Perplexity
An AI search assistant that answers questions with cited web sources and supports multi-step deep research reports.
Overview
Perplexity is an AI search assistant that returns cited, source-linked answers to questions by searching the web in real time. Every response includes inline citations and a references panel so users can verify the claims. Follow-up questions continue in a threaded conversation. A deep research mode runs multi-step searches and synthesises a longer report automatically. Pro users get access to more capable models, higher daily limits and file uploads. It is available on the web, as a mobile app and as a browser extension.
Key features
- Real-time web search with inline citations on every response
- Deep research mode for automated multi-step reports
- Multiple model options on paid plans
- File and image uploads on paid plans
- Spaces for organising research projects
- Browser extension for on-page queries
Pricing
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Monthly
- Pricing information is currently unavailable.
- Yearly
- Not on record
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- Not on record
- Last verified
- Checked October 4, 2026
Pros
- Every answer comes with source citations by default
- Deep research mode produces detailed reports automatically
- Free tier is usable with no account required
Cons
- More capable models and higher limits require a paid plan
- Not designed for creative or long-form writing tasks
Who should use it
- Getting fast, cited answers from the live web
- Researching current events or recently published topics
- Multi-step deep research reports
Beginner, Intermediate · Individuals, Small teams
Who shouldn't
- Tasks that do not need web-sourced answers
- Long-document editing or extended writing tasks
Facts
- Category
- AI assistants
- Platforms
- Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension
- Integrations
- Zapier, Slack
- API
- Available
- Skill level
- Beginner, Intermediate
- Team size
- Individuals, Small teams
- Data and privacy
- We have no verified details on data handling. Read the vendor's privacy policy before uploading sensitive material.
Alternatives
- ChatGPTAI assistants
OpenAI's AI assistant for questions, writing, coding and research, with a free tier and paid plans for more capable models.
From $8/month - ClaudeAI assistants
Anthropic's AI assistant with a long context window, nuanced reasoning and strong performance on writing and analysis.
From $20/month - Google GeminiAI assistants
Google's multimodal AI assistant with live web search and deep integration with Gmail, Docs and Drive.
From $9.99/month - NotebookLMAI research
Google's AI notebook that grounds every answer in your uploaded documents, PDFs and audio files with source citations.
From $9.99/month
Frequently asked questions
How much does Perplexity cost?
Pricing information is currently unavailable. Checked October 4, 2026.
Does Perplexity have a free plan?
Yes. Perplexity has a free plan.
Who is Perplexity best for?
Getting fast, cited answers from the live web; Researching current events or recently published topics; Multi-step deep research reports.
Which platforms does Perplexity run on?
Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension.
Does Perplexity have an API?
Yes, Perplexity offers an API.
What are the alternatives to Perplexity?
Tools often weighed against Perplexity include ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, NotebookLM.