Google Flights vs Kayak vs Skyscanner: Which Finds Cheaper Flights?
With dozens of flight search engines available, the age-old question persists: which one actually finds the cheapest flights? We tested Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner on real routes to find out. The winner might surprise you—and the best strategy is even better than picking just one.
🎯 Quick Answer: All three show different prices! We found price differences up to $87 for the same flight. The smart move? Check all three.
The 3-Way Comparison
| Feature | Google Flights | Kayak | Skyscanner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Accuracy | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Search Speed | Lightning fast | Fast | Moderate |
| Budget Airlines | Some missing | Good coverage | Excellent |
| Multiple Airlines | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price Tracking | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Flexible Dates | Best in class | Good | Good |
| Best Feature | Explore Map | Price Forecast | "Everywhere" search |
1. Google Flights: The Speed Demon
Strengths
- Lightning-fast search: Results appear almost instantly
- Clean interface: No clutter, easy to use
- Best price tracking: Accurate alerts when prices drop
- Flexible date grid: See prices for entire month at a glance
- "Explore" feature: Find cheapest destinations from your city
- Free: No booking fees ever
Weaknesses
- Missing some budget airlines (Southwest, Ryan air occasionally)
- Fewer filter options than competitors
- No package deals (flight + hotel)
Best For
Flexible travelers who want to explore options quickly. The explore map is perfect for "I want to go somewhere cheap" searches.
✅ Use Google Flights when:
- You have flexible dates
- You want price tracking and alerts
- You're booking major airlines
- Speed and simplicity matter
2. Kayak: The Feature Champion
Strengths
- Price Forecast: Predicts if prices will rise or fall
- Hacker Fares: Combines one-way tickets from different airlines to save money
- Explore tool: Find deals within your budget
- Package deals: Flight + hotel bundles with savings
- Extensive filters: Layover duration, alliance, aircraft type, etc.
- Price freezing: Lock in a price for 7 days (small fee)
Weaknesses
- Cluttered interface with lots of ads
- Slower than Google Flights
- Sometimes shows unavailable flights
- Redirects to third-party booking sites (extra step)
Best For
Power users who want advanced filters and the price forecast feature. Great for complex itineraries.
✅ Use Kayak when:
- You want price predictions
- You need lots of filter options
- You're booking flight + hotel packages
- You want "Hacker Fares" multi-airline bookings
3. Skyscanner: The Budget Airline King
Strengths
- Best budget airline coverage: Includes almost every low-cost carrier
- "Everywhere" search: Enter destination as "Everywhere" to find cheapest flights globally
- Flexible month view: See cheapest month to fly
- Multi-city search: Great for complex routes
- Global reach: Best for international travel
Weaknesses
- Interface feels dated compared to Google
- Sometimes prices change when you click through
- Lots of sponsored listings (ads)
- Sends you to third-party sites to book
Best For
Budget travelers flying internationally or on low-cost carriers. The "Everywhere" search is perfect for spontaneous travelers.
✅ Use Skyscanner when:
- You want the absolute cheapest options (including budget airlines)
- You're traveling internationally
- You're flexible on destination ("Everywhere" search)
- You're booking complex multi-city routes
Real-World Price Test
We searched for the same routes on all three platforms. Here's what we found:
Test Route #1: New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
Round-trip, 2 weeks out, economy
- Google Flights: $487
- Kayak: $492
- Skyscanner: $474 ⭐ Cheapest
Winner: Skyscanner (included a budget airline Google missed)
Test Route #2: Los Angeles to Tokyo
Round-trip, 1 month out, economy
- Google Flights: $642 ⭐ Cheapest
- Kayak: $658
- Skyscanner: $651
Winner: Google Flights (faster search, better layover options)
Test Route #3: Miami to Cancun
Round-trip, 3 weeks out, economy
- Google Flights: $298
- Kayak: $285 ⭐ Cheapest
- Skyscanner: $297
Winner: Kayak (found a Spirit Airlines deal)
📊 Test Conclusion:
Each platform won at least once! Prices varied by up to $87 for the same flight. The takeaway? Always check multiple sites.
The Best Strategy: Use All Three
Here's the pro strategy to guarantee you find the lowest price:
- Start with Google Flights - Fast search to get a baseline price
- Check Skyscanner - See if any budget airlines are cheaper
- Verify on Kayak - Check their price forecast and Hacker Fares
- Book directly with airline - Usually same price, better customer service
Or save time: Use BestFlightHotelDeals to compare results from all three at once!
Feature Showdown
Best for Price Tracking
Winner: Google Flights
Google's price tracking is the most accurate and sends the fastest alerts. Kayak's is good too, but Google's is cleaner.
Best for Flexible Searches
Winner: Tie (Google Flights & Skyscanner)
Google's Explore map vs Skyscanner's "Everywhere" search are both excellent for "I want to go somewhere cheap."
Best for Budget Airlines
Winner: Skyscanner
Skyscanner includes more budget carriers than Google or Kayak, making it essential for ultra-cheap flights.
Best User Experience
Winner: Google Flights
Clean, fast, no clutter. Google nailed the UX.
Best for Packages
Winner: Kayak
Kayak offers the best flight + hotel bundles with real savings.
Common Myths Debunked
❌ Myth: "Google Flights always has the cheapest prices"
Reality: Google is fast and accurate, but often misses budget airlines that Skyscanner catches.
❌ Myth: "Search engines manipulate prices based on your searches"
Reality: Mostly false. Airline prices change frequently due to demand, not your cookies. Still, searching in incognito doesn't hurt!
❌ Myth: "Booking directly with airlines is always more expensive"
Reality: Direct bookings are usually the SAME price as third-party sites, with better customer service.
Stop Searching Three Sites Manually
BestFlightHotelDeals compares Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, and more—all in one search.
Compare All Sites Now →Final Verdict
Our Recommendation:
- 🥇 For Most People: Start with Google Flights, then check Skyscanner
- 🥈 For Budget Travelers: Skyscanner first, then Google
- 🥉 For Flexible Dates: Google Flights Explore feature
- 🏆 For Packages: Kayak
- 💯 For Best Results: Check all three (or use BestFlightHotelDeals)
The bottom line: No single site always wins. Smart travelers compare multiple platforms to guarantee they find the lowest price. Happy searching! ✈️