Perplexity: the AI search engine that cites its sources
Perplexity is an answer engine: you ask a question, it searches the web and writes a summary with links to its sources. The free version handles everyday searches; Pro and Max unlock stronger models and deeper research.
Data as of October 22, 2026
Key figures
| Developer | Perplexity AI |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Launched | Not disclosed |
| Free version | Yes, limited |
| Plans | from $10 per month |
| Official website | perplexity.ai |
Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Web search | Yes |
| Agent mode | Yes |
| File upload | Yes |
| Image generation | Yes |
| Voice mode | Not disclosed |
| Memory | Yes |
| Code execution | Not disclosed |
| Autonomous browsing | Yes |
Where to use it
| Where to use it | |
|---|---|
| Web | Yes |
| iPhone | Yes |
| Android | Yes |
| Windows | Not disclosed |
| macOS | Not disclosed |
| Browser extension | Not disclosed |
| French interface | Yes |
| Spanish interface | Yes |
Privacy
| Privacy | |
|---|---|
| Opt out of training on your chats | Yes |
| Temporary chat | Yes |
| EU data residency | Not disclosed |
An answer engine rather than a chatbot
Where ChatGPT or Claude hold a conversation, Perplexity starts with a web search. Every answer comes with numbered sources you can open to check. It’s the textbook case of AI search: fewer links to sort through, but a summary you still need to verify. Perplexity runs its in-house Sonar model and, on paid plans, models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others. The company also builds its own browser, Comet, covered on a separate page.
Free, Pro or Max?
Individual plans as listed in the official help center on October 22, 2026:
- Free: near-unlimited basic searches, 3 Pro Searches a day, 1 Research query a month, no advanced models or image generation;
- Education Pro: $10 a month for verified students and educators;
- Pro: $20 a month or $200 a year, with advanced models and more deep research;
- Max: $200 a month or $2,000 a year, with extended memory and the Max Assistant in Comet.
For organizations, Enterprise Pro costs $40 per seat per month. If you run a few searches a day, the free version already does the job; Pro makes sense for regular professional use.
Your searches and your data
By default, “AI data retention” is turned on for Free, Pro and Max accounts, which lets Perplexity use your searches to improve its services. You can switch it off in Preferences. Incognito mode keeps no searches in your history. Perplexity doesn’t state that consumer data is hosted in the European Union.
Limits
Citing sources doesn’t guarantee accuracy: a summary can distort an article or lean on an unreliable page, and hallucinations are still possible. Open the links before reusing anything important, especially for health, legal or financial topics. To compare Perplexity with general-purpose assistants, see the AI assistants comparison.
Models used
- Sonar
Strengths
searching with sources · teamwork
Comparisons
AI assistants
Frequently asked questions
Is Perplexity free?
Yes. As of October 22, 2026, the free version offers near-unlimited basic searches, 3 Pro Searches a day and 1 Research query a month. It doesn't include advanced models or image generation.
What's the difference between Perplexity Pro and Max?
Pro costs $20 a month (or $200 a year) and unlocks advanced models from several labs. Max costs $200 a month (or $2,000 a year) and adds the highest limits, extended memory and the Max Assistant in the Comet browser.
How do I stop Perplexity from using my searches?
In your account Preferences, turn off “AI data retention”, which is on by default for Free, Pro and Max. For a one-off search, Incognito mode doesn't keep your queries.
Is there a student price?
Yes, Education Pro costs $10 a month for verified students and educators, according to Perplexity's official help center.
Data sources
Data as of October 22, 2026
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