Google’s reverse image search is a popular tool for finding similar images, but it’s not the only option available. There are several alternatives that offer unique features and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to Google Reverse Image Search in 2025.
1. TinEye
TinEye is one of the most well-known alternatives to Google Reverse Image Search. It uses image recognition technology to find exact matches and similar images. TinEye is particularly useful for finding higher-resolution versions of an image or tracking down the original source.
Features:
- Image Recognition: TinEye uses advanced image recognition algorithms to find exact matches and similar images.
- Reverse Image Search: Upload an image or enter the image URL to start your search.
- Browser Extensions: TinEye offers browser extensions for quick and easy reverse image searches.
2. Yandex Images
Yandex is a Russian search engine that offers a powerful reverse image search tool. It’s known for its ability to find similar images and provide relevant search results.
Features:
- Similar Image Search: Yandex Images can find similar images based on the uploaded image.
- User-Friendly Interface: The interface is clean and easy to use.
- Integration: Yandex Images can be integrated with other Yandex services for a seamless experience.
3. Bing Visual Search
Bing Visual Search is Microsoft’s answer to Google Reverse Image Search. It offers a variety of features that make it a strong competitor.
Features:
- Visual Search: Upload an image or take a photo to search for similar images.
- Shopping: Bing Visual Search can help you find products similar to the ones in the image.
- Integration: Works seamlessly with Microsoft Edge and other Microsoft services.
4. Pinterest Visual Search
Pinterest’s visual search tool is unique because it allows you to search for specific items within an image. This is particularly useful for finding products or inspiration.
Features:
- Visual Search Tool: Click on a specific part of an image to search for similar items.
- Inspiration: Great for finding inspiration and ideas related to the image.
- Shopping: Pinterest Visual Search can help you find and purchase products similar to the ones in the image.
5. ImageRaider
ImageRaider is another powerful reverse image search tool that specializes in finding exact matches and similar images. It’s particularly useful for photographers and content creators.
Features:
- Image Recognition: Uses advanced image recognition technology to find exact matches and similar images.
- Multiple Search Engines: ImageRaider searches across multiple search engines for more comprehensive results.
- Batch Search: Allows you to search for multiple images at once.
6. Berify
Berify is a reverse image search tool that focuses on finding exact matches and similar images. It’s known for its accuracy and speed.
Features:
- Image Matching: Berify uses advanced algorithms to find exact matches and similar images.
- Batch Search: Allows you to search for multiple images at once.
- Integration: Works with various platforms and services for a seamless experience.
7. Karma Decay
Karma Decay is a reverse image search tool specifically designed for Reddit. It helps you find out if an image has been posted on Reddit before and provides information about its popularity.
Features:
- Reddit Integration: Karma Decay is integrated with Reddit to provide information about image posts.
- Popularity Tracking: Shows you how popular an image was on Reddit.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to use and navigate.
8. SauceNAO
SauceNAO is a reverse image search tool that specializes in finding the source of anime, manga, and video game images. It’s a popular tool among anime and manga fans.
Features:
- Anime and Manga Focus: SauceNAO is designed to find the source of anime, manga, and video game images.
- Community-Driven: The tool is supported by a community of users who contribute to its database.
- Accuracy: Known for its high accuracy in finding the source of images.
9. IQDB
IQDB is another reverse image search tool that focuses on finding the source of anime, manga, and video game images. It’s similar to SauceNAO but offers a different user experience.
Features:
- Anime and Manga Focus: IQDB is designed to find the source of anime, manga, and video game images.
- Community-Driven: The tool is supported by a community of users who contribute to its database.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to use and navigate.
10. RevIMG
RevIMG is a reverse image search tool that offers a variety of features for finding similar images and tracking down the original source.
Features:
- Image Recognition: Uses advanced image recognition technology to find exact matches and similar images.
- Reverse Image Search: Upload an image or enter the image URL to start your search.
- Batch Search: Allows you to search for multiple images at once.
While Google Reverse Image Search is a popular tool, there are many alternatives available that offer unique features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for higher-resolution images, tracking down the original source, or finding inspiration, these alternatives can help you achieve your goals.
Status of Google Reverse Image Search in 2025
Google’s traditional reverse image search (“Search by image”) is effectively broken and discontinued as of February 2025.
What Changed?
- Legacy Image Search Removed: On February 7, 2025, Google fully removed the legacy “Search by image” feature. Users attempting to use it now encounter an error message stating “something went wrong,” with no option to reactivate the old service.
- Google Lens as the Default: All reverse image searches now redirect to Google Lens, regardless of browser settings. Even if you disable the Google Lens right-click option via Chrome flags, both the old and new methods now return the same Google Lens output.
- No Return to Old Functionality: Tweaks that previously allowed users to restore the old reverse image search (such as disabling Lens Overlay in Chrome Flags) no longer work, as both options have been unified under Google Lens.
User Experience and Issues
- Feature Loss: The new Google Lens-based search is less detailed and sometimes less effective for finding exact matches or tracking image usage across the web, compared to the old Google Images reverse search.
- Error Messages: Users report persistent errors or empty results when trying to use the old reverse image search, both in Chrome and other browsers.
- Browser Extensions: Extensions relying on the deprecated service now often fail or return empty results. Developers acknowledge that the legacy service is gone and recommend using alternatives like Yandex or Bing for reverse image search.
- “Search Image with Google” Broken: In browsers like Brave, attempting to use the right-click image search results in errors such as “413. That’s an error. Your client issued a request that was too large”.
Why Did Google Make This Change?
- Strategic Shift: Google is moving away from traditional reverse image search in favor of Google Lens, which emphasizes object recognition, text reading, and contextual search rather than exact image matching.
- External Factors: Some reports suggest this shift was accelerated by licensing deals (e.g., with Getty Images), which may have influenced the removal of the old feature.
Alternatives and Workarounds
- Other Search Engines: Users seeking traditional reverse image search functionality are advised to try alternatives such as Yandex, Bing, or TinEye, which may offer better results for finding exact matches or tracking image usage.
- Google Lens Limitations: While Google Lens can identify objects and find visually similar images, it is less effective for certain reverse image search use cases, such as finding all instances of an exact image online.
Summary Table: Google Reverse Image Search vs. Google Lens (2025)
| Feature | Legacy Google Image Search | Google Lens (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Exact Image Match | Yes | Sometimes, but less robust |
| Finds All Image Usages Online | Yes | Limited |
| Object/Text Recognition | No | Yes |
| Still Available | No | Yes |
| Error Messages | Yes (if attempted) | No |
Google’s legacy reverse image search is broken and officially discontinued as of early 2025. All reverse image search requests now use Google Lens, which differs in functionality and effectiveness. Users who need the old feature should consider alternative search engines.