Whenever you launch a browser, a minute decision presents itself. Will you go for Google search or will you enter a URL directly in the address bar? Both routes lead you to the same place but the one you pick will influence the speed of your arrival, the degree of privacy regarding your journey, and the extent of your discoveries in the process.

Firstly, this article will analyse which option is best for what, then it will explain the reasons behind the shift in habits during 2024 and 2025 plus how the smart combination of both methods can help you save time on the web.

How people search today

According to StatCounter, Google held about 90% of the global search engine market share in late 2025. That’s nine out of every ten searches worldwide. It’s a level of dominance few products ever reach.

Yet the way people search is changing. There is a steadily increasing movement against the data collection and personal tracking of users. A Pew Research study (2024) indicated that, in fact, over 70% of the people who participated in the survey expressed the concern about the way of using data by big tech companies. This growing awareness makes some people rethink how they reach websites – whether to trust a search engine, or to head straight to a familiar page.

When Google Search makes life easier

If you’re exploring or comparing, Google Search remains unmatched. It’s the digital equivalent of asking a librarian to find everything ever written on your topic – in seconds.

Instant discovery

Google’s index includes hundreds of billions of pages. When you type in a query like “best takeaway near me”, you get results that combine reviews, locations and maps almost instantly. For casual browsing or broad research, this saves hours of hunting manually.

Personalised relevance

Google adjusts results using your location, past searches and device data. That’s why when you type “football”, it knows you probably mean the Premier League, not American football. You gain accuracy – though you trade off a bit of privacy for that convenience.

When searching helps most:

• You’re comparing prices or reviews.

• You’re looking for new or local businesses.

• You’re researching topics or learning something new.

When typing a URL is the smarter move

Typing a web address directly into the bar gives you total control. No middleman, no tracking query, and fewer distractions.

Faster, distraction-free access

If you know where you want to go – say nautilusmarketing.co.uk – typing the URL gets you there faster than clicking through search results and ads.

More privacy and safety

When you Search Google or Type a URL, no search query is sent to a third-party engine. That means less tracking. This approach is especially useful for sensitive activities like online banking, company dashboards, or private research.

A Pew Research Centre survey found that nearly half of users now take extra steps to protect their browsing data. Direct navigation is one of those simple habits that helps.

When typing wins:

• You visit a site often and know the address.

• You value privacy and want fewer third-party cookies.

• You want to skip distractions and get straight to work.

Quick comparison – search vs. typing

Goal Search Google Type a URL
Find new options Excellent – broad, varied results Limited – works only for known sites
Speed for known sites Slower – needs a few extra clicks Fast – opens instantly
Privacy Lower – search data tracked Higher – minimal third-party involvement
Accessibility Better – supports voice and autocomplete Depends – typing may be harder for some users
Reliability on slow connections Heavier – search pages load more scripts Lighter – direct connection is faster

What’s changing in 2025

The evolution of online search is taking place at a rapid pace. The latest AI-based search applications are providing you with the summarised information, and there are already some browsers like Arc and Brave that are testing out the installed chatbots. Although this development has simplified the process of getting quick facts, at the same time it has affected the accuracy verification in a different manner. In the year 2025, the skill of confirming the truth of the information will be of utmost importance.

In an interesting turn of events, the market share of Google dwindled to less than 90% for a short time in late 2024, but it also regained its position as more users relied on privacy-conscious or AI-assisted substitutes like DuckDuckGo AI and Perplexity.

Expert opinions

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, said during Google I/O 2024: “Search is still the front door of the internet, but the way people walk through that door is evolving.”

UX specialists also suggest keeping both skills sharp. People often combine methods: they search first to learn a brand’s name, then type the URL directly next time. It’s an efficient loop.

How to browse smarter right now

• Bookmark favourite sites to avoid re-typing or searching each time.

• Use auto-complete to let your browser remember URLs.

• Switch to private mode for confidential searches.

• Try privacy-centred engines like DuckDuckGo or Qwant.

• Always verify AI-generated answers by checking trusted sources.

In summary

Both options have their place. Use Google Search when you’re exploring, comparing, or need context. Search Google or Type a URL when you already know your destination and want a clean, private experience. Neither is right or wrong – it’s about matching the method to the moment.

The web changes rapidly, but that minor decision between a search box and an address bar continues to influence your internet experience. If you are aware of the reason for your preference, then you will navigate the online world with more speed, safety, and purpose.