Perplexity

What Is Perplexity?

Perplexity is an AI answer engine. Users ask a question in plain language and get an answer with citations that show where it came from. The Free plan covers search with citations and basic AI models. Paid plans add Deep Research, a choice of AI models, document and app creation, and Perplexity Computer, an AI assistant for multi-step work.

Who Should Use Perplexity?

Perplexity is useful for students, writers and analysts who want sourced answers fast. Free users can test it on simple questions. People who do deeper research or want to pick their AI model should look at Pro. Max is for heavy users who run many Computer tasks. Check the credit rules before you start.

How Does Perplexity Work?

1. Go to perplexity.ai or open the Perplexity app, and type a question in plain language.
2. Read the answer and check the citations to see its sources.
3. On a paid plan, pick an AI model or use Deep Research for longer research.
4. For multi-step work, start a Computer task, or use the Comet Assistant in Work mode.
5. Open the Usage page to see your credits and weekly Computer usage.

Perplexity Pricing and Plans

The screenshot shows the Individual tab with yearly prices. Free costs $0. Pro costs $17 per month when billed annually, and Max costs $167 per month when billed annually. The Enterprise tab is not in the screenshot, so this section covers only Individual plans. Pro lists Deep Research and 4,000 bonus credits. Max lists 10,000 monthly credits and 35,000 bonus credits.

Is Perplexity Free?

Yes. Perplexity has a Free plan at $0 per month. It gives search with accurate answers and citations, access to basic AI models and limited daily usage. Perplexity's help center lists 3 Pro Searches per day on Free. Computer is not available on free accounts.

Perplexity Key Features

Cited Answers

The screenshot lists citations in every answer, even on the Free plan. Citations show the sources behind a claim, so users can check them. Free also includes access to basic AI models and is described as better for simple questions.

Deep Research

Pro lists Deep Research for longer, in-depth research on a topic. Max lists expert level research and the highest usage limits and memory. The Free plan does not list Deep Research in the screenshot, so heavy researchers will likely need a paid plan.

AI Model Choice

Pro lets users select between AI models and lists access to top AI models. Max lists frontier AI models, which are the newest and strongest ones. Free lists only basic AI models. Choosing a model helps when one task needs a different style of answer.

Perplexity Computer

Computer is Perplexity's AI assistant for multi-step work. Perplexity says it gathers context, uses tools and carries tasks across the web, files and connectors. Pro lists expanded Computer access, and Max lists maximum Computer usage. Free accounts cannot use it.

Credits and Weekly Usage

Computer runs on credits, and 100 credits equal $1. Pro has no monthly credits but includes weekly Computer usage and a one-time 4,000 credit bonus. Max includes 10,000 credits a month. Ask searches do not use credits, but Computer tasks do.

Documents, Apps and Comet Assistant

Pro lists the ability to create polished documents and apps. The Comet Assistant has two modes. Search mode answers questions without using credits. Work mode hands your request to Computer and uses credits, so check the mode before you send a prompt.

Should You Use Perplexity?

Perplexity suits people who want sourced answers and research help, and the Free plan lets you try it first. Pro's Computer access depends on weekly included usage and a one-time bonus, so heavy agent work may need extra credits or Max. Check the credit rules before you start Computer tasks. This overview is based on publicly available product information and is not a hands-on review.