Perplexity
Perplexity: A citation-focused chatbot combining live web search, research modes, files, and multiple AI models. Ranked #4 of 65 in AI Chatbots by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for citation-focused web research.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCitation-focused web research
- Free planYes
- Web searchYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Real-time web search returns conversational answers with inline citations
- Deep Research, file analysis, image generation, and document creation
- Web, desktop, mobile, Comet Browser, and API access
Where it doesn't
- Free plan includes limited usage and basic AI models
- Advanced capabilities require a paid monthly plan
- Max costs $200 per month, above the Pro plan's $20 price
Our verdict on Perplexity
Perplexity is an AI answer engine for people who want conversational web research with inline citations. It searches the open web in real time, supports follow-up questions, and combines web answers with file uploads, multiple AI models, and content generation. Access spans web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, the Comet Browser, and an API, making it suitable for individual researchers, teams, and workflows that need answers across devices.
The plan structure covers a free starting point and two paid tiers. Free includes cited answers, basic AI models, and limited usage. Pro costs $20 per month and adds Deep Research, advanced AI models, file uploads, image generation, and the ability to create documents and apps. Max costs $200 per month and adds maximum Computer usage, frontier AI models, expert-level research, and the highest usage limits. The difference between Pro and Max is primarily access level and capacity, so Pro is the more practical fit for most individuals, while Max targets demanding research workloads.
Perplexity's breadth is a central strength. Pro Search and Deep Research support more involved investigations, while Projects add persistence, sharing, and collaboration. Users can also select and orchestrate multiple AI models, analyze files, generate or edit images, and create presentations, spreadsheets, and apps. Integrations include Google Drive, Notion, Asana, Jira, Confluence, Gmail, Google Calendar, Outlook.com, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Box, Dropbox, HubSpot, and Databricks. Choose Perplexity for cited web research and a broad AI workspace; choose an alternative if limited usage on the free plan or the $200 Max price does not fit.
Your product? Our editors can test Perplexity in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Perplexity pricing
All 6 Perplexity plans and prices →
Perplexity fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Web search | Yes |
| File uploads | Yes |
| Image generation | Yes |
| Mobile apps | Yes |
| App integrations | Yes |
| Team workspace | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SSO/SAML |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 400+ integrations: Gmail, Google Calendar, Outlook, Notion, Linear, GitHub … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | perplexity.ai |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Perplexity integrations
Perplexity lists 400+ integrations on its own site — the 11 named here are the ones its pages call out.
- Gmail
- Google Calendar
- Outlook
- Notion
- Linear
- GitHub
- Google Drive
- SharePoint
- OneDrive
- Dropbox
- Box
Alternatives to Perplexity
- ChatGPTA broad AI assistant combining chat, research, files, images, voice, and connected work tools.9.4
- GeminiA capable AI chatbot for research, files, creative work, and Google-connected productivity.9.3
- Microsoft CopilotA versatile AI assistant with strong Microsoft 365 integration and a free entry point.9.2
See all Perplexity alternatives →
Perplexity vs the competition
- Perplexity vs ChatGPT
- Perplexity vs Gemini
- Perplexity vs Microsoft Copilot
- Perplexity vs Claude
- Perplexity vs Meta AI
- Perplexity vs Grok
Compare Perplexity with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Perplexity is ranked in 13 of our directories; the 6 strongest besides AI Chatbots.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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