Trustpilot vs Google Reviews: Which One Gives More Insights?

Trustpilot vs Google Reviews, which platform provides better insights for businesses and customers?

Online reviews play a huge role in shaping opinions, influencing purchases, and improving a business’s online presence. Both platforms allow companies to collect reviews, but they serve different purposes.

Google Reviews are linked to Google Business Profiles, appearing in Google Search and Google Maps rankings.

Meanwhile, Trustpilot reviews are hosted on a separate review platform where businesses can manage customer feedback.

Choosing the right platform depends on whether a business prioritizes search visibility, customer trust, or detailed testimonials. Let’s explore the strengths and differences of Trustpilot and Google Reviews.

Key Takeaways

• Google Reviews boost search visibility – They appear in Google Search, Maps, and Shopping, influencing local rankings and customer decisions.
• Trustpilot offers more control – Businesses can verify reviews, respond to feedback, and embed testimonials on their website for reputation management.
• Review authenticity differs – Google Reviews are open to everyone, increasing the risk of fake feedback, while Trustpilot has better verification tools for credibility.
• Choosing the right platform depends on goals – Google Reviews helps with SEO and local searches, while Trustpilot is better for structured, reliable customer feedback.

How Trustpilot and Google Reviews Work

When comparing Trustpilot vs Google Reviews, it’s important to understand how each review platform functions. Both help businesses collect reviews and improve their online reviews, but they operate differently.

Google Reviews

• Appear on a Google Business Profile, which is visible in Google Search and Google Maps.
• Influence Google Maps rankings, helping with local searches and attracting more potential customers.
• Can impact Google Shopping and Google Ads when combined with store ratings or Google product ratings.
• Any business owner can request customer feedback, but reviews cannot be filtered or removed unless they violate Google’s policies.

Trustpilot Reviews

• Hosted on a separate review platform, where businesses can display feedback on their website.
• Offers tools to manage customer reviews and verify legitimate feedback.
• Some companies use a paid Trustpilot account to access advanced features and moderation options.
• Helps businesses control their reputation, but does not directly impact Google Maps rankings or Google Search visibility.

While Google Reviews are better for local businesses, Trustpilot and Google Reviews together can provide a well-rounded reputation strategy.

The best choice depends on whether a company values local searches, organic growth, or verified customer feedback.

Pro Tip: When you buy Trustpilot reviews you will quickly push your credibility. Just ensure the reviews are legitimate and purchased from reputable providers to maintain authenticity and trust with your audience.

Where Reviews Appear & How They Affect Search Visibility

When comparing Trustpilot vs Google Reviews, one major difference is where these reviews appear and how they impact a business owner’s online visibility.

Both platforms help businesses collect reviews, but their influence on search engines and store ratings varies.

Google Reviews: Search Visibility & Local Rankings

• Displayed on a Google Business Profile, making them a critical factor for local business success.
• Appear in Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping, helping businesses rank higher in local searches.
• Affect store ratings, which influence how products appear in Google Shopping and Google Ads campaigns.
• Directly impact Google product ratings, which are essential for businesses selling on e-commerce platforms.
• Contribute to organic rankings, increasing the chances of a business name appearing higher in search results.

Trustpilot Reviews: Third-Party Reputation Management

• Found on the Trustpilot review platform, separate from Google Reviews but still valuable for credibility.
• Can be embedded on a business website to showcase customer reviews and build trust.
• Help businesses manage product ratings, as customers can leave feedback directly on the platform.
• Some companies choose a paid Trustpilot account to unlock additional features, such as detailed analytics and the ability to respond to reviews.

Comparison Table: Google Reviews vs. Trustpilot Reviews

Feature	Google Reviews	Trustpilot Reviews
Where Reviews Appear	Google Search, Google Maps, Google Shopping	Trustpilot review platform, business websites
Impact on Rankings	Affects Google Maps rankings & organic rankings	Does not directly affect Google Search
Review Moderation	Limited, businesses can flag fake reviews	Stronger moderation & verification tools
Best for	Local businesses, search visibility, SEO	Brand reputation, third-party trust
Integration	Works with Google Ads, Google Shopping	Can be embedded in websites
Paid Features	No paid plans, fully free	Paid Trustpilot accounts offer advanced tools

For businesses looking to maximize visibility, Google Reviews has a stronger impact on search engines and local searches.

However, using both review platforms together provides a well-rounded approach, improving customer reviews, store ratings, and overall online reputation.

Review Collection Process: How Businesses Get Reviews

When comparing Trustpilot vs Google Reviews, businesses need to understand how each platform allows them to collect reviews and display star ratings effectively.

With Google Reviews, any user can leave feedback by searching for a business on Google Search or Google Maps.

These reviews appear on a company’s Google Business Profile, influencing local search rankings. However, businesses have no built-in tools to request customer reviews, relying instead on sharing a direct link.

While completely free, Google’s open system makes it vulnerable to fake reviews, and moderation is limited.

Trustpilot offers a more controlled system where businesses can send verified invitations to ensure real customer feedback.

While Trustpilot reviews can be displayed on a website, they do not directly impact Google Search or Google Maps rankings.

A free plan exists, but advanced moderation tools require a paid subscription. This platform is especially useful for e-commerce platforms that need verified, structured reviews.

For businesses wanting wider visibility, Google Reviews are ideal. Those prioritizing credibility control may benefit more from Trustpilot offers.

The best choice depends on whether a business values search rankings, review authenticity, or customer engagement.

Accuracy & Reliability: Fake Reviews and Moderation

A strong review system helps businesses maintain trust, but not all platforms handle reviews the same way.

When comparing Trustpilot vs Google Reviews, reliability is a major factor, especially with concerns about fake reviews and moderation.

Google Reviews: Open but Unverified

• Available to anyone, meaning both real customers and unverified users can leave feedback.
• No verification process, making businesses vulnerable to fake reviews or misleading star ratings.
• Businesses can report inappropriate reviews, but Google’s moderation tools are limited.
• Reviews appear on Google Search and Google Maps, influencing search rankings and customer trust.

Trustpilot Reviews: Verified and Controlled

• Trustpilot offers a more structured review system, allowing businesses to send verified invitations to real customers.
• Reduced risk of fraudulent feedback due to controlled collection methods.
• Businesses can embed Trustpilot reviews on their website, making them useful for e-commerce platforms that rely on structured customer feedback.
• A free plan is available, but businesses must upgrade for advanced moderation features.

For businesses prioritizing search visibility, Google Reviews have a stronger impact. However, for those focused on authenticity and better control, Trustpilot offers a more reliable solution.

Cost & Features: Which Platform Offers More Value?

When choosing between Google Reviews and Trustpilot, businesses must consider the costs and features each platform offers.

While both allow companies to collect reviews and improve their online presence, they come with different pricing structures and tools.

In this section, we’ll break down the costs and features of each platform to help you determine which offers the best value for your business.

Google Reviews: A Completely Free Option

Businesses using Google Reviews don’t have to pay for access. Since reviews are linked to a Google Business Profile, companies can collect feedback at no additional cost.

This makes it an ideal option for small businesses looking for a lower-cost way to build credibility.

Trustpilot: Free Plan vs. Paid Features

While Trustpilot offers a free version, businesses must pay for premium tools like advanced analytics, custom branding, and automated review invitations.

The site allows companies to verify feedback and manage reviews more effectively, but some features are locked behind a paid plan.

Which Platform is Better for Businesses?

For businesses focused on local search visibility, Google Reviews is the better choice due to its free nature and integration with Google Search.

However, brands on e-commerce platforms or those seeking more control over client feedback may benefit from Trustpilot’s structured approach.

Conclusion

In the debate of Trustpilot vs Google Reviews, both platforms offer distinct advantages for businesses.

Google Reviews excels in boosting local search visibility, making it an essential tool for small businesses and those focusing on SEO.

On the other hand, Trustpilot provides enhanced control over customer feedback, offering structured reviews that are especially valuable for ecommerce platforms.

For businesses seeking a more comprehensive reputation management strategy, combining both platforms can be an effective approach.

By using Trustpilot vs Google Reviews strategically, businesses can create a strong online presence that builds trust and attracts customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Reviews or Trustpilot better?

It depends on your needs. Google Reviews is better for local SEO and visibility on Google Search, while Trustpilot offers more control and structured reviews, making it ideal for businesses focused on reputation management.

Do Trustpilot reviews show up on Google?

No, Trustpilot reviews do not directly appear on Google Search or Google Maps. However, you can embed them on your website to showcase customer feedback.

Are Trustpilot reviews to be trusted?

Yes, Trustpilot reviews are generally trustworthy, as the platform has measures in place to verify feedback and reduce fraudulent reviews, providing businesses with more reliable insights.

Can you transfer Google reviews to Trustpilot?

No, Google Reviews cannot be directly transferred to Trustpilot. They are hosted on different platforms, and you must collect reviews separately for each. For more on this, check out our blog post on review management strategies.