Perplexity AI is an AI-powered "answer engine" and web search engine that utilizes large language models (LLMs) to provide concise, natural-language answers to user queries. Unlike traditional search engines that present a list of links, Perplexity AI synthesizes information from the web in real-time and provides citations to the sources used. It was founded in August 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. As of September 2025, the company was valued at US$20 billion.
Key features include a conversational interface, real-time web browsing, cited sources, follow-up question support, and focus mode to guide the AI toward specific sources. Perplexity AI offers a range of advanced models like GPT-5.2, Claude Sonnet 4.6, Gemini 3 Pro, and Grok 4.1. It also offers Perplexity Assistant, an AI-powered tool designed to enhance the functionality of its search engine, that can perform tasks across multiple apps and use a phone's camera to provide answers about the user's surroundings. Perplexity is available through a freemium model. The standard plan is free and offers unlimited basic searches. The Pro plan costs $20 per month or $200 annually and includes unlimited pro searches, access to premium AI models, and other enhanced features. Perplexity Max, a top-tier individual plan, costs $200 per month or $2,000 per year. An Enterprise Pro plan is also available for larger organizations at $40 per user per month.
