What is Perplexity AI ?

At Futuristic, we try out AI tools so you don’t waste your time with duds. Today, we’re putting under the microscope Perplexity AI – the “answer engine” that’s similar to ChatGPT but with real internet access and citations. Is it the future of AI search or another chatbot? Let’s discover.

Specifications

 Key Features

• Live Web Access – Unlike static models, Perplexity surfs the web in real time
• GPT-4 & Claude : Drives intelligent, thoughtful answers
• Sources Cited – References are included with every answer for openness
• Follow-up Questions – Organic chat flow to further investigate
• Mobile Apps – iOS & Android apps for web research on the move
• Copilot Mode – Allows you to control how the AI navigates the web
• Citation System – All claims have clickable sources
• Threaded Conversations – Research is organized by topic
• File Uploads – Analyze PDFs, Word documents (Pro feature)

Pros

✅ Up-to-date information with real-time web browsing

✅ Minimalist, clean interface — easy for beginners

✅ Sources cited for each response

✅ Basic access without login

✅ Best for researchers, students, and content creators

✅ Well-suited for deep dives – Follow-up questions remain organized

 Cons

❌ Locked advanced features behind Pro plan

❌ Less creative and chatty than ChatGPT in everyday usage

❌ Fewer integrations with third-party software

❌ Browsing occasionally goes awry if sources are limited

Who Is Perplexity Being Used By?

Perplexity AI is relied upon by a wide range of users. Students and researchers use it to get fast, sourced answers and summarize heavy content. Content creators use it to generate ideas and extract verified information from the internet. Business professionals use it for competitive intelligence and market research. With mobile capability, casual users also appreciate asking tough questions and receiving trusted answers — anywhere, anytime.

Pricing

Free Plan – Basic queries, restricted Copilot usage
Pro Plan ($20/month) – Unlimited Copilot, file imports, API usage

What Makes Perplexity AI Unique?

In contrast to most AI chatbots, Perplexity AI is more like an intelligent research aide. It pairs the reasoning capacity of large language models with direct internet access, providing answers in citations. Its Copilot mode puts users in charge of how the AI collects and understands information. It’s not merely about talking — it’s about intelligent discovery, supported by reliable sources and designed for those who need accurate, up-to-date information in a hurry.

How We Rated It

Summary

Perplexity AI is unique in the AI world by combining the strength of LLMs with the internet’s wealth of knowledge. Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional, its accuracy, speed, and transparency place it as a world-class utility for real-time information acquisition. It is a Google search, ChatGPT, and research assistant — all within a single tab.

Disclaimer

We’re not a Perplexity AI affiliate. Features and pricing are subject to change – check details on their official website Perplexity AI. We thoroughly tested the Pro version but your experience might be different.