AI search engines
Perplexity: review, pricing, data and alternatives
Perplexity is for people seeking information on the Web with its sources. It also lets users compare and summarize documents and produce reports based on research. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $10 per month. Access and transparency score: 70/100, #2 of 5 in its category.
| Access | 30/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 20/30 | |
| Trust | 20/40 |
What is Perplexity?
Perplexity is for people seeking information on the Web with its sources. It also lets users compare and summarize documents and produce reports based on research.
According to its documentation, Perplexity lets you:
- search for information on the Web with its sources
- compare and summarize documents
- produce reports based on research
We file it under AI search engines, the category of tools to find sourced information on the web, and it also overlaps with aI for documents and PDFs. The category lists 5 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Perplexity AI, Inc., based in United States. The service launched in 2022, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: researchers, students, and data analysts. The need it covers is simple to state: find sourced information on the web.
Perplexity is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you also work from your phone
The best test is a concrete case from your daily work: if the tool does not beat your current method within a week, move on to an alternative.
How much does Perplexity cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $10 per month (Education Pro, restricted to verified students and teachers; API billed separately), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is close to the category median ($11.25 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
The publisher does not clearly state where data is hosted. Assume your content may leave your region.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
Exporting your content: PDF, DOC, Markdown. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
Perplexity runs on: web browser, iPhone and iPad, Android, and API.
The interface is available in 10 languages.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
How we scored it
Our 70/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 30/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 20/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
Perplexity against other tools in the aI search engines category:
Verdict
Perplexity is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Established since 2022
- Available on many platforms
Limitations
- Data hosting not disclosed
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is Perplexity free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $10 per month.
Where is Perplexity data stored?
The publisher does not clearly say so in its public documentation.
Does Perplexity have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to Perplexity?
In the same category: You.com, Exa, Felo, and Andi.
Perplexity or You.com: which one to choose?
Perplexity starts at $10 per month, You.com at $1 pay as you go and our score is 70/100 for Perplexity and 71/100 for You.com. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score