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Perplexity

Perplexity

AI Model

by Perplexity AI

Perplexity is an "answer engine" purpose-built for research, combining powerful language models with real-time web search. Unlike traditional chatbots, Perplexity always provides citations with clickable sources, making it ideal for fact-checking, academic research, and any task requiring verifiable information. Perplexity Pro ($20/month) offers access to multiple models including GPT-4, Claude, and their own Sonar models optimized for search. The "Focus" feature lets you search specific sources like academic papers, YouTube, Reddit, or news. Perplexity has become the go-to tool for researchers, journalists, and anyone who needs current, cited information.

By Council Research TeamUpdated: Jan 27, 2026

Rating

4.7/5

Best For

Research

Speed

Fast

Context

Varies

Key Strengths

Every response includes clickable citations

Real-time web search integration

Access to multiple AI models (GPT-4, Claude, Sonar)

Focus modes for specific sources

Strong at current events and news

Academic and research-optimized

Best Use Cases

1

Research requiring citations and sources

2

Fact-checking and verification

3

Current events and news analysis

4

Academic paper research

5

Competitive intelligence and market research

Compare Perplexity With

Claude

vs Claude

ChatGPT

vs ChatGPT

Gemini

vs Gemini

Grok

vs Grok

DeepSeek

vs DeepSeek

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Perplexity free to use?

Yes, Perplexity has a generous free tier. Perplexity Pro at $20/month offers more searches and access to advanced models.

What is Perplexity best at?

Perplexity excels at research requiring citations and sources, fact-checking and verification, current events and news analysis. Key strengths include every response includes clickable citations and real-time web search integration.

How does Perplexity compare to other AI models?

Perplexity has unique strengths compared to competitors. Use Council to compare Perplexity with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more side-by-side for your specific use case.

Top Recommended For

Best AI for Research

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Popular With

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Try Perplexity on Council

Council lets you use Perplexity alongside ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more. Compare responses side-by-side and get the best answer every time.

Visit Perplexity AI