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Quick verdict

Perplexity is an answer engine: every response searches the web and cites sources. Claude is a thinking and writing partner, strongest on long documents, analysis and code. Both Pro plans are $20 a month.

Side by side

ClaudePerplexity
Our rating4.6/54.5/5
Value4.4/54.5/5
Features4.5/54.2/5
Ease of use4.6/54.7/5
Output quality4.7/54.4/5
CategoryAI assistantAI assistant
Free planYes: daily usage limitsYes: unlimited basic searches
Cheapest paid plan (monthly)$20/mo$20/mo
Same plan billed yearly$17/mo$16.67/mo
Top planTeam Premium: $125/moMax / Enterprise Max: $325/mo
SeatsIndividual plans; Team per seatIndividual; Enterprise per user
Trial / refundNo trial; cancel any timeOccasional promos
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, Mac, WindowsWeb, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Comet browser
Best forWriters, analysts and developers working with long documents or codeResearch and questions where you want sources

Claude: pros & cons

  • Natural, careful writing style
  • Handles long documents and large codebases well
  • Projects and file analysis
  • Pro is cheaper billed yearly ($17/mo)
  • No native image generation
  • Usage limits can bite on heavy days
  • Fewer bundled extras than ChatGPT

Read the full Claude review

Perplexity: pros & cons

  • Answers come with citations
  • Lets you choose between leading models on Pro
  • Excellent free plan for search
  • Less suited to long-form writing
  • Team plans are pricey

Read the full Perplexity review

Where each wins

Task Better pick
Fast answers with sources Perplexity
Long-form writing & editing Claude
Analyzing long files Claude
News and current events Perplexity
Coding Claude

Our take

Use Perplexity’s free plan for research and pay for Claude if writing or code is your main job, or the reverse if research is.

Frequently asked questions

Can Claude search the web?

Yes, Claude can search the web, but Perplexity is built entirely around cited search.

Which is cheaper?

Both are $20/month; Claude Pro is $17 and Perplexity Pro about $16.67 billed yearly.

Questions from readers

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