Perplexity
: How to use it, features, and the business problems it solves
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What is Perplexity?
An AI-powered answer engine that searches the latest information across the web from a single question and answers with sources (citations). Switch among high-performance models like GPT, Claude, and Gemini, and use Deep Research for deeper investigation, the "Comet" AI browser, and agents that autonomously run tasks. Fully supports Japanese.
Business problems it solves
About "Perplexity"
What is Perplexity
Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that, from a single question, searches the latest information across the web and answers with sources (citations). Each answer shows the sources it drew on as numbered references, so you can trace and verify the basis. Under the banner "Where Knowledge Begins," it has expanded beyond mere search into deep research and even browser automation. It fully supports Japanese as well.
Perplexity's core is "answering from the latest web information, with sources." Where an ordinary chat AI answers from pre-trained knowledge, Perplexity searches the web each time and answers with source links. You can switch among multiple high-performance models like GPT, Claude, and Gemini, and it offers Deep Research, the "Comet" AI browser, and "Perplexity Computer," which autonomously runs long tasks.
How to use
Ask, then dig deeper while checking the sources.
Ask
Type what you want to know in plain language.
Get a cited answer
It searches the web and returns a summary with source links.
Dig in and verify
Follow-up questions or Deep Research go deeper; check the sources.
Delegate
Hand research and browser actions to Comet or an agent.
Even the free tier offers cited search. Pro and above unlock model switching, Deep Research, analysis of files/images/audio, and image and video generation. The available models change frequently, so the in-app model selector is the source of truth.
Key features
01Cited web-search answers
Searches the web for your question and presents a summary with numbered citations. Because you can trace the basis for an answer on the spot, you can use it while fact-checking. It also supports focus (narrowing the target) and analysis of files such as PDF, CSV, images, and audio.
02Multiple models and Deep Research
Switch among leading models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and xAI, plus in-house Sonar (higher plans). It supports Deep Research, which takes time to examine many sources, Model Council for querying several models at once, and creating deliverables (reports, tables, simple apps, and more).
03Comet, agents, team/API
The "Comet" AI browser and Assistant handle browser actions for you, and "Perplexity Computer" autonomously runs long tasks. It also offers Projects (knowledge hubs) for teams, Enterprise, desktop apps, and a developer API (Sonar).
Pricing
Free to start; the following are monthly (annual billing is cheaper).
| Plan | Monthly | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Cited search, core features |
| Pro | $20 | Model switching, Deep Research, file analysis, image/video generation |
| Max | $200 | Top-tier models, Model Council, advanced Comet features, etc. |
| Enterprise / API | Separate | Enterprise Pro (from $40/seat); API is pay-as-you-go |
There is also Education Pro (student discount, $10/mo, requires student/educator verification). Prices are in USD and subject to change, and public pages may vary; check the official site for the latest (as of August 2026).
How it differs from other AI search/chat
Perplexity's strength is that it searches the web each time and answers with source links. Compared with general chat that answers from pre-trained knowledge, or traditional search that returns a list of links, it quickly gives you a "traceable summary."
| Aspect | Perplexity | General chat (ChatGPT etc.) | Traditional search engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answer | Cited summary | Text mostly from trained knowledge | List of links |
| Latest info | Searches the web each time | Depends on model/integrations | Strong |
| Deep dive | Deep Research, agents | Deepen via conversation | Trace it yourself |
General chat like ChatGPT, and answer engines like Genspark and Felo, are the comparison points. If you want to quickly research the latest information while fact-checking, and delegate deep research or browser actions when needed, Perplexity is a strong choice.
The information on this page is based on the official website as of August 2026. Please check the official site for the latest specs and pricing.
