Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is an AI-powered answer engine that searches the web in real time and returns cited answers rather than a simple list of links. It has a free tier, a Pro plan around $20 a month with access to more capable models and deeper research features, and a Max plan around $200 a month for the highest usage tier.
Facts checked on against the sources listed at the end of this page.
- Pricing
- FreemiumPaid from About $20 a month (Pro plan)
- Open source
- NoProprietary
A good fit for
- People who want a quick, cited answer to a question rather than a list of links to sort through
- Research tasks needing current, real-time web information rather than a static knowledge base
- Users who want an AI assistant with source transparency built into every answer
- Developers wanting to build search-and-cite capabilities into their own applications via the Sonar API
Not a good fit for
- Users who specifically want a traditional search engine's full list of results rather than a synthesized answer
- Heavy users needing certainty on exact current pricing, since figures here are drawn from third-party reporting
- Tasks requiring extensive private or paywalled information Perplexity can't access on the open web
Perplexity AI pricing
The free tier includes standard search and AI answers with limited access to advanced features. Pro is priced around $20 a month, adding access to more capable AI models, extended deep research, increased file uploads and deeper sourcing. Max is priced around $200 a month for the highest usage tier. Confirm current prices on Perplexity's own site, since these figures are drawn from third-party reporting rather than an official pricing page.
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Standard search and AI answers, limited access to advanced features. |
| Pro | About $20/month | More capable AI models, extended deep research, increased file uploads, deeper sourcing. |
| Max | About $200/month | The highest usage tier, for the heaviest users. |
Prices in USD, checked on 27 September 2026. Current prices on perplexity.ai.
Main features
- Real-time web search
- Searches the web and synthesizes an answer rather than just returning links.
- Cited sources
- Answers include citations to the sources used, so claims can be checked.
- Deep research
- Extended, more thorough research mode available on paid plans.
- Sonar API
- Developer access to Perplexity's search-and-cite capabilities for building custom applications.
- Browser extension
- Access Perplexity's search directly from the browser.
About Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI answers questions by searching the web in real time and synthesizing a response with cited sources, positioning itself as an answer engine rather than a traditional search engine that just returns a list of links.
The free tier provides standard search and AI answers, while the Pro plan unlocks access to more capable underlying AI models, extended deep research capabilities, increased file uploads and deeper sourcing for more thorough answers.
Perplexity also offers a developer-facing Sonar API for integrating its search-and-cite capabilities into other applications, separate from its consumer-facing subscription plans.
- Made by
- Perplexity AI, Inc.
- Free plan
- Yes: free tier available with standard search and limited access to advanced features
- Available on
- Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension, API (Sonar)
Perplexity AI alternatives
Questions about Perplexity AI
Is Perplexity AI free?
Yes, there's a free tier with standard search and AI answers; Pro and Max plans add more capable models and deeper research features.
How much does Perplexity Pro cost?
Around $20 a month, based on current reporting; confirm the exact price on Perplexity's own site.
Does Perplexity cite its sources?
Yes, answers include citations to the web sources used to generate them.
Can developers use Perplexity's search capabilities?
Yes, through the Sonar API, separate from the consumer subscription plans.
Sources and links
Work on Perplexity AI? Claim this listing. Something wrong or out of date? Suggest a correction. Stats come from the public GitHub and npm APIs and update every day.