What it is
Perplexity is an AI answer engine. You ask a question, it searches the web in real time and writes an answer with numbered citations linking to the pages it used, so you can check each claim. Follow-up questions keep the context, and Deep Research runs longer, multi-step searches that end in a report. It works on the web and in desktop and mobile apps, and the same company makes Comet, an AI browser.
It suits anyone who wants answers with sources rather than a list of links. The free plan covers everyday searches. Pro adds access to the latest models from several providers, extended deep research, more file uploads and deeper sourcing. Answers can still misread a source, so open the citations for anything important.
Best for
- Quick factual questions where you want to check the sources
- Research on current events and recent topics
- People replacing a search engine with direct answers