Perplexity review: our take
Perplexity is the tool to use when you want an answer with its sources attached. Every reply cites the pages it drew on, so you can check a claim against the original, and threads keep follow-up questions in context. The free plan covers everyday searches with a daily cap on the deeper Pro Searches. On the US App Store, Pro costs $20 and Max $200, and credit packs from $5 top up usage.
The limit is scope: it is built for search and research, and less suited to long drafting or projects built on many files. For writing, Claude or ChatGPT fit better. For research inside Google's apps, Gemini includes Deep Research on its free plan. For private chats without an account, try Duck.ai.
By the Prompt Hackers team · facts checked 4 Oct 2026
What Perplexity does
Perplexity searches the web for each question and writes an answer backed by sources and citations. Threads keep follow-up questions in context, a library stores past searches, and the app adds voice input and task automation through Computer. It draws on models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and others; paid plans raise limits, and credit packs top up usage.
Who Perplexity is for
Best for
- researchers who want sources with every answer
- students and writers checking facts
- people who use AI as a search engine
Not for
- long drafting and file-heavy projects: it is built around search answers
- buyers who want a cheap paid tier: Pro is the entry plan at $20
Perplexity features
- F1Answers with cited sources
- F2Conversation threads
- F3Voice input
- F4Library of past searches
- F5Task automation with Computer
- F6Models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta
- F7Credit packs
Perplexity pricing and plans
| Plan | Monthly | Billed yearly, per month | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | — | AI search with cited answers; a limited number of Pro Searches each day |
| Pro | $20 | — | Higher limits than Free; US App Store in-app price |
| Max | $200 | — | Highest individual limits; US App Store in-app price |
| Credit packs | — | — | 500 credits $5, 1,000 $10, 2,500 $25, 5,000 $50 (US App Store) |
Free plan: yes. Prices as listed by the vendor in USD, before tax; they change, so check the pricing page before you buy.
Perplexity FAQ
- How much does Perplexity cost?
- Paid plans start at $20/mo. Prices checked on 4 Oct 2026.
- Does Perplexity have a free plan?
- Yes, Perplexity has a free plan.
- What are the alternatives to Perplexity?
- Tools that cover the same jobs include ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Grok.