Free and open first
Best AI Search Engines in 2026
Finding answers with AI can also mean deciding which sources to inspect and how to pursue a question further. Compare citation formats, source filters, and deep research modes, along with API access and browser extensions that may suit your workflow. Mobile apps and monthly query limits help clarify how you can access a service; free plans and paid-from prices add cost context. Perplexity, Genspark Design, and Andi AI are among the entries, alongside Consensus and Felo Search. Consider the questions you want to investigate and weigh the listed research and access features against how you prefer to search.
- 28 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Andi AI
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2Andi combines conventional search exploration with answers, explanations, and summaries generated by AI.
- 2
Arc Search
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1Arc Search combines mobile browsing tools with a search option that generates page-based answers.
- 3
Consensus
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2Consensus combines broad academic search with filters, research workflows, and citations linked to paper passages.
- 4
Genspark Design
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 5
Elicit
Free plan APIWebElicit brings paper search, document-based workflows, and cited outputs into one research assistant. The free Basic plan has usage limits, while API access is reserved for Pro and higher.
- 6
Felo Search
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebFelo Search combines real-time web search, source-linked answers, and document analysis across web and mobile platforms.
- 7
Google AI Mode
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebAI Mode combines search links and AI responses with varied input options, follow-up searches and interactive visuals.
- 8
Iris.ai
Free plan APISelf-hostedWebIris.ai combines document processing, enterprise knowledge RAG, and scientific-literature search in one product family.
- 9
- 10
Jina AI
Free plan APISelf-hostedWebChoose Jina AI if you are building search applications and need its embedding, reranking, or Reader capabilities across API, web, or self-hosted access.
- 11
Microsoft Copilot Search
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebCopilot Search combines Bing results, generated responses, citations, and follow-up exploration in one search experience.
- 12
Perplexity
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3Perplexity combines real-time web search, citations, and file and app search, with additional capabilities at higher plan levels.
- 13
SciSpace
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2SciSpace brings literature discovery, PDF assistance, and writing tools into one research platform.
- 14
Keenious
Free plan ExtensionWebChoose Keenious if you need help discovering academic research and interpreting difficult passages in papers.
- 15
OpenEvidence
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebChoose OpenEvidence if you are a healthcare professional who can verify eligibility and want cited responses to clinical questions with an indication of evidence strength.
- 16
Brave Search
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebBrave Search offers web and mobile access, with an API and research features among its listed capabilities. Users can start free or choose Search Premium for $3 a month, billed monthly.
- 17
Scite
Free plan APIExtensionWebScite combines citation classification, literature search, manuscript checking, and collection alerts in one service. Its free plan offers a way to start, while advanced access requires a paid plan.
- 18
You.com
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1You.com groups web search, extraction, research, and grounded-answer APIs for developer applications.
- 19
Komo Search
Free plan WebKomo Search offers a free tier with daily credits, focus modes, and search history. Users who need deep research or premium models must move beyond the Free plan.
- 20
PropensityAI
Free plan Self-hostedWebPick PropensityAI if you want cited answers across mixed source types, with a no-sign-up free tier or local deployment options.
- 21
Semantic Scholar
Free plan APIExtensionWebSemantic Scholar combines paper discovery with saved libraries, reading aids, and an API at no cost.
- 22
Undermind
Free plan APIExtensionWebUndermind combines literature search, paper review, citation tracing, and research alerts.
- 23
Yahoo Scout
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebScout combines web and Yahoo content with answers, follow-up threads, and features across Yahoo services.
- 24
Oxford Academic AI Discovery Assistant
Free plan WebPick Oxford Academic AI Discovery Assistant if you want question-based discovery of peer-reviewed research hosted on Oxford Academic, with follow-up prompts and publication filters.
- 25
AlphaSense Generative Search
Paid AndroidiPhoneWebChoose AlphaSense Generative Search if your team needs cited AI research across a large business and financial content library, with options to include internal documents.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
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