AI agent

Perplexity

Research a question and follow the links behind the answer.

Details checkedReviewed 2026-09-28

Is it a fit?

Best for

Exploring a topic through sources and follow-up questions.

Think twice if

Unattended recurring website monitoring.

What it can help you do

Research a topic with sources

Advanced search combines several web searches into a sourced answer that can be refined with follow-up questions.

Prepare: A focused research question · Optional source files
Get: A synthesized answer with source links
Your part: Read the underlying sources and check key claims

Research a topic →

Where you still take over

Read the underlying sources and check key claims

Limits to know

Advanced research usage is limited by plan
Citations do not guarantee that an answer is correct

From input to output

What you provide

A focused research question
Optional source files

What you get

A synthesized answer with source links

How to start

Have these ready

A browser
An account for plan-specific features

Open Perplexity.
Enter the question and choose an available search mode.
Read the answer and inspect its sources.
Ask a focused follow-up.

Pricing, with context

Standard has limited access to advanced searches and Research. Paid individual and enterprise plans extend those allowances.

Usage caps, taxes, regional availability and plan features may change. Confirm the current terms before subscribing.

Check official pricing

Pricing category: Free plan · 2026-09-28

Evidence & sources

This is an official-source review, not a hands-on test of Perplexity. Vendor descriptions and demos are evidence of advertised features, not independent proof of results. “Best for” and review guidance are editorial judgments based on those sources.

Perplexity: Pro Search explained ↗https://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/en/articles/10352903-what-is-pro-search
Documents web searches, synthesized answers, direct source links and follow-up questions.
Perplexity subscription comparison ↗https://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/en/articles/11187416-which-perplexity-subscription-plan-is-right-for-you
Compares limited free advanced-search access with larger paid-plan allowances.

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Elicit

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Why it fits Elicit states it searches 138M+ academic papers and 545k clinical trials and generates fully cited reports and evidence tables.

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Compare their inputs, outputs and setup requirements before choosing.