In the last several years, many AI tools have emerged in the world of Artificial Intelligence. Whose purpose is to make any work easier or provide information on any subject. One of these incredible tools is also Perplexity AI. In which you get many features, you can use all these features to make your work easier and faster. This tool has emerged as a strong contender for ChatGPT.
If you are also fond of using the technology of Artificial Intelligence and want to make your future, then this post is for you. Through this post, we are going to give you all the information about Perplexity AI. Like: What is it? Its features? How to use? Its value? And how is it a strong contender for ChatGPT. Let us answer all these questions.
What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity AI is an AI-powered search engine and question-answering tool that combines natural language processing (NLP) with real-time web access to deliver accurate, sourced answers to user queries. Unlike traditional AI chatbots that rely solely on pre-trained data, Perplexity AI stands out for its real-time information retrieval from across the web.
It was designed to bridge the gap between a search engine and a chatbot — making it easier for users to ask questions in natural language and get direct, well-cited answers rather than a long list of URLs like Google or vague AI-generated guesses.
Founded in 2022, Perplexity AI has quickly gained attention due to its ability to quote sources, access the latest information, and present answers that are concise, relevant, and readable.
Key Features of Perplexity AI
Let’s explore the core features that make Perplexity AI a favorite among researchers, students, and even content creators.
1. Real-Time Web Access
Unlike traditional LLMs (Large Language Models) that rely on static training data, Perplexity can fetch the latest information directly from the internet. This makes it ideal for real-time events, news, sports updates, and evolving topics.
2. Cited Sources for Every Answer
One of the standout features of Perplexity is its built-in citation system. Every time it provides an answer, it lists the sources it pulled the information from. This increases transparency and lets users verify the information.
3. Natural Language Interface
You don’t need to use complex queries. Simply ask, “What are the benefits of magnesium?” or “What happened in the 2024 Indian elections?” and get detailed, sourced answers.
4. Copilot Mode (Pro Feature)
Perplexity Pro users get access to a Copilot mode, which functions like an AI research assistant. It asks clarifying questions and digs deeper into topics, helping you refine your understanding and reach better conclusions.
5. Multimodal Support
Perplexity also allows users to interact via text and voice, and it supports image inputs in certain versions. This opens up new possibilities for those who need AI to analyze visuals.
How to Use Perplexity AI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re new to AI tools or a seasoned user, using Perplexity AI is incredibly simple. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Visit the Website
- Go to Perplexity AI
Step 2: Enter Your Query
Type your question in the search bar. For example, you can try:
- “Latest iPhone specs”
- “Who won the 2024 US Presidential elections?”
Step 3: View Answer with Citations
- Perplexity will present a clean, readable answer with citation numbers. You can click these numbers to directly visit the sources.
Step 4: Ask Follow-Up Questions
- Continue the conversation by asking related or deeper questions — the AI will remember the context.
Step 5 (Optional): Create an Account
- To unlock features like search history, saved chats, and pro-level access (Copilot), you can create a free account.
Perplexity AI Pricing: Free vs Pro
Perplexity AI offers both a free plan and a Pro subscription. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Perplexity AI Free Plan
- Real-time answers with citations
- Unlimited basic queries
- No Copilot (advanced research)
- Limited access to advanced AI models
Perplexity AI Pro Plan
- $20/month
- Access to multiple large language models (GPT-4, Claude, etc.)
- Copilot mode for advanced question assistance
- Priority access and faster response times
- More in-depth and personalized answers
- Early access to new features
The Pro plan is ideal for professionals, researchers, students, and content creators who need accuracy, speed, and depth.
Perplexity AI vs ChatGPT: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Now let’s compare the two leading AI tools on several key fronts.
| Feature | Perplexity AI | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Web Access | ✅ Yes (even on free plan) | ❌ No (only in Pro+ via GPT-4 with browsing) |
| Answer with Sources | ✅ Always | ❌ Not by default |
| User Interface | Clean, search-engine style | Chat-based conversation |
| Context Memory | Limited thread memory | Pro users get persistent memory |
| AI Model Access | GPT-4, Claude, Mistral (Pro) | GPT-3.5 (Free), GPT-4 (Pro) |
| Free Usage | No login required | Login mandatory |
| Multimodal Inputs | Text, voice, some image | Text, image (Pro only) |
| Pricing | Free + $20/month | Free + $20/month (ChatGPT Plus) |
| Best For | Research, fact-checking, real-time info | Creative writing, coding, conversation, brainstorming |
