Perplexity AI GuideSearch That Shows Its Sources
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that gives you direct answers instead of a list of links — but unlike ChatGPT, it cites its sources. Every fact comes with a numbered reference you can click to verify. It's like having a research assistant who always shows their work.
Key Features
What makes Perplexity different from other AI tools
Sourced Answers
Every answer includes numbered citations. Click to see exactly where the information came from.
Real-Time Search
Searches the web in real-time for current information, news, and recent events.
Focus Modes
Search specific sources like Academic papers, YouTube, Reddit, or the whole web.
Why Use Perplexity
Advantages for research and information gathering
Citations You Can Verify
Unlike ChatGPT, every claim has a numbered source. Check the original yourself.
Example: "The Earth is 4.5 billion years old [1]" — click [1] to see the source.
Always Up-to-Date
Perplexity searches the web in real-time. Ask about today's news.
Example: "What happened in tech news today?" — get current information, not training data.
Follow-Up Questions
Ask follow-up questions to dig deeper. Perplexity remembers your conversation.
Example: "Tell me more about the third point" or "What are the counterarguments?"
Academic Research
Switch to Academic mode to search peer-reviewed papers.
Example: Find actual research papers on any scientific topic with proper citations.
YouTube Summaries
Focus on YouTube to get summaries and insights from video content.
Example: Search a topic and get key points from relevant videos without watching them.
Reddit Insights
Focus on Reddit to get real opinions and discussions.
Example: "Best laptop for programming reddit" — get curated community recommendations.
Focus Modes
Search specific types of sources for better results
All
Search the entire web for comprehensive results
Academic
Peer-reviewed papers and scholarly sources
YouTube
Video content and summaries
Community discussions and opinions
News
Recent news articles and coverage
Writing
Skip search and get AI writing help
Best Use Cases
Where Perplexity excels over other tools
Research Questions
Get comprehensive answers to complex questions with sources you can verify.
Try this:
What are the current treatment options for type 2 diabetes and their effectiveness rates?
Fact-Checking
Verify claims and get sourced information on controversial topics.
Try this:
Is it true that [claim]? What do reliable sources say?
Product Research
Compare products using reviews, specs, and real user feedback.
Try this:
Compare the iPhone 15 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra for photography
Learning New Topics
Get comprehensive overviews with links to learn more.
Try this:
Explain quantum computing for a beginner with resources to learn more
Current Events
Get caught up on recent news and developments.
Try this:
What are the latest developments in AI regulation in 2024?
Academic Research
Find relevant papers and summarize academic findings.
Try this:
[Academic mode] Recent studies on the effects of intermittent fasting
Tips for Better Results
Be Specific About What You Need
Instead of "Tell me about AI", ask "What are the main business applications of AI in healthcare with recent examples?"
Why: Specific questions get focused, useful answers with relevant sources.
Use Focus Modes Strategically
Use Academic for research papers, Reddit for opinions, YouTube for tutorials.
Why: Different sources excel at different types of information.
Ask for Comparisons
"Compare X vs Y for [specific use case]" or "What are the pros and cons of..."
Why: Perplexity excels at synthesizing information from multiple sources.
Request Specific Formats
"Give me a bulleted summary" or "Explain in simple terms" or "Provide a timeline"
Why: Helps structure the answer for your specific needs.
Follow Up to Go Deeper
After an answer: "Tell me more about point 3" or "What are the counterarguments?"
Why: Perplexity remembers context and can elaborate on any part.
Pricing
Perplexity offers a generous free tier
Free
$0
Great for casual research
- Unlimited basic searches
- Standard AI model
- Web sources
- 5 Pro searches/day
Pro
$20/month
For serious researchers
- Unlimited Pro searches
- GPT-4 & Claude access
- File uploads
- API access
Perplexity vs ChatGPT vs Google
| Feature | Perplexity | ChatGPT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source Citations | Every answer | When asked | Links only |
| Real-Time Data | Yes | Plus/Pro only | Yes |
| Conversational | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Academic Search | Built-in mode | No | Scholar |
| Free Tier | Generous | Limited | Yes |
| Best For | Research | Tasks | Quick lookups |