kitio.aiGoogle AI Mode vs Kagi Search
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Google AI Mode is completely free, while Kagi Search 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
- Ad-free search
- Quick Answer summaries
- Kagi Assistant
- Domain ranking controls
- Search lenses
| Feature | Google AI Mode | Kagi Search |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search | Ad-free paid search engine with an AI assistant and quick answers |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Kagi | |
| 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 Kagi Search is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Trial
Free
- 100 searches to try
Starter
$5/mo
- 300 searches per month
- Ad-free private search
Professional
$10/mo
- Unlimited searches
Ultimate
$25/mo
- Unlimited searches
- Kagi Assistant with premium models
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
Kagi Search
- No ads or tracking
- Customizable results
- Access to many AI models
- Paid for regular use
- Smaller index partners than Google
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 Kagi Search if you want:
- No ads or tracking
- Customizable results
- Access to many AI models
Watch out: paid for regular use.
Google AI Mode vs Kagi Search FAQ
What is the difference between Google AI Mode and Kagi Search?
Google AI Mode: Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search. Kagi Search: Ad-free paid search engine with an AI assistant and quick answers. Both are research & search tools.
Is Google AI Mode or Kagi Search cheaper?
Google AI Mode is completely free, while Kagi Search is freemium.
Do Google AI Mode and Kagi Search have free plans?
Google AI Mode: Yes, fully free. Kagi Search: Yes.
Who makes Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Kagi Search?
Kagi Search is made by Kagi, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Google AI Mode or Kagi Search?
Choose Google AI Mode if you value free and widely available and draws on google's index. Choose Kagi Search if you value no ads or tracking and customizable results.