Google and Yandex are popular search engines that provide the best user experience in the global market and in Russia. They have quite similar functionalities but different advantages and disadvantages. To give you an idea, while Google’s search engine functions poorly on slow internet, Yandex’s search engine functions super fast on slow internet. There are more differences like these.
Continue reading this “Yandex Vs Google” article to learn about the two search engines’ history, features, advantages, and disadvantages comprehensively, and use them to grow your brand online expertly.
History of Yandex
What is Yandex.com? Is Yandex a search engine? How did it come to life? Let’s see its history.
Yandex search engine stands for “Yet Another Indexer”. There is an interesting story behind the name. In Russian, “Ya” is a bilingual pun meaning “I” so “i-ndex” creatively changes to “ya-ndex” keeping the same meaning and value.
Yandex software was developed by two friends, Arkady Volozh and Ilya Segalovich, in 1993. It is popularly used in Russia and Europe. It comes with similar features like Google search engines with extra special features, such as Yandex Maps and Yandex Translate. This search engine’s specialties are, it answers searchers’ queries super fast and is great for getting localized search results.
History of Google
Google is a popular search engine that is dominating the global market. Even if many users do not know Yandex, everyone knows Google. It is estimated that more than 8 billion Google searches are made every day. But how did it come to life? Let’s see.
Larry Page and Sergey Brin created Google in 1996. It was started as a research project at Stanford University in California. At that time, it was named “BackRub”. However, when Page and Brin were inspired by “Googol,” a mathematical term for the 1 followed by 100 zeros, they changed the name to “Google”. Even Larry Page once wrote on a Google mailing list that “Have fun and keep googling” to users.
Google officially started its journey in 1998, and ever since, it has been dominating the world. From children to old people use Google to get answers to their queries and have a satisfying user experience.
Small Overview of Google and Yandex Search Engines’ Features
Before we get into the main section, let me walk you through the features that Google and Yandex search engines are offering. Get a comprehensive idea about the features and utilize them effectively.
| Features | Yandex | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Market | Global, Worldwide | Russia, Eastern Europe |
| Browser | Google Chrome | Yandex Browser |
| Search Algorithm | Searchers’ queries, content relevance, and backlinks | User behaviors, language understanding, and real-time results |
| Local Search | Global focus (a little weak local searches) | Strong local searches (Russia-focused) |
| Translation | Google Translate (100+ languages) | Yandex Translate (best for Russian/CIS) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Voice Search called “Alice” |
| Image Search | Google Images | Yandex Images |
| Maps | Google Maps (visual location with direction and time) | Yandex. Maps (detailed route, the best for Russia) |
| Advertising | Google Ads (Global reach) | Yandex Direct (Specialized local reach) |
| Monetization Options | AdSense, YouTube monetization | Yandex Direct |
| Video Platform | YouTube | Yandex Video |
| AI and Machine Learning | DeepMind, Gemini | Strong AI focused on Russian language queries |
| Emailing | Gmail | Yandex Mail |
| User Data Collection | Extensive user data | Focus on local markets |
| Top Security | Safe Browsing and 2FA | Yandex Protect and Turbo mode |
| SERP Layout | Rich Snippets and featured snippets | Rich snippets and local news emphasis |
| Web Developer Tools | Google Cloud and APIs | Yandex Cloud and APIs |
| Cloud Storage | Google Drive | Yandex Disk |
Yandex Vs Google: 15 Advantages and Disadvantages You Should Know
Search engines Yandex and Google have quite similar features, but they each have their own benefits and disadvantages, which set them apart. Know everything you need to know about them and rank your brand.
User-friendly Website
As search engines, Yandex and Google have super user-friendly interfaces, but Yandex is a tiny bit better and faster.
| Yandex | |
| Google has vast information and uses Ads, which makes the search engine a little slower website than Yandex. When you search for something on Google, Google crawlers scan billions of pages of content and present only the relevant content to you, ensuring you get the results you searched for. Also, ad usage makes the website load slower. These are the reasons the answers get a little more time to load. | Yandex’s site design is simple, organized, and easy to navigate, ensuring that new and existing users can search and get the results they want faster. The search engine provides detailed maps, translation, image search, auto-suggestions, and other features to make users’ lives easier and search better to get relevant results. |
Fast Indexing
In Google vs Yandex, Google Indexes faster than Yandex.
| Yandex | |
| Google indexes super fast within 2-7 days. The reason is that Google has billions of crawlers. You can also force indexing if your content is not indexing. Though Google may index your content faster, it will not show in the search results if it is not helpful. | Yandex search engines take 2-3 weeks to index a page. The reason is that Yandex does not force indexing. It goes through your creative content writing services, analyzes its value, and indexes it in its own time. |
Browser Functionality
Search engine Yandex offers better browser functionality than Google.
| Yandex | |
| Google does not function well on slow internet. Due to the heavy content information in the search engines, it takes time to understand your query and load the results. You must have a fast internet connection to use Google. | Yandex’s “Turbo Mode” allows you to browse on slow internet and get the right search results you are looking for. Turbo mode expertly shortlists relevant content, loads fast, and presents it to you efficiently, fulfilling your requirement. |
Target Audience
Yandex Google’s target audiences are completely different. Read this section to know which search engine to approach to attract your target audience.
| Yandex | |
| Google’s target audience is worldwide due to its popularity. If you want to promote your brand in the USA, UK, Asia, and other countries, go for the Google search engine. | Yandex’s target audience is Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, and other countries. Most Russians and Europeans like to use the Yandex search engine more than Google as it is faster, more flexible, and efficient. |
Relevant Search Results
Yandex provides faster relevant search results than Google.
| Yandex | |
| Google takes time to load relevant results. Millions of information get indexed in Google every day, making Google crawlers’ job hard to check all the data and deliver relevant results to searchers. Also, often if Google can not recognize the keyword, it shows irrelevant or wrong results, making searchers not get the results they are looking for. | Yandex has an advanced algorithm that allows it to measure searchers’ queries and provide relevant results quickly. Yandex’s algorithm analyzes the searcher’s location, past searches, preferences, context, search query, and narrows down the relevant search results. The best thing about Yandex is that the results you get are all relevant to your query, nothing irrelevant. |
Local Searches
For local area search results, Yandex search engines are better than Google.
| Yandex | |
| Google displays generic search results, making it harder for searchers to find specific locations. To find desired locations, you need to mention specific destinations such as popular restaurants in the USA, Ohio, or any other local area. | Yandex displays strong localized search results. It tracks the searcher’s current data and provides answers accordingly. For example, if you search for popular food restaurants, it will track your current location and show you the results surrounding the area you are in. |
Image Search
Though Google and Yandex search engines provide reverse image search, Yandex image search is considered more advanced than Google.
| Yandex | |
| Google does not provide comprehensive image search results. It only shows visually similar images and the source location. If you click on the image, you may get similar recommendations. | Yandex shows comprehensive image search results. Alongside showcasing similar images and source location, Y search engine also shows photo sizes, location identification, and social media profiles. It allows users to see the image as well as get information about the source. |
Mobile-first Experience
Yandex vs Google- which one is more mobile-friendly? Both search engines are the best in terms of mobile-friendliness.
| Yandex | |
| The Google search engine works best on Android and iOS devices. It is super easy to use. You can sync your Google account anytime and any device and keep track of your history, extensions, bookmarks, and more. You can download multiple extensions and apps. However, Google does not function well on slow internet. So, use it in the well-speed internet zone. | Yandex search engines function perfectly on Android and iOS devices. With Turbo mode, users can browse and get results faster, even on a slow internet connection. You can also see the latest news and trends, and use maps to get detailed directions from your phone. |
Search History Record
Search engines Yandex and Google both keep track of search history.
| Yandex | |
| Google keeps the search history for 18 months. While it is useful as Google recommends content according to your search history, it is also a bit dangerous, as the websites that use cookies can see your search history and recommend relevant content. However, do not get frightened as not just anyone can see it, and you can also delete your search history easily. | The Yandex site keeps the search history for 3 months. Your history is safe, as nobody but you can see the things you have searched. When you click on the Yandex search history, the first 12 pages are opened. If you need to see more, click “entire history,” and all 90 days’ activities will pop up. However, after 90 days, the history will be automatically deleted. |
Language Variation
Google has more language variation than the Yandex site.
| Yandex | |
| Google site has over 100+ language variations. Just go to the settings > Languages > Set the language to your liking. All the features of Google will turn into that language. | The Yandex site is multilingual. It has over 98 languages, including Albanian, German, African, and more. Thus, change the language to your desired language and use it effectively. |
Translations
Yandex Translate is more advantageous than Google Translate.
| Yandex | |
| Google provides 100+ translations worldwide, but it is not as accurate as Yandex. It does not understand the context and provides generic answers that often do not satisfy users. Also, Google Translate’s accuracy is up to 60-95%. So, recheck your meaning in other translators to ensure the meaning is accurate. | Yandex provides accurate translations in Russian and multiple other languages. It understands your context and provides large text, documents, and web content with meaning accordingly. The translation character limit is up to 10,000, so you do not have to worry about the length. With Yandex translation, you get a translation that is not only accurate but also appropriate. |
Maps
Yandex Maps is more detailed than Google Maps.
| Yandex | |
| Google search engines have a good navigation system, but it is not as detailed as Yandex’s. It is a bit hard to understand for beginners. | Yandex search engines provide detailed routes to users. With Yandex maps, you can easily find and navigate places and roads, such as which route is free and has traffic, and how you can reach a destination quickly. |
Technical SEO
Google has more advantages than Yandex in terms of technical SEO.
| Features | Yandex | |
|---|---|---|
| JavaScript | Google has a pre-rendered option. Thus, its billions of Google bots can easily crawl and index JavaScript, WordPress, as well as other types of websites. | Due to not having the pre-rendered option, Yandex does not support JavaScript websites. |
| AMP and Turbo Mode | Google has a feature called “AMP”. It can not load heavy content fast. So, if you want to thrive in Google ranking, you must make your website with easy-loading content like small-sized images and more. | Yandex has a special feature called “Turbo Mode,” which can load content fast and quickly answer searchers’ queries even when the internet is slow. |
| URL Monitor | Google Monitor can actively check 2000+ URLs in a day. | Monitor Yandex can actively check 100+ URLs on a website. |
| Content Quality and Ranking Factors | Google analyzes the content quality with accurate and relevant information. If your content is helpful to the audience, it will be ranked on the first pages of search results. Also, engagement rate plays a key role in ranking factors, such as high-quality engaging content will improve ranking and dominate the first place for a long time. While less engagement may mean your content ranking drops. | Yandex site analyzes content information accuracy and user engagement rate, and time to rank the content in the SERPs. Also, users can rate the content. Thus, if it is rated poorly, it will be taken down. To stay in the Yandex ranking, you must ensure the content is high-quality and relevant. |
| Search Console | Google Search Console allows you to find website issues and solve the problems, and improve overall website performance to drive more organic traffic. | You can monitor and check overall website performance with the SEO Yandex search console and improve ranking and traffic. |
User Security and Privacy
When it comes to user safety, security, and privacy, Yandex provides better services than Google.
| Yandex | |
| Google does not safeguard your data with high security. It uses AdSense to make money. Ads track your search history and your likes to send ads recommendations you may like. Also, if you break any law and the government asks for your information, Google will provide your IP address, email, Google Voice phone records, and other necessary data. Thus, your information is not as safe as search engine Yandex. | Yandex site’s security and privacy are top-tier. You can see what data they are collecting and how they are using it. It assures users and allows them to use Yandex search engines securely without worry. Yandex system also has two authentication systems that safeguard all users’ data from third parties and other harmful elements. |
365/24/7 Customer Support
Search engines Yandex and Google are always there for users and offer stunning customer support.
| Yandex | |
| Google helps users 24/7. They use live chats and contact forms to understand your queries and solve them as quickly as possible. Just visit their support page “support.google.com” and contact them, and they will reply to you soon. | Yandex search engine provides 24/7 customer service through their help center and community forums. You can write your queries in the forum, and the support team will solve your issues quickly. You can also take their paid support services. Just go to their website, check out the plan. |
Google Vs Yandex: Which One is The Best Search Engine to Grow Your Brand Online
Yandex and Google are both the best search engines. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but are great choices to build a brand’s online presence. Use these search engines wisely and reach your target audience like a pro.
Use Yandex Search Engine if:
- Your target audiences are in Russia, Europe, and the surrounding countries.
- You want to dominate local search results.
- You want to generate audience engagement, organic traffic, and sales in Russia and European countries.
Use Google Search Engine if:
- Your target audiences are global, especially the USA, UK, Asia, and other countries.
- You want to dominate global searches.
- You want to drive engagement, traffic, and sales in your targeted area.
While using search engines Yandex and Google, understanding your target users is the most important part. Once you know whom you want to approach to promote your brand, you can make a strategy to drive ranking and traffic accordingly.
How to Rank Your Online Business with Expert Google and Yandex Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Follow these 5 steps to make a result-driven strategy, stand out from your competition, and drive traffic in both Google and Yandex search engines.
Competitor Analysis
Competitor analysis plays a huge part in creating an effective strategy and ranking your website. If you want to attract the audience on Yandex, do competitor analysis and find all their strength and weaknesses to make a result-driven strategy. The same goes for Google.
Keyword Research
Another one of the most important elements of ranking is choosing the right keyword. Understand your niche and identify your users and search intent to research relevant keywords.
Creative Content Creation
Utilize the keywords to create well-informed SEO content. Ensure the focus keyword and semantic and related keywords are naturally implemented so that Google crawlers recognize your content as relevant and helpful to users and rank it online.
On-Page, Off-Page, Technical SEO optimization
Optimize URL structures and meta tags. Implement keywords naturally into content, do relevant internal and external linking, do high-quality link building, and find technical issues such as slow loading and solve the problems. Ensure your website is fully functional and engaging for both Google bots and users.
Reporting and Performance Tracking
Upon implementing your result-driven search engine optimization (SEO) strategy, regularly check your website progress, such as impressions, click rate, traffic growth, bounce rate, audience engagement rate, and others. It will help you fix the issues and improve online presence, organic traffic, and conversion in the long run.
Investing in organic traffic never fails to bring positive results for your brand. The reason is that the more organic traffic you have, the more Google and Yandex search engines recognize your brand as authoritative. They rank your content on the first page easily, ensuring your content reaches your target audience. Also, your paid traffic prices decrease and reach increases, enhancing instant traffic and sales.
Wrapping Up
Yandex vs Google, both are equally important search engines to attract your audience and drive results. Thus, read our article to learn about their features, advantages, and disadvantages, and use them wisely.
Last but not least, if you need a professional digital marketing company to grow your online presence and sales, consider hiring DigiFlowX Agency. We have years of experience taking various niches to the top in different search engines, including Google and Yandex. Do not have to believe my words. Get a free consultation today and see if our strategy meets your expectations. That’s it for today. All the best for dominating the ranking in your desired search engine. Adios!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Y search engine analyzes users’ behavior, their likes, search queries, traffic sources, and others to improve users’ experience and website performance.
Of Course! Yandex is perfectly safe to use. Their security and privacy are top-notch, ensuring all your data and information are safe and no third party can reach it.
Not much yet. Google is the most popular search engine right now, with 85% of users’ votes. But Yandex is getting more and more recognized every day. Around 4% of users use Yandex in the USA.
Microsoft Bing, Baidu, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo are the most popular search engines other than Google and Yandex.
