Perplexity is more of a research engine than a traditional search engine. Unlike tools like Google, it doesn’t make you sift through a maze of links. Instead, it provides direct answers with citations, making it far more efficient for knowledge work. However, you still need to verify its responses, as some answers, particularly for technical queries, can rely on outdated information. For example, I’ve seen it cite decade-old sources when I tested it with some questions about CAD software, which wasn’t ideal.
Where Perplexity truly stands out is its ability to surface results you wouldn’t have thought to search for. I use it to explore a topic from multiple angles, and its multi-step reasoning engine makes it ideal for in-depth research and synthesis. It can automatically detect when an extra search will lead to a better answer and then work through each part of the query step-by-step.
For those looking for even more functionality, Perplexity Pro is worth checking out. The Pro version costs $20/month and offers faster responses and more detailed answers, significantly improving the overall experience.
The free version is great for casual use, but if you rely on Perplexity for heavy research, the Pro plan is a solid investment.