Overview
Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that combines language models with real-time web search to provide accurate, cited answers to questions. Founded by former researchers from OpenAI, Meta, and Databricks, Perplexity has positioned itself as a next-generation search engine that directly answers questions rather than returning links.
The platform uses RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) to ground responses in current web information, with all answers including citations to sources. Perplexity has gained significant traction as an alternative to Google Search and ChatGPT for research and information discovery.
Key Features
**Real-Time Search**: Always current information from the web**Citations**: Every answer includes source links**Pro Search**: Deep research mode with GPT-4**Multiple Sources**: Synthesizes information across sites**Focus Modes**: Academic, news, social, video search**Follow-Up Questions**: Conversational search refinement**Collections**: Save and organize research**Mobile Apps**: iOS and AndroidWhen to Use Perplexity
Perplexity is ideal for:
Research requiring current informationFact-checking with source verificationLearning and educationAlternative to Google SearchQuick answers with citationsStaying informed on current eventsPros
Always up-to-date with web searchProvides source citationsBetter than pure LLMs for factual queriesGood for research and learningPro version uses GPT-4Clean, focused interfaceMobile apps availableAPI access for developersCons
Less capable than ChatGPT for creative tasksCitations don't guarantee accuracyPro subscription required for best featuresAPI expensive for developersLimited conversation memoryNot suitable for all LLM use casesDepends on quality of web sourcesPrivacy concerns with search trackingPricing
**Free**: Basic search with citations**Pro**: $20/month for GPT-4 and Pro Search**API**: $1 per 1K requests (expensive)**Enterprise**: Custom pricing