Google Webmaster Tools vs Search Console
Understanding the difference between Google Webmaster Tools and Google Search Console
Google Webmaster Tools vs Search Console
There is no functional difference today. Google Webmaster Tools is simply the old name of Google Search Console.
Here is the clear breakdown.
What Google Webmaster Tools Was
Google Webmaster Tools launched in 2006 as a free Google product for:
- Website owners
- Webmasters
- SEO professionals
Its goal was simple: Help you see how Google crawls, indexes, and ranks your site.
Why the Name Changed to Google Search Console
In 2015, Google rebranded Webmaster Tools to Google Search Console.
Reason for the change:
The term "webmaster" felt outdated. More people using the tool were:
- Content creators
- Bloggers
- Marketers
- Business owners
Not everyone managing a site is a developer. So Google renamed it to be more inclusive.
What Google Search Console Is Today
Google Search Console is the same product, but significantly expanded.
You now use it to:
- Track search performance (clicks, impressions, CTR)
- See which keywords bring traffic
- Monitor indexing and crawling issues
- Submit sitemaps
- Inspect individual URLs
- Track Core Web Vitals
- Fix mobile usability issues
- Monitor manual actions and security issues
Quick Comparison Table
| Aspect | Webmaster Tools | Search Console |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Old | Current |
| Status | Discontinued | Active |
| Purpose | SEO monitoring | SEO + performance |
| Audience | Webmasters | Everyone managing a site |
| Features | Basic | Advanced + ongoing updates |
Important Clarification
If you hear someone say "Google Webmaster", they almost always mean Google Search Console.
There is no separate tool anymore.
Which One Should You Use
Only Google Search Console exists today.
If you are:
- Running blogs
- Managing SaaS products
- Tracking SEO for client sites
This is the tool you should have connected to every domain and subdomain.