What it does

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine. Instead of a list of links, it gives you a written answer with numbered sources you can click to check. It is handy for research, comparing options and catching up on topics quickly.

Who it's for

Curious people, students and professionals who want quick answers with sources they can verify.

Good points

Shows its sources, so checking facts is easy
Free to use for everyday searches
Good for research and comparing products or ideas
Pro plan lets you pick between several top AI models

Watch out for

Summaries can still misread or oversimplify a source
Advanced features and higher limits need a paid plan
Not every source it cites is equally trustworthy

Good for

Search the web with sources Research a topic Compare products

Pricing

Free plan: yes · Paid plans from $17/month billed annually (Pro)

Free plan. Pro $17/month and Max $167/month when billed annually.

Last verified Oct 15, 2026 on the official pricing page. Prices can change; check before you buy.

Official pricing page

Alternatives

NotebookLM

Research and answers · Google

What it does: AI research notebook grounded in your sources.

Who it's for: Students, researchers, writers and professionals working with a set of documents.

Free plan available Paid from $4.99/month (via Google AI Plus) Last verified Oct 15, 2026

Try NotebookLM Details

Elicit

Research and answers · Elicit

What it does: AI research assistant for papers.

Who it's for: Researchers, students, clinicians and analysts who work with scientific literature.

Free plan available Paid from $11/user/month billed annually (Plus) Last verified Oct 15, 2026

Try Elicit Details

Consensus

Research and answers · Consensus

What it does: AI search engine for research papers.

Who it's for: Students, health professionals, journalists and curious people who want evidence-based answers.

Free plan available Paid from $12/month billed annually (Pro) Last verified Oct 15, 2026

Try Consensus Details

Perplexity