Google Search Console vs Bing Webmaster Tools: Which SEO Dashboard Deserves Your Eyeballs?

Ever wondered if you’re missing a trick by ignoring Bing Webmaster Tools while you obsess over Google Search Console? Here’s your no-nonsense, actually-useful comparison. We’ll break down features, data, and quirks—because the best SEOs don’t put all their eggs in one Google-shaped basket.

Quick Overview: What Do These Tools Actually Do?

Both Google Search Console (GSC) and Bing Webmaster Tools (BWT) are like the dashboards for your website’s search performance. Imagine them as the cockpit instruments for your SEO plane: without them, you’re flying blind and hoping for the best. Both let you:

But, just like your uncle’s sat-nav, they sometimes show you different routes to the same destination. Let’s see how they stack up.

Feature Face-off: Google Search Console vs Bing Webmaster Tools

Here’s what most people miss: while GSC and BWT look similar at first glance, the devil is in the details (and sometimes, the data gaps).

Notice something? Bing’s gone a bit further on competitor backlink data and site audit tools. Google keeps things lean—some would say spartan—but it’s got the lion’s share of search traffic in most English-speaking countries.

Real-World Example: Comparing Data Side-by-Side

Let’s say you run a UK-based travel blog. Last month, your site got 50,000 impressions and 5,000 clicks from Google, but only 2,000 impressions and 200 clicks from Bing. (Yes, Bing’s traffic share is smaller, but it’s not imaginary. Some people really like Edge.)

GSC will show you:

BWT will show:

Lesson: The numbers won’t match, because each tool only knows what its search engine sees. It’s not a bug, it’s just how the world works—like socks that go missing in the wash.

The Unique Bits: Where Each Tool Shines

Google Search Console

Bing Webmaster Tools

So… Which Should You Use?

Here’s the honest answer: both. If you care about all your traffic, you want to know what every search engine thinks of your site. GSC gives you the bread and butter; BWT adds a little chutney and cheese. (And who says no to cheese?)

If you’re already using KeywordNumbers’ free SEO tools—like the SERP snippet preview tool—you’ll get even more value by pairing them with data from both search engines.

Analytics for the Real World: Getting the Most from Both Tools

Questions People Are Actually Asking

Is Google Search Console part of Google Analytics?

Nope, but they’re cousins. Google Search Console and Google Analytics are separate tools: GSC tells you what’s happening in Google Search (impressions, clicks, rankings), while Analytics tells you what people do on your site once they land. You can link them for extra insights, but one does not magically include the other.

Is Bing Webmaster Tools worth setting up if I don’t get much Bing traffic?

Absolutely. Bing’s share might look small next to Google, but a few percent of your audience could still mean hundreds or thousands of visits. Plus, Bing’s audit and backlink features are genuinely handy, even if you use them mainly for Google SEO.

Can I use both Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools on the same website?

Yes—no need to choose sides! Each tool only affects its own search engine. Setting up both won’t cause conflicts, and you’ll get the fullest view of your site’s search performance.

Why do the numbers in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools look different?

Because they’re reporting what they see in their own search engines. GSC sees Google searches; BWT sees Bing searches. Expect different impression, click, and ranking numbers—it’s not a sign something’s broken.

Does Bing Webmaster Tools have a disavow tool like Google?

Yes, and in fact, Bing’s disavow tool is built right into BWT’s interface. Google requires you to use a separate Disavow Tool page—both can help you manage dodgy backlinks, but Bing’s is a bit more user-friendly.

Which tool is better for backlink analysis?

Bing Webmaster Tools goes a step further: it offers competitor backlink data and lets you compare your profile directly. Google Search Console gives you data on your own site’s links, but not competitors.

Can I export data from both tools?

Yes, both GSC and BWT let you export most reports as CSV or Excel files, making it easy to build your own dashboards or run a proper deep-dive in Google Sheets.

Conclusion: Don’t Limit Your SEO Toolkit

Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools are both essential if you’re serious about SEO. Think of them as two mirrors—checking both means you won’t miss that bit of spinach in your teeth before the big meeting. If you want to get even sharper, pair their data with KeywordNumbers’ free SEO analytics tools to squeeze every drop of insight from your site.

Ready to see what Google and Bing think of your site? Set up both dashboards today and watch those insights roll in.

Free tools to put this into practice

Reading is one thing — testing your own pages is what moves the needle. Here are the free KeywordNumbers tools that pair best with this guide:

Every one of our free SEO tools is genuinely free to use, with no sign-up required.