What is Perplexity?
- Written by
- Tom Houpt
- Published
Perplexity is an AI search tool. You ask a question, and it searches the web and writes an answer with links to where each part came from.
The basic idea
A normal search engine gives you a list of links to read. A chat assistant like ChatGPT or Claude gives you a written answer, often from what it learned in training. Perplexity does both. It runs the search, reads the pages and writes a short answer, with numbered links beside each claim so you can click through.
What it’s good at
It suits research and fact-finding. You can ask it to compare options, summarize a topic, or find what’s changed lately, and you get sources you can check. Its Deep Research mode goes further, reading many pages and writing a longer report. It’s less of a writing partner than ChatGPT or Claude, so if you need help drafting a long document, pair it with another tool.
What it costs
There’s a free tier. It gives you cited answers with limits on the stronger search modes. Paid plans are reported at about $20 a month for Pro and $200 a month for Max, with business plans priced per seat. Those numbers come from press coverage and change, so check Perplexity’s pricing page.
Comet
Perplexity also makes Comet, a web browser with an AI assistant built in. Press coverage says it became free in March 2026. A browser assistant that can click and fill in pages for you works like the AI agents described in Dots, Muse and Grok Bot, so connect it carefully and review what it does.
Who it’s for
Anyone who researches before deciding: vendors, prices, rules, or background on a client’s industry. If you often ask “where did you get that?”, this tool answers it up front.
What to watch out for
A cited answer can still be wrong. The AI may summarize a page badly, pull from a weak source, or cite something that doesn’t say what the answer claims. For anything you’ll act on, open the source and read it. Use it for finding and checking, and keep your own judgment on the answer.
When to reach for it
Perplexity is the AI to reach for when you want answers you can check. Try the free tier on a question where you already know part of the answer, and see whether the sources hold up.
Common questions
Is Perplexity free?
Yes, there is a free tier with limited daily use of its stronger search modes. Paid plans are reported at about $20 a month for Pro and $200 a month for Max. Check Perplexity's pricing page before you pay.
How is Perplexity different from ChatGPT or Claude?
It's built around search. It looks things up on the web and shows where each part of the answer came from. ChatGPT and Claude are better known as general assistants for writing and ideas.
Can I trust Perplexity's sources?
A link shows where an answer came from. It doesn't prove the answer is right. Open the source for anything you'll act on, and check that it says what the answer claims.
What is Comet?
Comet is Perplexity's web browser with an AI assistant built in. Press coverage says it became free in March 2026. Treat any browser assistant that acts on your accounts with the same care as any AI agent.
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