Monday, May 30, 2011

3 Useful Tools To See & Compare Search Results Side By Side

3 Useful Tools To See & Compare Search Results Side By Side: "

search results side by sideSearching multiple search databases simultaneously is nothing new: we have already seen 10 tools that allow to search Google and Bing and see results side by side.

We also have reviewed a number of tools that run multiple searches at a time: Search Opener is a good example.

Today’s little collection includes best multi-feature web-based tools to search at least two search engines and see results side by side (either to compare them or just to be able to see more search results at a time):

Search in Two Languages Side-by-Side

2Lingual is a web-based tool that works surprisingly fast and lets you search in two languages with one click.

The app uses Google translate to automatically recognize and translate your query into the second language (this feature can be turned off).

search results side by side

Where the fun is:..

Since this app was reviewed by MUO 2 years ago, there have been 2 important improvements:

  • The tool now supports 45 languages;
  • The tool now offers smooth “Instant” experience (it starts searching before you enter the full query. I wish it had Google Suggest support as well).

There is also Twitter Bilingual (also reviewed by MUO previously) search that works pretty much the same but sourcing results from Twitter real time results. It currently supports 21 languages.

Search Two Search Engines Side-by-Side

There are quite a few tools that let you compare two sets of results side by side. Not all of them offer a quick way to switch between the available search engines though.

The one app that does this job comparatively well is Googawho: just type your query, get the initial columns of results and click through search engines in the header to switch between the engines.

Supported search engines: Google, Yahoo!, Bing, Ask, InfoSpace, AltaVista, Lycos, Dogpile.

compare search engine results

Where the fun is:..

  • Open results in new tabs / windows by holding SHIFT while clicking the link;
  • Click “Tabulizer!” button to open all supported search engine results in new tabs;
  • Install Googawho search plugin to easily search from your browser.

Search Two Verticals Side-by-Side

Like the above tool, SearchBoth gives access to several search engines but there’s no easy way to switch between them. What the tool offers though is a handy option to click through vertical search sections, like:

  • Images;
  • Videos;
  • Shopping results;
  • News Search
  • Blog search.

Note: Googawho does have links for “News”, “Images” and “Videos” as well but they didn’t always work for me.

The ability to search images in two engines simultaneously can really come in handy!

search results side by side

Where the fun is:..

  • Hover over any part to enlarge it (or click the “lock” icon to fix the width);
  • Navigate through various local tool versions to combine and compare search engines from your country.

Don’t forget to check out related search-productivity tools and tips:

Have you ever played with any of the tools above? Do you have your own favorites? Please share your thoughts!

Image Credit: seosmarty


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