AI Mode if you want:
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
Watch out: fewer citations than research tools.
Choose Consensus if you want:
- Answers grounded in studies
- Useful study-quality filters
- Easy for non-experts
Watch out: free plan has few pro searches.
Google AI Mode vs Consensus FAQ
What is the difference between Google AI Mode and Consensus?
Google AI Mode: Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search. Consensus: AI search engine that answers questions from peer-reviewed studies. Both are research & search tools.
Is Google AI Mode or Consensus cheaper?
Google AI Mode is completely free, while Consensus is freemium.
Do Google AI Mode and Consensus have free plans?
Google AI Mode: Yes, fully free. Consensus: Yes.
Who makes Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Consensus?
Consensus is made by Consensus, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Google AI Mode or Consensus?
Choose Google AI Mode if you value free and widely available and draws on google's index. Choose Consensus if you value answers grounded in studies and useful study-quality filters.