Bing Webmaster Tools vs. Google Search Console: What's Different and Why You Need Both
Most businesses set up Google Search Console and stop there, assuming Google represents "search" in its entirety. But Bing powers a meaningful share of search traffic — including through its use as the backend for other search products — and Bing Webmaster Tools offers its own valuable, free data.
Key takeaways:
- Bing Webmaster Tools is Bing's free equivalent to Google Search Console
- Bing powers search for additional platforms beyond bing.com directly
- Some features, like keyword research tools, are more generous in Bing's free tier
- Setup and verification processes are similar between both platforms
- Using both gives a more complete picture of your search visibility
Two Tools, Similar Purpose
Both tools serve the same core function: showing you how your site appears in that search engine's results, flagging indexing or technical issues, and reporting which queries drive clicks. The interfaces differ, but the underlying goal — visibility into your own search presence — is the same.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Google Search Console | Bing Webmaster Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Performance reporting | Clicks, impressions, CTR, position | Similar metrics, Bing-specific data |
| Sitemap submission | Yes | Yes |
| URL inspection | Yes | Yes, called "URL Inspection" as well |
| Core Web Vitals data | Yes, detailed field data | Limited compared to Google |
| Keyword research tools | Not included natively | Built-in keyword tool available for free |
| Site scan / SEO reports | Not included natively | Built-in SEO analyzer flags on-page issues |
Why Bing's Reach Is Bigger Than It Appears
Bing's search index doesn't just power bing.com — it also underlies search results for other platforms that license Bing's technology. That means visibility in Bing Webmaster Tools can reflect a broader slice of search traffic than the Bing brand alone might suggest, making it worth monitoring even for businesses that see the majority of their traffic from Google.
Setting Up Both Without Much Extra Effort
Verification for both platforms uses similar methods — DNS records, HTML file upload, or meta tag — and both allow importing sitemap data you've already prepared for the other. In many cases, businesses that have already set up Google Search Console can add Bing Webmaster Tools in well under an hour, since the sitemap and much of the verification groundwork is reusable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth the extra time if most of my traffic comes from Google?
Generally yes — the setup cost is low, and Bing Webmaster Tools can surface indexing issues or opportunities you wouldn't see in Google Search Console alone, even if Bing represents a smaller share of your traffic.
Can I use the same sitemap for both tools?
Yes, the same XML sitemap file can typically be submitted to both platforms without modification.
Does ranking well on Google guarantee good Bing rankings?
No — the two engines use different ranking algorithms and can weigh factors like backlinks, content freshness, or site structure differently, so performance can vary between them.
Next Steps for Your Business
If you already have Google Search Console set up, add Bing Webmaster Tools next — much of the setup work is reusable, and it takes relatively little additional time for a fuller picture of your search visibility.
Our team can set up and maintain both Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools as part of an ongoing SEO monitoring process.