Perplexity

Perplexity AI is a really handy tool that gives you quick, clear answers to your questions. It’s like a search engine, but with a smart AI twist, making it super easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. In March 2025 alone, Perplexity AI saw a massive 174.10 million visits, which just goes to show how popular and helpful people find it.

Its research features let you dive deeper into topics, and it’s incredibly user-friendly with a clean design, a voice option, and a smart answer engine. Plus, it saves you precious time by summarizing key information, so you get the most important details without delay.

What Exactly is Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI is a smart search engine powered by artificial intelligence. It answers your questions clearly and quickly. Instead of just giving you a list of links like Google often does, Perplexity provides concise, easy-to-understand answers and, importantly, shows you exactly where that information came from.

As it’s grown, Perplexity has also introduced a feature called “Pages.” This lets users create and share their own web pages, using content that the AI helps generate.

You can use Perplexity AI on its website, through mobile apps for both Android and iPhone, or even as a Chrome extension. It’s a fantastic tool if you’re looking for fast, reliable answers online.

Who’s Behind Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI was founded in 2022 by four talented individuals:

• Aravind Srinivas: He’s the CEO of Perplexity AI. Before starting the company, Aravind was an AI researcher at both OpenAI and Google.
• Denis Yarats: He serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Denis previously worked as an AI research scientist at Meta (formerly Facebook).
• Johnny Ho: He’s the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Johnny used to be an engineer at Quora and also worked as a quantitative trader on Wall Street.
• Andy Konwinski: He’s the President of Perplexity AI. Andy was actually part of the founding team at Databricks, a well-known data analytics company.

What Can You Use Perplexity AI For?

Perplexity AI is designed to help people quickly find accurate and clear answers to their questions, using its built-in search engine. Unlike traditional search engines like Google, which often give you a long list of websites, Perplexity provides short, direct answers and always includes the sources of its information.

Here are some of the main ways people use Perplexity AI:

• As an answer engine for quick questions
• For legal and professional research
• For market research, including property and financial markets
• For business intelligence
• For financial analysis
• For content generation, like writing essays, reports, scripts, and SEO content
• Summarizing content
• Creative writing, such as blogs, emails, and song lyrics
• SEO optimization, including keyword extraction and meta descriptions
• Customer support automation
• Building chatbots and virtual assistants
• Personalizing customer engagement
• Data analysis and reporting
• Classifying text
• Analyzing sentiment
• Detecting emotions in text
• Identifying spam
• Understanding and processing language
• Extracting keywords
• Language modeling
• Translating languages
• Checking grammar and style
• Processing speech
• Summarizing text
• Tracking real-time events like news, weather, and elections
• Comparing product prices
• Creating recommendation systems
• Using voice assistants
• Providing personalized tutoring and learning help
• Breaking down complex topics into simpler terms

Who Can Use Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI is accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who’s curious about something, you can use its AI-generated material for free. Just head over to their website or download the mobile app.

Here’s a look at who can benefit from using Perplexity AI:

• Students: It’s great for quick research and getting help with learning. Students with a valid student email can even join the Student Referral Program. For each person they refer, they get 1 free month of Perplexity Pro, potentially earning up to 24 months of free access.
• Researchers: Use it to gather insights and information for your academic work.
• Writers: It can help with generating content, summarizing text, and exploring new ideas.
• Business Professionals: It’s useful for creating reports, analyzing data, and making better decisions.
• Marketers: Find trends, brainstorm content ideas, and optimize your campaigns.
• Developers: Integrate AI-generated insights into your applications or projects.
• Teachers: Use it to help prepare lessons, explanations, and other educational content.
• General Users: For everyday questions, fact-checking, and exploring any topic that interests you.
• Startups: Early-stage startups can apply for Perplexity’s Startup Program. This gives them 6 months of free Enterprise Pro access and $5,000 in API credits. To qualify, the startup needs to be less than 5 years old, have raised under $20 million, and be part of an approved startup partner program.
• Uber One Members: Eligible Uber One members in the U.S. and Canada might get a full year of Perplexity Pro for free. They just need to create a new Perplexity account and keep their Uber One membership active.

Is Perplexity AI Free to Use?

Yes, Perplexity AI offers both free and paid options, depending on what you need.

Free Plan: You can use Perplexity for free without even needing to create an account. The free version gives you access to basic features like Quick Search, but you’re limited to 5 Pro Searches every 4 hours.

Perplexity Pro (Paid Plan): The Pro version costs $20 per month. It includes unlimited Pro Searches, access to advanced AI models like GPT-4, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Llama 3. You also get extra features such as Deep Research, Enterprise security features, the ability to upload files for analysis, and enhanced shopping tools.

Perplexity AI vs. ChatGPT

Feature	Perplexity AI	ChatGPT
Main Use	Acts like a smart search engine.	Functions like a custom AI chatbot.
Gives Answers From	Searches the internet in real-time.	Uses the information it was trained on.
Good For	Quick answers with links and facts.	Longer conversations, learning, writing, and coding assistance.
Can Chat Like a Friend	Not really; it focuses more on answering questions directly.	Yes, it feels more like talking to a helpful assistant.
Free to Use	Yes	Yes
Paid Version	$20/month	$20/month
Best For	Finding facts quickly with proof.	Deep learning, creative writing, code help, and general chatting.

Perplexity AI vs. DeepSeek

Feature	Perplexity AI	DeepSeek
Main Purpose	Provides direct, accurate answers with source citations.	Focuses on advanced data analysis and pattern recognition in large datasets.
Best For	Quick answers, research, and learning.	Data-heavy tasks, coding, and technical problem-solving.
Data Sources	Gets live info from the internet, citing sources.	Processes vast datasets, including unstructured data, to find patterns.
User Interface	Simple and user-friendly, suitable for general users.	More technical interface, better suited for professionals.
Limitations	May lack depth in highly technical computations.	Too complex for non-technical users.
Pricing	Offers a free version; the Pro version is available at $20/month.	Pricing details aren’t publicly disclosed and may vary based on usage and requirements.

Perplexity AI vs. Claude

Feature	Perplexity AI	Claude
Main Purpose	The search engine provides direct answers with source citations.	Conversational AI assistant designed for natural, human-like interactions.
Data Source	Retrieves real-time information from the internet.	Generates responses based on its training data.
Unique Strength	Provides concise answers with transparency by citing sources.	Excels at maintaining context and providing nuanced, human-like responses.
Best For	Quick fact-checking, research, and retrieving up-to-date information.	Engaging in detailed conversations, creative writing, and coding assistance.
Pricing	Free. The pro version costs $20/month.	Free. The paid version costs $18/month.

Perplexity AI vs. Gemini

Feature	Perplexity AI	Gemini
Main Use	Focuses on searching the web for accurate, real-time information.	Designed for creative tasks, reasoning, and multimodal inputs (text, images, audio, video).
Speed	Very fast at retrieving web-based answers.	Slightly slower when handling complex multimedia tasks.
Information	Always up-to-date (searches the web).	Limited to what it learned in training.
Coding Skills	Can generate simple code and assist with debugging.	Excels at coding tasks, including translating code between languages and fixing errors.
Limitations	Limited in handling creative or multimedia inputs; shorter memory span.	Sometimes provides inaccurate or strange answers; lacks source transparency.

How to Use Perplexity AI on a Desktop

You can use Perplexity AI either through its website or by downloading the Windows app for unlimited free searches daily. Here’s how to get started:

1. Access Perplexity AI

Head over to the Perplexity AI website at www.perplexity.ai or download the Perplexity AI Windows app directly from their official site.

Once you’ve downloaded it, install it by running the setup file. Then, click Sign Up and use your email, Google, Apple, or company login to create your account.

2. Ask Your Questions

Once you’re logged in, simply type your question into the large search bar. You can even choose the type of answer you’re looking for by clicking the Globe button. You can select from different models:

• Web (searches the internet)
• Academic (for research and study)
• Social (pulls from platforms like Reddit or Twitter)

3. Use Dictation

If you’re in a hurry, prefer speaking to typing, or find using a keyboard difficult, just click the small Microphone icon located on the right side of the typing box. The app will listen and automatically convert your voice into text.

4. Attach Files for Analysis

Need to upload a file, like a PDF or an image? Simply click the Paperclip icon. After uploading, you can ask questions about the file’s content, and Perplexity will provide answers based on what’s inside. Your free account allows you to upload up to 10 files.

5. Dive into Deep Research

If you need to conduct more in-depth searches on a topic, just select the Deep Research option. This will give you longer, more detailed answers that explain things thoroughly. It’s great for finding facts, understanding complex subjects, and discovering information that basic searches might miss.

6. Export, Copy, or Share Your Answers

Once you receive your answer, you have several helpful options:

• You can ask a series of follow-up questions to explore the topic further based on the AI’s previous responses.
• If you’re happy with the comprehensive answers from the AI assistant, click the Copy icon to paste the text into your notes, emails, or documents.

• Use the Share button to send the answer to someone else via a link. This is useful for expert analysis, sharing code-related tasks, or for analytical purposes.

• You can also export the response as a PDF or DOCX file by clicking the Three dots. Advanced users might find this useful for analyzing industry trends or tackling complex research topics.

How to Use Perplexity AI on a Mobile Phone

Perplexity AI serves as an efficient assistant that can help you with academic writing, generating content, code generation, engaging in back-and-forth queries, and providing accurate responses with citations.

To use this excellent tool on your mobile phone, follow these steps:

1. Download and Install the App

For Android devices, open the Google Play Store, search for “Perplexity AI,” and then download and install the app.

For iOS devices, go to the App Store, search for “Perplexity AI,” and download and install it. Keep in mind that the Perplexity Assistant feature is currently only available for Android devices.

2. Sign In or Use as a Guest

You can start using the app right away without creating an account. However, for a more personalized experience and to save your search history, you can sign in using your Google, Apple, or company account.

3. Ask Your Questions

Open the app and type various questions into the search bar. You can also tap the Microphone icon to ask your question using your voice. Perplexity will respond with answers and include the original sources, allowing you to easily check the information yourself.

4. Upload Files

Tap the Paperclip icon to upload files to Perplexity AI. Once a file is uploaded, you can ask questions about it, and Perplexity will provide answers based on the file’s contents.

5. Use Perplexity Assistant (Android Only)

Launch Perplexity Assistant by swiping from the bottom-left of your screen towards the center, or by pressing and holding your phone’s home or power button, depending on your device.

The assistant can handle basic questions, send emails, make reservations, provide custom instructions, recognize objects using your phone’s camera, and help with your daily tasks.

6. Manage Your Library

Tap on the Library section to view your search history and any saved responses. You can also create “Spaces” with custom instructions to organize different research topics or projects.

7. Share and Export

When you receive a response, tap the Share icon to send it to others via a link or social media. You can also export the response by selecting the Three dots in the top-right corner.

How to Use Perplexity AI Spaces

Perplexity AI Spaces is a feature that lets users organize their research and collaborative efforts into dedicated workspaces. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use them:

1. To create a Space, click on the Spaces option in the left-side menu of the Perplexity interface. Then, select Create a Space.

   

2. Start by giving your Space a unique name as the title. Then, add a detailed description to explain its purpose. If you’re a Pro user, you can also choose the AI model you prefer to use.

   

3. To upload documents, click on Files and then select the Plus (+) icon. Once uploaded, these files will be accessible in all threads within that Space.

   (Spaces allow users to upload up to 50 files, which can include PDFs, documents, and other reference materials.)

4. Add people to your Space by clicking on the Invite option.

   

5. Add some links to your Space by selecting Links.

   

6. Spaces are great for organizing your research by topic or project. You can also customize AI responses by adding specific prompts or choosing a preferred model.

   For example:

   • Students can create a separate Space for each class to keep their notes organized and ask questions based on course materials.
   • Researchers might use Spaces to manage large projects by grouping related threads and files together.
   • Marketing teams can create Spaces to plan campaigns, analyze competitors, or track performance insights.

7. If you decide you want to delete your space, just click on the Three dots in the top-right corner and select Delete Space.

   

How to Change Your Avatar on Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI makes it quite easy to change your avatar. Just follow these steps:

On Desktop

1. Sign in to your Perplexity AI account.
2. Go to Settings and then navigate to My Account.
3. Select Change Avatar and upload your new image.

On a Mobile Phone

1. Sign in to your Perplexity AI account.
2. Click on your Profile Picture.
3. Go to Settings and click on Username.
4. Click on the picture and upload a new image.

How to Change Your Username on Perplexity AI

Updating your username on Perplexity AI is a quick and simple process. Just follow the steps below based on the device you’re using:

On Desktop

1. Log in to your Perplexity AI account.
2. Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner.
3. Go to Settings and open My Account.
4. Find the Username field and click Edit.
5. Enter your new username and then save the changes.

On a Mobile Phone

1. Open the Perplexity AI app and sign in.
2. Tap your profile picture.
3. Navigate to Settings and then tap on Username.
4. Type in your new username and hit Save.

How to Change the Appearance on Perplexity AI

You can customize the look of Perplexity AI on both your desktop and mobile phone. Here’s how to change the theme:

On Desktop

1. Sign in to your Perplexity AI account.
2. Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Under Appearance, choose your preferred theme: Light, Dark, or System Default.

On a Mobile Phone

1. Open the Perplexity AI app and sign in.
2. Tap your profile picture.
3. Select Settings.
4. Find the Appearance option. Choose the look you prefer: Light, Dark, or follow your device’s system theme.

How to Sign Out from All Sessions on Perplexity AI

If you’re using Perplexity AI on multiple devices or suspect any unusual activity on your account, it’s a good idea to sign out from all sessions at once. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Sign in to your Perplexity AI account.
2. Go to Settings and then to My Account.
3. Scroll down to System.
4. Select Sign out of all sessions.

How to Generate Images on Perplexity AI

You can generate images using Perplexity AI, but this feature is available only for Pro subscribers. Perplexity AI uses advanced models like Playground V2.5, DALL-E 3, and Stable Diffusion XL for image generation. You can create up to 50 images per day, but remember these images are for personal, non-commercial use only.

Here’s how it works:

1. Log in with a Pro subscription on the Perplexity AI website.
2. Start a new thread and input a prompt that describes the image you want to generate.
3. After Perplexity provides a response, look for the Generate Image option on the right side of the interface. Click it to create your image.
4. You can choose from various styles like painting, photography, illustration, or diagrams, and further refine your image by applying additional prompts.

How to Change AI Models on Perplexity AI

To switch between AI models on Perplexity AI, you’ll need an active subscription. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Make sure you’re logged into your Perplexity AI account with an active subscription.
2. Go to the Settings section of your account.
3. Navigate to Account > AI Model. Here, you can choose from available models such as GPT-4 Omni, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, or other models, depending on your subscription and what’s currently available.
4. Once you select a model, it will be applied to all your future queries.

How to Manage Your Watchlist on Perplexity AI

Managing your watchlist on Perplexity AI involves tracking sports teams and stocks through a homepage widget. Here’s how you can manage it:

1. Sign in to your Perplexity account. Go to Personalize and then Watchlists.

   

2. Add sports teams or stocks to your watchlist by clicking on Save. This feature lets you keep track of updates and news related to the items you’ve selected.

   

3. You can customize your watchlist by removing items you no longer want to track. This is usually done by clicking the Cross (X) next to each item. Perplexity AI might introduce more features like notifications and a settings tab for easier watchlist management in future updates.

How to Delete Threads on Perplexity AI

To delete threads on Perplexity AI, you can follow these simple steps:

Delete a Single Thread

1. Open the Perplexity AI website and log in to your account.
2. Click on the Library tab on the left side of the screen.
3. Choose the thread you wish to delete.
4. Click on the Three dots at the top right corner of the thread and select Delete Thread.
5. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Delete All Threads

1. Go to the Library tab.
2. Locate the Three dots located under the search bar.
3. Select Delete Threads, and then choose All Threads.
4. Confirm the deletion by clicking on Delete Threads and then Yes, Delete.

How to Use Perplexity AI for News

To effectively use Perplexity AI for news updates in politics, the stock market, and sports, follow these steps and tips:

1. Ask Direct, Real-Time Questions

Perplexity AI searches the web in real time, making it perfect for fast-moving news topics. Just ask questions like:

• “Give me the latest updates on the US presidential election.”
• “What are the current stock prices for Tesla and Apple?”
• “Compare viewpoints on the recent economic policy changes.”

2. Use Deep Research

After typing your query, use the Deep Research feature to make your searches more specific. For instance, choose “Finance” for stock market news or “Sports” for sports updates. This helps you find more relevant and accurate information.

3. Compare Multiple Sources

Perplexity can summarize and compare ideas from different articles. If you want a clear overview of a political topic or stock market trend, ask it to summarize the main points from various sources and highlight the differences.

4. Ask Follow-Up Questions

You can learn more by asking follow-up questions. For example, after getting a stock market update, ask, “What is affecting the market today?” or after political news, ask, “How might this impact the upcoming elections?” This allows you to explore topics more deeply.

5. Use Discover and Spaces Tabs

The Discover tab shows news headlines across different areas like politics, finance, and sports. The Spaces tab lets you organize and keep track of topics and questions you follow regularly, helping you stay updated on the news.

6. Use Perplexity Pro

The Pro version offers more powerful search tools, helps with challenging questions, and provides faster results. It’s ideal if you need detailed analysis or regular updates on news topics.

How to Use Perplexity AI for Product Recommendations

Perplexity helps you save time by providing smart answers without you having to scroll through numerous websites. Here’s a guide on how you can use it for product recommendations:

1. Go to the Website

Open your preferred internet browser, like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. In the address bar at the top, type www.perplexity.ai and press Enter on your keyboard.

2. Find the Search Bar

Once the website loads, you’ll see a large white box in the center that says “Ask anything…” This is where you’ll type your question.

3. Ask Your Product Question Clearly

Click inside the search box and type a clear question about the product you’re looking for. For example, you could ask:

• “What is the best laptop under $1000 in 2025?”
• “Recommend a good phone for photography.”
• “Best vacuum cleaner for pet hair in a small apartment?”
• “Which wireless earbuds have the best battery life?”

After typing your question, press Enter on your keyboard or click the Arrow button.

4. Read the Answer

Perplexity will then display a short, clear answer with product suggestions. It might also include a list of options, reasons why each one is a good choice, and links to where you can learn more. These links often lead to trusted websites like Amazon or tech blogs.

5. Ask Follow-Up Questions

If you need more details, you can continue asking related questions. For instance:

• “Which one has the best customer reviews?”
• “Is it good for gaming?”
• “What is a cheaper alternative?”

Perplexity remembers the context, so you won’t need to repeat the full question.

6. Use “Deep Research” for Better Results

You might see a button called Deep Research for even better results. While it might take a bit longer, the AI will thoroughly search the internet to find you the best product recommendations.

7. Make Your Decision

After reviewing the suggestions, you can decide which product best suits your needs. If you want to buy it or check more details, simply click on the links provided in the answer.

How to Use Perplexity AI for Programming

You can use Perplexity AI to get programming help. It saves time, explains code clearly, and provides working examples. Follow the steps below to use this AI for your programming needs:

1. Open the Website

Go to your internet browser and type www.perplexity.ai. Once the website loads, you’ll see a large white box that says “Ask anything…”. This is where you’ll type your programming question.

2. Ask Programming Questions

You can ask any programming question you need help with. After typing your question, press Enter or click the Arrow button next to the search box.

For example:

• “How do I create a button in HTML?”
• “What does this Python error mean: TypeError: list indices must be integers?”
• “Show me a simple JavaScript code to calculate the sum of two numbers.”
• “How do I connect to a MySQL database using PHP?“

3. Ask Follow-Up Questions

If you don’t fully understand an answer or want more details, you can ask a follow-up question. For instance:

• “Can you explain this part more clearly?”
• “Can you show me a different example in JavaScript?”
• “How do I test this code?”

Perplexity will continue the conversation and help you with more information without needing you to repeat the original question.

4. Use Deep Research

If you want more technical or detailed programming help, you can use the Deep Research option. This makes the answers even more focused on programming and code-related questions.

5. Try the Code

If Perplexity provides you with code examples, you can easily copy them. To copy the code, select it with your mouse, right-click, and choose Copy. Then, you can paste the code into your code editor or use an online code editor like Replit.com or JSFiddle.net to try it out and see how it works.

How to Use Perplexity AI for CRM

Perplexity AI can help you save time and resources by automating repetitive CRM tasks. Check out the steps below to learn more:

1. Setup

Use tools like Make or Albato to connect Perplexity AI to your CRM without needing any coding. These platforms help you set up automatic actions and events, so when something happens in your CRM, it can trigger a task in Perplexity AI.

2. Automate Tasks

You can automatically create or update contacts, deals, and other records in your CRM based on AI-generated data. Perplexity AI can also help log communications or notes directly into CRM records and analyze customer interactions to provide useful insights.

3. Interact with Customers

Respond to customer questions with personalized answers from Perplexity AI. It can also automatically follow up with customers and improve communication by integrating with messaging tools like WhatsApp.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting

Connect Perplexity AI with tools like Google Sheets to analyze CRM data. It can help create reports or generate important insights for your sales and marketing teams.

Pros & Cons of Perplexity AI

Pros	Cons
Answers your questions very fast and clearly.	Gives short answers unless you choose “Deep Research”.
It uses trusted sources that you can see.	You can’t change its appearance beyond light/dark mode.
It has different search modes.	The voice assistant only works on Android, not iPhone.
You can use it without paying.
Use it on your phone or computer.
Best used for news and research.

FAQs

1. Can Perplexity AI Be Detected by Turnitin?

It’s possible. Turnitin has specialized tools that can sometimes detect if text has been written by AI, including content from Perplexity AI.

Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that provides smart answers with source links, but if a student copies the full answer and pastes it into an assignment without making any changes, Turnitin might flag it as AI-generated.

2. What are the Benefits of Using Perplexity AI?

Benefits include getting real-time, accurate information, personalized assistance, and comprehensive AI-generated responses all in one place, which makes it efficient for tasks like travel planning.

3. Can I Use Perplexity AI for Business or Enterprise Needs?

Yes, Perplexity offers an Enterprise Pro version that includes features like advanced AI models, file connectors, and a wide range of user management tools, making it suitable for business use.

4. Is Perplexity AI Better Than ChatGPT?

Perplexity AI is excellent for quick answers with live web data and source links, making it ideal for research. ChatGPT, on the other hand, offers more in-depth help, creative writing capabilities, and conversational support. It’s best to use Perplexity for facts and ChatGPT for deeper, more creative tasks.

5. How Do I Report Bugs or Incorrect Answers in Perplexity AI?

Users can report issues by emailing [email protected] or by using the flag icon located below answers to report inaccuracies.