Perplexity AI: the search engine with AI answers

Perplexity is the AI tool I recommend most often for anyone who wants to research things online. It works like Google plus ChatGPT combined: you type a question, get a direct answer, and see the websites it pulled from. It is harder to lie to you because the sources are right there.

What makes Perplexity different

Other AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) write answers. Sometimes they make things up. Perplexity:

• Always searches the web first
• Always shows the websites it used
• Cites specific claims with footnote numbers you can click
• Less likely to invent things because it is grounded in real sources
• Shows follow-up questions to help you dig deeper

This makes it the best AI for "find me real information" questions. It is not as good for writing, brainstorming, or creative work. Different tool for a different job.

When to use Perplexity instead of ChatGPT

Step 1: Sign up (optional but recommended)

1. Go to perplexity.ai.
2. You can use it without signing up, but you lose chat history.
3. Click Sign up. Use Google, Apple, or email.
4. Done. Your searches are saved.

Step 2: Ask your first question

Type a question in plain English. Some examples that show off what Perplexity does well:

• What is the current price of an iPhone 16 Pro at Costco vs Apple?
• What are the requirements to refinance a mortgage in California in 2026?
• Best wireless meat thermometer for under $100, with recent reviews.
• What does a typical Costco optometrist appointment cost?
• Side effects of metformin in older adults.
• What is happening with the Highway 1 closures in Big Sur right now?

Each answer comes with numbered footnotes. Hover over a number to see which source it came from. Click to read the source.

Step 3: Use Focus modes

On the search bar, you can choose a Focus mode to limit what Perplexity searches:

• Web: default. Searches the open web.
• Academic: only scholarly papers. Good for medical or scientific questions.
• Math: uses Wolfram Alpha for calculations.
• YouTube: only searches YouTube. Good for tutorials.
• Reddit: only searches Reddit. Good for real user experiences with products.
• Writing: no web search, just AI writing (less Perplexity's strength).
• Social: searches X/Twitter for opinions.

For most product research, try the same question in Web then Reddit. Marketing sites tell you one thing; actual users tell you something else.

Step 4: Follow-up questions

After any answer, Perplexity shows a chat-style continuation. Ask follow-ups in the same conversation:

• "Tell me more about point 3."
• "What does the FDA say about this?"
• "Show me the cheapest option."
• "Compare these two with another competitor."

Perplexity remembers the context of the conversation. The follow-up answers cite new sources too.

Step 5: Use Spaces for ongoing projects

Spaces (formerly "Collections") let you group searches around a topic.

• Researching a kitchen remodel? Create a Space for it.
• Looking for a new car? Make a Space and gather all your searches there.
• Tracking a health condition? A Space keeps your research together.

This is the best feature for anyone doing serious research over weeks.

Perplexity Pro: is it worth $20/month?

Free covers most home use. Pro is worth it if:

• You hit the daily Pro Search limit often (around 5 to 10 free Pro searches a day)
• You want to upload PDFs or images and search/analyze them
• You want to choose which AI model answers (GPT-5, Claude Opus, Sonar, etc.)
• You use it for work and want better answers without limits

Pro features include unlimited Pro Searches, file analysis, image generation, the Perplexity Comet browser, and access to bigger AI models behind the scenes.

The Perplexity browser (Comet)

Perplexity has its own web browser called Comet. It bakes Perplexity search into every tab. Highlight text on any web page and Comet can summarize it, translate, or answer questions about it. Free to download. Worth trying if you read a lot on the web.

Perplexity on phone

• Free apps for iPhone and Android.
• Voice mode in the app lets you ask out loud.
• The app has a clean "find me" mode that opens with the search field active.
• Same account syncs across web and apps.

Common questions

Can I use Perplexity as my default search engine?

Yes. On Chrome / Edge / Safari, go to settings > search engine, add perplexity.ai as a search engine. Set as default if you want. You can also use the Perplexity browser extension.

Does Perplexity make things up like ChatGPT?

Much less often. Because every answer is grounded in retrieved web pages, Perplexity invents things much less than ChatGPT. Still verify anything critical. Some web pages it cites are themselves wrong; junk in, junk out.

Is Perplexity safe to use?

Yes. Same caution as any AI: do not paste in Social Security numbers, full account numbers, or other identifiers. See our AI privacy guide.

Does Perplexity have ads?

Perplexity has experimented with ads marked as "sponsored" alongside search results. They are clearly labeled. Pro users see fewer or no ads.

5 things to try first

1. "What are the requirements for an annual physical at Sutter Health for someone on Medicare?"
2. "What is the current sales tax rate in Watsonville, CA?"
3. "Compare the Roomba J9 vs Roomba i7 in plain English."
4. Switch Focus to Reddit. Ask: "What do real owners think of the LG C4 OLED TV?"
5. "What is happening with the local water restrictions in Santa Cruz County this summer?"

Video walkthrough

Video by Numroid on YouTube