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Searching beyond Google and Yahoo: nine online search engines compared

Totally devoted to Google or Yahoo when it comes to search? Too bad. Search engine alternatives such as A9, AltaVista, AOL Search, Ask Jeeves, LookSmart, Lycos, and MSN Search are launching innovative tools and services to catch up with the two Web searching giants.

By Ben Patterson (May 9, 2005)

Search is a hot topic, and the latest generation of search engines is finding new ways to scour the Net for images, multimedia, news and--lest we forget--Web pages. Search engines are also helping us find the nearest (and best) pizzerias, directions to Aunt Betty's house, reviews and showtimes for current movies, and the latest forums for every topic under the sun. Want to mine thousands of magazines and journals for your search terms or get someone's most recent mailing address, phone number, or credit history? Online search engines make it easy--too easy, some might say.

Not only are search engines indexing more kinds of content, they also boast a powerful complement of tools, such as cached versions of Web pages, saved search histories, site ranking information, desktop search utilities, and downloadable toolbars. Several sites feature cutting-edge customization options. The new generation of search engines can turn even the most casual surfer into a savvy Web bloodhound.

We took a fresh look at Google, Yahoo, and seven of their closest competitors, focusing on their interfaces, features, and functionality. While Google and Yahoo still trump their rivals in terms of overall search, we found that almost every player in our competition brought something unique to the table. For example, AOL Search offers real-time search suggestions while you type in your query; Ask Jeeves offers a cool thumbnail preview of Web pages on its search results; and LookSmart has a unique periodical search feature, plus a one-of-a-kind page archiving tool.

Check out the feature comparison chart, then read our nine search engine reviews.

Read the CNET editor's take

AltaVista

Ask Jeeves

Google

MSN Search

Yahoo Search

	A9 If you want to customize and save your search results, A9's your engine. 6.7 out of 10 CNET editor's take Check prices
	AltaVista AltaVista offers superb audio and video searches, but for everything else, you can do better elsewhere. 5.7 out of 10 CNET editor's take Check prices
	AOL Search offers a user-friendly results page that will please search beginners, but Google has more power. CNET editor's take Check prices
	Ask Jeeves Ask Jeeves's many new features make it a compelling search engine alternative to Google and Yahoo. 6.3 out of 10 CNET editor's take Check prices
	Google Google searches for just about everything you'd ever expect to find on the Internet and does it with style. 8.0 out of 10 CNET editor's take Check prices
	While we can't recommend LookSmart for everyday Web searches, we were impressed with its unique FindArticle feature. CNET editor's take Check prices
	If you want to find people or find out what people are talking about, Lycos makes sense, but for all other searches, try Google. CNET editor's take Check prices
	MSN Search Although it boasts many recent improvements, MSN Search returned fewer page hits than Yahoo or Google. 6.0 out of 10 CNET editor's take Check prices
	Yahoo Search Yahoo has added new features that give Google a run for its money and make Yahoo a compelling alternative. 7.7 out of 10 CNET editor's take Check prices