In this review of Perplexity AI, we look at how it stacks up against similar tools like Google Search and ChatGPT.
We think Perplexity is worth exploring, especially for deep topic research or text creation.
AI-generated content can be useful, but sometimes you need to verify if it will pass as human-written. For this, try our tool Winston AI, which can detect AI content with 99.98% accuracy.
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What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity AI works mainly as a search engine, similar to Google Search, providing responses crafted by AI. You can look up any information you need, and Perplexity will scour the web and its training data to deliver an answer.
I got a clear answer to my question. It included links, pictures, and videos.
You’ll see there’s room to ask a follow-up question, much like with ChatGPT.
Another thing you’ll notice is that Perplexity AI has no ads on its results page. This is different from Google, where ads often appear at the top of search results.
People often use Perplexity for research, and we’ll explore more about this when we dive into its features below.
How does Perplexity AI compare to ChatGPT?
Both tools help you find information when searching or create something new.
As a Search Engine
Perplexity AI works a lot like ChatGPT, but it mainly searches the internet. While ChatGPT can search too, that’s only for those who pay.
The big issue with using AI for search is that it creates information it doesn’t truly grasp. This leads to errors or missing answers sometimes.
AI tools handle simple questions well, but what about tricky ones needing the latest info?
I asked both Perplexity and ChatGPT about the “IPGA business model,” a newer topic, and they both missed the mark initially. Yet, when I asked again, they both gave solid answers.
I’m unsure if Perplexity or ChatGPT is best for this kind of search. From what I’ve seen, the results might not always be dependable.
Text Generation
Perplexity AI and ChatGPT can help create text. Just tell them what you need.
In a simple test to create a blog post comparing Perplexity and ChatGPT, Perplexity AI provided a clearer and more concise response than the free ChatGPT. However, when using GPT-4, which is the paid version of ChatGPT, the quality of the output was significantly better.
The content still has problems. It repeats itself a lot, and ChatGPT relies on its training data instead of actual tool testing.
Perplexity, however, does cite sources, which is good. But it’s not very useful if those sources are likely created by ChatGPT and posted on other sites.
To verify if your sources are AI-generated, try our AI detection tool, Winston AI.
We boast a 99.98% accuracy rate in spotting AI-crafted text.
Try Winston AI here.
Perplexity AI vs Google – Which is Better
Google is a good comparison because Perplexity AI is like a search engine, much like Google’s main product, “Google Search.”
Whether Perplexity AI is better than Google depends on what you’re looking for and your personal preferences.
Google excels at simple questions or the latest information because it has the largest, most current index (a collection of websites they rank and gather data from).
Perplexity AI might be better if you want to explore a topic further with follow-up questions or if you prefer fewer ads.
Google SGE/Gemini
Google is rolling out a new feature called Search Generative Experience (SGE). This feature creates an AI-generated answer at the top of search results. You might have spotted it during its testing phase, and it is set to fully launch in May 2024. There are rumors that this AI search could become a paid service.
Google Gemini is another innovation, similar to ChatGPT. It allows you to create text or perform searches using Google Workspace tools like YouTube, Gmail, and Google Drive.
Is Perplexity AI Free? What is the Business Model?
Perplexity AI is available for free and lets users search the internet. They offer a premium option, Perplexity Pro, which costs $20 monthly or $200 annually.
With the free plan, users can perform three “pro” searches each month.
Understanding Perplexity AI’s business model can be tricky since running the Large Language models for the free service is expensive. However, many AI fans, including myself, would gladly pay the $20 per month to access all features.
What Features does Perplexity AI Pro have?
The Perplexity plan adds these bonuses to the basic free AI search tool:
- Perplexity AI’s Unlimited Pro Search is its top search tool. From what I’ve seen, it offers a deeper search. It does this by using AI to get the context or aim of the search first.
- You can upload as many files as you want, like pictures or PDFs, and ask questions about them.
- Pro users can have longer chats with the AI. This allows them to explore topics more deeply and get more detailed answers.
- Pro users get first dibs on new AI models and tools. They can use GPT4 and Claude 3.
- The Pro plan gives API credits, letting developers add Perplexity AI features to their apps.
Perplexity AI Copilot
The Perplexity Copilot is mainly used for research and learning, not just for finding basic facts. You can use it to ask more questions and improve your search.
To find out more about Perplexity AI CoPilot, you can watch this video:
What is Perplexity Copilot?
Can Perplexity AI generate images like ChatGPT?
Perplexity AI doesn’t make images like ChatGPT. ChatGPT can, but only in its paid version.
For free AI images, try Microsoft Copilot. It’s free for most Windows users.
Does Perplexity use ChatGPT as its base model?
Perplexity AI uses multiple Large Language Models in their AI search tool. For free users, the default is a customized GPT3.5 model.
- GPT4 Turbo
- Claude 3
- Mistral
- They have their own trial versions.
Some models come with the pro plan, and you can choose one based on what you need.
Final thoughts on Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is a fascinating search tool worth exploring. It might not always provide flawless answers, but let’s face it, neither does Google.
If you’re tired of Google’s ads, give Perplexity AI a shot. Just make sure to verify the accuracy of the answers you get.