What is Perplexity used for?

Perplexity is used for searching the web with AI, summarizing long text and researching a topic. On AIToolMaps it ranks #1 of 14 for searching the web with AI.

Yes. Perplexity has a free plan.

What platforms does Perplexity run on?

Perplexity runs on Web, iOS, Android and Browser extension.

Does Perplexity have an API?

Yes. Perplexity offers an API, so developers can use it from their own code.

What are the best alternatives to Perplexity?

The closest alternatives are Microsoft Copilot, SciSpace and NotebookLM, which do most of the same jobs. Microsoft Copilot is the closest one with a free plan.

Perplexity

An AI search assistant that answers questions with cited web sources and supports multi-step deep research reports.

Free tierWeb · iOS · Android · Browser extension

Visit perplexity.ai

What it does

Perplexity is an AI tool for searching the web with AI, summarizing long text and researching a topic. It has a free plan.

Perplexity is an AI search assistant that returns cited, source-linked answers to questions by searching the web in real time. Every response includes inline citations and a references panel so users can verify the claims. Follow-up questions continue in a threaded conversation. A deep research mode runs multi-step searches and synthesises a longer report automatically. Pro users get access to more capable models, higher daily limits and file uploads. It is available on the web, as a mobile app and as a browser extension.

Real-time web search with inline citations on every response
Deep research mode for automated multi-step reports
Multiple model options on paid plans
File and image uploads on paid plans
Spaces for organising research projects
Browser extension for on-page queries

Key facts

This listing is queued to be checked against perplexity.ai.

Pricing	Free tier
Free plan	Yes
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension
API	Yes
Maker	Perplexity AI, San Francisco

What you can do with it

Searching the web with AI#1 of 14 Summarizing long text#3 of 19 Researching a topic#4 of 14

Good at

Every answer comes with source citations by default
Deep research mode produces detailed reports automatically
Free tier is usable with no account required

Watch out for

More capable models and higher limits require a paid plan
Not designed for creative or long-form writing tasks

Common questions

What is Perplexity used for?: Perplexity is used for searching the web with AI, summarizing long text and researching a topic. On AIToolMaps it ranks #1 of 14 for searching the web with AI.
Is Perplexity free?: Yes. Perplexity has a free plan.
What platforms does Perplexity run on?: Perplexity runs on Web, iOS, Android and Browser extension.
Does Perplexity have an API?: Yes. Perplexity offers an API, so developers can use it from their own code.
What are the best alternatives to Perplexity?: The closest alternatives are Microsoft Copilot, SciSpace and NotebookLM, which do most of the same jobs. Microsoft Copilot is the closest one with a free plan.

Reviews

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Listing history

Oct 20, 2026Listed