Search Google Or Type A URL: Which Is The Better Option?

Let’s be really honest, we have all opened our browsers and wondered: should I search Google or type a URL, or just type in the name of the website? 

Fun fact: that bar you keep looking at? It is known as the Omnibox. 

Any modern browser, like Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge, has made Omnibox really powerful. It is not just URLs anymore – it is so much more than that. Yep, it can autofill, search, predict, and correct spellings. 

However, it still confuses thousands of users every day. 

And that is precisely why I’m here with my blog to help you figure out how Omnibox actually works, and, more importantly, whether it is more convenient to search Google or type a URL. Also, I have made comparisons with detailed explanations and even busted some myths about the same. 

What Is An Omnibox?

In officially established terms, Omnibox is the address bar present in any modern browser, such as Google Chrome and Firefox. But naturally, you must be thinking, why is it even called so? Because it literally does everything. 

This includes:

• You can directly search Google from this address bar. 
• You can directly type a URL in this box, like www.thedailynotes.com
• This address bar can suggest websites that you have previously visited. 
• This address bar also does translations, performs maths, and gives weather updates – users don’t even have to open Google for the same. 

At a glance, Omnibox is equivalent to a digital gateway to the World Wide Web! 

Search Google Or Type A URL: What Does It Mean? 

After opening a new tab in Google Chrome, you will come across one placeholder text in gray: search Google or type a URL. 

It is your browser telling you, “Hi, you can search the internet using Google Chrome or navigate to a website if you are aware of the address.”

In this context, here’s how both options work:

1. Search Google:

This option pertains to typing anything like ‘Stranger Things season 5’ on Google, with the search engine interpreting the same as a search query. After that, the search engine will display the top results for the same – the top results include videos, product listings, blog posts, reviews, etc. 

We are pretty familiar with this method – at least that is how I’ve been surfing the internet for the last decade or so. Moreover, this search method is especially good when:

• You are not aware of the actual website. 
• You need some options to make comparisons. 
• Also, you might just be surfing for some ideas and not something specific. 

2. Type A URL:

In contrast, typing a URL directly into Google will take you directly to the specific web page. So, if you want to visit www.thedailynotes.com, then just type the URL into the address bar. Google Chrome will skip the search result pages and directly take you to the web page you searched for. 

As a result, this approach is ideal when:

• You are aware of the exact web page address. 
• You don’t want any distractions.
• Or, you are revisiting a website you already trust. 

Search Google Or Type A URL: How Each Option Works?

Now, the question is: how does each option work? For that, I’ve tried out each option to find out what happens in both cases.

Now, let’s open the hood and see what actually happens.

What Happens When You Search Google?

When you directly search Google for something and click on ‘enter,’ here’s what happens: 

• Autocomplete begins to kick in depending on popular searches and a user’s search history. 
• Then Google (or any other search engine) scans thousands of web pages within a second and ranks results pages with the help of more than 200 signals. These signals include: Page speed, keyword, backlinks, mobile-friendliness, and more. 
• The search engine will then display SERPs (search engine result pages) for the user. Apart from search results, this includes images, ads, organic listings, and more. 

Fun Fact: Google, as a search engine, handles more than 8,5 billion searches every day, according to Internet Live Stats, 2024. 

What Happens When You Type A URL?

When you type in a URL directly, like www.thedailynotes.com, this is what happens:

• DNS Lookup takes place – the user’s browser looks for and finds the website’s IP address. 
• Then it goes on to send a request to the server of the website. After that, the server goes on to respond with the web page. 
• Then the browser displays the web page for the user. 

Tip: So, if you see that the website address comes with HTTPS, then your connectivity is secure and encrypted. 

Search Google Or Type A URL: Key Differences

I have compared the two options side by side below. Let’s check out the key differences between the two. 

Search Google Or Type A URL: Which Option Is Better?

Once you open a new tab and you see the Omnibox, you can search Google Chrome or even type in a URL – but which one is the more convenient option?

In most cases, it depends on two things:

1. What does the user need?
2. What is the preference of the user? 

So, if you are unsure or exploring options, then it’s best to opt for Google Search – type in your question or idea and hit the ‘enter’ button. Immediately, you will get hundreds of results from the search engine to choose from. 

This approach is perfect for search queries like ‘best offbeat travel spots in the United States,’ or ‘easy noodle recipes.’ In this case, searching any web page directly will not help you if you are not looking for a specific website. 

However, if you exactly know which website you want to check, then typing the website name into the address bar is faster. 

For instance, if you want to check out the latest stories on modern love published on Cosmopolitan, you can type www.cosmopolitan.com directly into the address bar and visit the website – it’s so much faster and more convenient to look up the website name in such cases. 

Quick Everyday Examples:

1. If you want to read global news and stay updated with what is happening across the globe, you can directly visit www.bbc.com in seconds for the same. 
2. If you are looking for an online store you usually buy from or have heard good things about, then just type in the URL and directly land on the said website’s home page. 
3. Also, if you are not sure about something and want to look up your options, then search Google for the same and check out the search results to find out which works better. 

So, the trick is to think about it like going on a trip! If you are aware of your exact destination, then you can drive there directly. 

But if you want to explore, you can follow a map and stop at spots for the experience. Surfing the internet works in the same way – select the method that actually aligns with the goal. 

How To Use Google Search? Best Practices

Of course, Google is the most powerful search engine – but are you being smart about using it? So, here’s how you can use Google search effectively and level up your browsing game:

1. Always Search For Specific Phrases:

While searching, use specific phrases like ‘best guest posting services in India.” It will tell the search engine to only display results that match your search query exactly. 

2. Search Within A Website:

You can always put the site name and phrase together, like www.thedailynotes.come, the best guestposting services. This will limit the user’s search to a single domain only. It is very helpful for all the times when you are browsing for something specific on a website. 

3. Use Google Operators:

Some of the most useful Google operators are as follows:

• Filetype to search docs and PDFs. 
• Intitle to search titles. 
• Keywords. 

For example, Myntra new shoes – black. So, this will include all webpages that mention black. 

4. Use Voice Search:

If you are feeling too lazy to type, then just say, ‘Hey Google, which is the best guestposting agency close to me?”

According to Google’s 2023 data, voice search is on the rise, especially for mobile users. This is because around 27% of the digital population across the globe uses voice search on their mobiles. 

How To Use The URL Bar? Best Practices

Typing a web page address or URL into the address bar is easy – but you can make the process more effective. So, here’s how you can do it better:

1. Look For HTTPS:

I’ve already mentioned this in the beginning – always opt for URLs that start with HTTPs – the ‘s’ here literally stands for secure. So, it is best to avoid websites that mention ‘not secure’ directly in your browser. 

2. Avoid Using Fake URLs:

Scammers typically use similar website names, such as ABC-online.com, in place of the actual ABC.com. As a result, always double-check the URL – especially the spelling. 

3. Depend On Keyboard Shortcuts:

When I run short on time, I operate using keyword shortcuts mostly. For instance, you can type the daily notes and then hit Ctrl + Enter. You will see that Google Chrome has filled in the .com and www automatically. 

Accuracy And Speed: Real-Time Test

So, I have laid out a simple comparison below. Let’s check it out. 

As a result, it is obvious that typing a URL directly is faster, while Google search is relatively more flexible when the user doesn’t know where to go. 

Security, Privacy, And Misconceptions:

While both options – typing a URL and Google Search – are homeless, let’s be honest: privacy and security are more important than ever. Phishing websites, cyber threats, trackers, and browser data leaks impact the overall search experience. 

Is It Less Secure To Search Google?

Not always. But then here’s the thing. When you are directly searching on Google, your search queries are automatically saved in your Google account. As a result, Google will track your interests to customize results and ads. 

Moreover, third-party websites might also track your digital footprints via the cookies that you have clicked on while being on the website. To avoid this, you can use the Incognito Mode of your browser or use a security-focused browser like DuckDuckGo or Brave. 

Is It Safer To Type A URL?

Yes, always, especially if your website address is accurate. However, scammers often use typosquatting to trap innocent users and steal information. 

As a result, you can easily bookmark crucial websites such as banking portals or shopping websites to avoid typing errors. 

Common Myths Busted:

Let’s bust some common myths:

1. Typing A URL Is Always Faster:

It is fast, but only if you have the correct website domain address. So if you are sure about which website to visit and its URL ,then go for the same. Otherwise, Google’s search option is always faster for any generic query or when you are not sure about the spelling. 

2. Searching Is Relatively Less Safe:

Not really, because Google has its own privacy and security features. As a result, a majority of the search results are typically filtered for viruses and malware. 

3. The Address Bar Is Meant For URLs Only:

Not really. The address bar or Omnibox has multiple purposes. So, you can also use it for:

• Doing maths. 
• Translating. 
• Checking for weather updates. 
• Asking queries. 

Search Google Or Type A URL: Which Is The Better Option?

Let’s avoid overthinking this really simple thing! 

It is never about picking sides – it is more about selecting on the basis of your intent. So, when you are exploring or looking for variety or just learning, opt for Google Search. But when you need precision, security, and speed, opt for entering a URL directly. 

It’s not about choosing sides — it’s about choosing based on your intent.

Both these options are powerful. The purpose is to know which one you should use when. Moreover, in this fast-paced digital world, every second matters, while attention works like currency. 

Understanding the distinction between typing a URL and searching might appear to be small, but it is more like knowing the exact difference between a shortcut and taking the longer route. 

Always remember, smart navigation = safe browsing + fewer mistakes + saved time. So, next time you see the address bar staring right back at you, just remember that you are the one in charge. Now go, type smart, and search smarter. 

Additional Reading:

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