Perplexity

What is Perplexity?

Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that combines real-time web retrieval with large language model synthesis. Unlike traditional chatbots that generate answers from training data, Perplexity searches the web in real-time for every query and provides numbered, clickable citations for every claim in its response.

Founded in 2022 and now serving over 45 million monthly active users, Perplexity has carved out a unique position: it is not trying to replace Google for simple queries or ChatGPT for creative tasks. Instead, it excels at the middle ground — complex questions that require synthesizing information from multiple sources with verifiable citations.

In February 2026, Perplexity made headlines by abandoning advertising entirely, committing to a subscription-only business model. The company is also shipping Comet, its own AI-native web browser.

Key Features in Detail

Citation-First Answers. This is what sets Perplexity apart from every competitor. Every response includes numbered inline citations that link directly to source material. You can verify any claim with a single click. This is not an afterthought — it is the core design principle of the product. When accuracy matters, this level of transparency is invaluable.

Deep Research. Perplexity’s multi-step research agent breaks down complex questions, searches across dozens of sources, and synthesizes comprehensive reports with full citations. Running on top-tier models (including Claude Opus for Pro/Max users), it produces reports that rival professional research analysis. Reports can include data visualizations and structured summaries.

Pro Search. An enhanced search mode that uses multi-step reasoning to dig deeper than a basic query. Pro Search may ask clarifying questions, search multiple angles, and combine results from various sources before synthesizing a final answer.

Multi-Model Selection. Choose from models by OpenAI (GPT-5), Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini 3 Pro), xAI (Grok 4), and Perplexity’s own Sonar. Different models have different strengths — pick the best one for your specific task or let Perplexity route automatically.

Spaces. Persistent research environments where you can upload files, set custom AI instructions, and keep related searches organized across sessions. Spaces support team collaboration and sharing, making them ideal for ongoing projects and research.

Focus Modes. Direct your search to specific domains: the entire web, academic papers, social media discussions, or SEC financial filings. This reduces noise and surfaces the most relevant sources for your query type.

Comet Browser. Perplexity’s own AI-native web browser, built on Chromium. Available on Mac, Windows, and Android, with iPhone launching March 2026. It integrates AI assistance directly into browsing — summarize pages, ask questions about content, and search without leaving your current tab.

Patent Research. Perplexity Patents is a specialized agent for searching patents, academic papers, and software repositories. It is the first AI-powered patent research tool of its kind.

Pricing Plans

Free — Unlimited basic searches, approximately 3 Pro Searches per day, limited Deep Research, and basic file uploads. Genuinely useful for casual research needs.

Pro ($20/month) — 300+ Pro Searches per day, access to all advanced AI models, unlimited file uploads, Deep Research, image generation, video generation, and $5/month API credit. The best value for regular researchers.

Max ($200/month) — Everything in Pro with unlimited access to all models, no usage restrictions, and priority access to new features. For power users and professionals who need unrestricted access.

Enterprise Pro ($40/seat/month) — Team features, SSO, shared Spaces, admin controls, and collaboration tools. For organizations.

API pricing is pay-as-you-go through the Sonar model family, with Python and TypeScript SDKs available.

Who is Perplexity Best For?

Researchers and analysts who need verified, cited information. Deep Research produces reports that can be directly referenced in professional work, with every claim traceable to its source.

Journalists and fact-checkers benefit from the citation-first approach. Every claim is immediately verifiable, making it the most trustworthy AI for factual inquiry.

Students and academics get an AI research assistant that encourages verification rather than blind trust. The academic Focus Mode surfaces peer-reviewed papers and scholarly sources.

Professionals who make decisions based on information — lawyers, consultants, financial analysts — need the confidence that comes from cited, verifiable answers.

Anyone frustrated with AI hallucinations will appreciate that Perplexity’s design actively fights misinformation by showing you exactly where every piece of information came from.

Perplexity vs Alternatives

vs ChatGPT — ChatGPT is a better general-purpose assistant for creative writing, coding, image generation, and conversational tasks. Perplexity is dramatically better at research and factual accuracy with citations. Many users have both.

vs Claude — Claude excels at long-form writing, nuanced analysis, and coding. Perplexity is better for real-time information retrieval and cited research. Claude reasons deeply; Perplexity searches broadly.

vs Google Search — Google returns links for you to read. Perplexity reads the links for you and synthesizes the answer with citations. For complex questions, Perplexity saves significant time.

vs Gemini — Gemini has deeper Google ecosystem integration and broader assistant capabilities. Perplexity is more focused and transparent about its sources. Choose Gemini for Google integration, Perplexity for cited research.

For anyone who values accuracy, citations, and trust in AI-generated information, Perplexity is the clear leader.