Perplexity is an AI answer engine: ask a question and it searches the web, then writes an answer with citations you can check. It’s our favorite tool for research and fact-finding.
What we like
- Answers come with citations
- Lets you choose between leading models on Pro
- Excellent free plan for search
Watch out for
- Less suited to long-form writing
- Team plans are pricey
Key facts
| Category | AI assistant |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: unlimited basic searches |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $20/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | $16.67/mo |
| Top plan | Max / Enterprise Max: $325/mo |
| Seats | Individual; Enterprise per user |
| Trial / refund | Occasional promos |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Comet browser |
Checked Oct 9, 2026 on the official site. Prices and terms change: confirm before you buy.
Perplexity plans & pricing
| Plan | Billed monthly | Billed yearly (per month) | Cost per year | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | - | $0 | Unlimited basic searches |
| Pro | $20 | $16.67 save 17% | $200.04 | More Pro searches, model choice, file uploads |
| Enterprise Pro | $40 | $33.33 save 17% | $399.96 | Per user |
| Max / Enterprise Max | $325 | $270.83 save 17% | $3,249.96 | Top limits (enterprise pricing) |
List prices for one user, checked Oct 9, 2026. Taxes extra; per-user plans multiply by seats. Vendors change plans often: confirm on Perplexity’s pricing page. Add it to the stack cost calculator →
Is Perplexity free? Free plan, trial and discounts →
Plans
- Free: unlimited basic searches.
- Pro ($20/mo, about $16.67 billed yearly): many more advanced searches, model choice and file analysis.
- Enterprise Pro ($40/user/mo): team features and data controls.
When to use it
Comparing products, checking facts, researching a topic, or any question where you want to see the sources.
When not to
Long-form writing and creative work: a general assistant like ChatGPT or Claude is better.
Frequently asked questions
Is Perplexity free?
Yes: the free plan includes unlimited basic searches.
Do you use Perplexity?
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Questions from readers
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