Perplexity AI combines conversational search with real‑time citations. It provides short, sourced answers that are perfect for context‑rich questions.

Introduction

Perplexity AI is an “answer engine” that unites web search with large language models (LLMs) to give precise, cited responses in real-time. It was re-launched in December 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. The platform hosts models such as GPT‑4.1, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and Sonar, with which users can engage in a conversational manner.

Perplexity AI has both free usage for daily life and a paid Pro tier that opens up access to stronger models and advanced functionality. Enterprise Pro is meant for teams, and it’s equipped with file uploading, privacy management, and enterprise-level tooling.

The product is updated on a regular basis, like Labs features, audio/video search, and Pro Perks, which indicates its emphasis on ongoing innovation. It’s available on web, mobile, and Chrome extensions, and hence it is handy for research, studies, and business use.

Conversational Search

Real‑time Citations

Multimodal

Enterprise‑Ready

Review

Perplexity AI combines conversational search with real‑time citations. It provides short, sourced answers that are perfect for context‑rich questions. Pro and Enterprise tiers include model selection, document upload, and internal knowledge search. Regular updates indicate strong growth. Rare legal issues arise, common for AI search solutions.

Features

Conversational Q&A

follow-up support, and source citations enhance trust.

Model Selection

such as Sonar Pro, Deep Research models with token‑based pricing.

Pro and Enterprise Tools

like document upload, private internal search, model reasoning effort options.

Chrome Extension & Apps

for on-page searches and Android assistant actions.

New Shopping and Research Modules

with live finance and F1 data.

Best Suited for

Researchers & Students

requiring cited, structured responses.

Professionals & Teams

leveraging internal knowledge and Pro/API usage.

Content Creators

for condensed insights and shopping facts.

Tech Enthusiasts

discovering deep models and reasoning.

Strengths

Precise answers with live citations.

Flexible pricing and model choices.

Regular feature enhancements and platform scope.

Enterprise level of privacy and team workflows.

Weakness

Legal heat from BBC and others on scraped content.

APIs learning curve and token‑based model pricing.

Getting started with: step by step guide

Getting started with Perplexity AI is easy:

Step 1: Register and try the free edition.

Use web interface or install Chrome extension or mobile app fastcompany.com+1brandlogo.org+1.

Step 2: Ask questions.

Input queries and receive answers with citations. Follow-ups preserve context.

Step 3: Upgrade if necessary.

Select Pro for model control, images and files. Go Enterprise Pro for groups at $40/month or $400/year per seat brandlogo.org+14perplexity.ai+14medium.com+14.

Step 4: Apply advanced options.

Select Sonar Pro or Deep Research. Apply reasoning control and asynchronous API perplexity.ai+3docs.perplexity.ai+3docs.perplexity.ai+3.

Step 5: integrate tools.

Add Chrome extension for in-page search and utilize Android assistant for actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Perplexity?

A: A chat AI search engine answering with live citations.

Q: Is there a free version?

A: Yes. Free plan includes standard search with citations. Paid plans include models, uploads, and team tools.

Q: Does it support teams?

A: Yes. Enterprise Pro features team seat administration, document search within the organization, and data privacy controls.

Pricing

Perplexity has usage‑based API pricing and paid plans:

Free

$0/month

basic search and models.

API (Sonar models)

$1–$15 per million tokens

$1–$15 per million tokens; $5–$14 per 1000 queries barrons.com+14docs.perplexity.ai+14perplexity.ai+14.

Enterprise Pro

$40/user/month

$40/user/month or $400/year with team features.

Alternatives

ChatGPT

strong conversational AI without citations.

Google Bard

integrates web but less contextual in-depth.