Perplexity AI · AI assistant
Perplexity
Perplexity is an AI answer engine from Perplexity AI, launched in December 2022, that searches the web and answers questions in plain language with numbered citations to its sources, and can also run deep research and agent tasks.
- Made by
- Perplexity AI
- Type
- AI assistant
- Launched
- December 2022
Facts checked
What is Perplexity?
Every Perplexity answer includes inline citations that show where each claim comes from, which makes it popular for research and fact-checking. Perplexity picks a model for each query from several providers — including OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and NVIDIA — and Pro and Max subscribers can choose a preferred model.
Perplexity also makes Comet, a free AI browser for Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android, and Perplexity Computer, introduced in February 2026: an agent that breaks a goal into tasks and works through them with its own browser, file system and connected apps. It now also runs as Personal Computer on Mac and Windows and as Portable Computer on NVIDIA hardware, and it uses credits, at 100 credits to the dollar.
The free plan answers questions with citations, with limited daily usage. Pro costs $20 a month and adds Deep Research, model choice, Perplexity Computer and premium data sources such as Statista and PitchBook. Max costs $200 a month for the highest limits on research, file uploads and asset and video generation.
Perplexity key facts
| Developer | Perplexity AI |
|---|---|
| Type | AI answer engine with citations |
| First released | December 7, 2022 |
| Models | Chosen per query from OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and NVIDIA models; Pro and Max can pick a preferred model |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows |
| Free tier | Yes, with limited daily usage |
| Paid plans (US) | Pro $20/month, Max $200/month; Enterprise plans |
| Browser and agent | Comet browser (free); Perplexity Computer, Personal Computer and Portable Computer (Pro and Max, on credits) |
Perplexity compared
Guides that cover Perplexity
Perplexity FAQ
Is Perplexity free?
Yes. The free plan answers questions with citations, with limited daily usage. Pro ($20 a month) raises the limits and adds Deep Research, model choice and Perplexity Computer, and Max ($200 a month) has the highest limits.
Which AI model does Perplexity use?
Perplexity picks a model for each query from several providers, including OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and NVIDIA. Pro and Max subscribers can choose a preferred model, and Max adds advanced reasoning models.
What is Comet?
Comet is Perplexity's free AI browser for Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android. Its built-in assistant researches alongside you as you browse and can carry out tasks on websites.
What is Perplexity Computer and how much does it cost?
Perplexity Computer is Perplexity's agent for multi-step work such as research, documents, apps and email. It is included with Pro and Max plans and runs on credits, at 100 credits to the dollar: Pro has no monthly allowance but starts with a one-time bonus of 4,000 credits, and Max includes 10,000 credits a month. Ask searches don't use credits.
Who makes Perplexity?
Perplexity is made by Perplexity AI, founded in August 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho and Andy Konwinski. It launched its answer engine on December 7, 2022.
Sources
Every fact on this page is checked against a vendor announcement, documentation or a named news report.
- Perplexity pricing: plans for individuals and enterprise — Perplexityhttps://www.perplexity.ai/hub/pricing
- Introducing Perplexity Computer — Perplexityhttps://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-perplexity-computer
- Comet browser — Perplexityhttps://www.perplexity.ai/comet
- Comet iOS launch and Computer updates — Perplexityhttps://www.perplexity.ai/changelog/what-we-shipped--march-27-2026
- How Credits Work on Perplexity — Perplexity Help Centerhttps://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/en/articles/13838041-how-credits-work-on-perplexity
- Personal Computer is now available on Windows — Perplexityhttps://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/personal-computer-on-windows
- Introducing Portable Computer for local-first AI — Perplexityhttps://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-portable-computer-for-local-first-ai