Perplexity looks like ChatGPT, but serves a different purpose: instead of writing an answer from memory, it first searches the internet and then responds briefly with numbered citations to the pages from which it gathered information. It is a tool for fact-checking, comparing offers, tracking news, and quick research, rather than for writing letters. This guide is for someone who has never used it: what it is, how it differs from ChatGPT and Claude, how to start, how to read citations, what the plans and prices are, what the Comet browser is, and what questions to ask to get trustworthy answers. Inside are ready-to-copy prompts.
Last verified: September 6, 2026. Informational material. Features, mode names, prices, and limits of Perplexity change every few months; numbers are from Perplexity documentation as of the verification date. Current pricing: perplexity.ai/hub/pricing.
In Brief
- Perplexity is an “answer engine”: for every question, it searches the internet and responds with citations to sources (what Perplexity is, how it works). ChatGPT and Claude default to answering from memory; Perplexity defaults to checking.
- The most important skill is reading citations. The number next to a sentence leads to the page; labels next to sources (government, academic, trusted) indicate whom to trust (about source labels). An answer without clicking on the citation is just a summary of others' pages.
- The free version is sufficient to start: regular searching and chatting without fees, limited daily number of more precise searches and Deep Research reports (plan comparison). Pro costs 20 USD per month, Max 200 USD.
- Different models work behind the scenes, including those from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google; in the Pro plan, you can choose which one should respond (models in plans). For a beginner, this does not matter; the default choice is sufficient.
- Comet is Perplexity's browser with a built-in assistant, available for free (Comet page). It is not needed at the start; the regular website and mobile app will suffice.
- Perplexity is not an oracle. It summarizes what it finds, and it may also find a weak or outdated page. Source labels, the page date, and one click on the citation are all it costs to verify.
What is Perplexity, in Simple Terms
When you type a question into Google, you get a list of pages and read them yourself. When you type a question into ChatGPT without enabling search, you receive an answer based on what the model learned before the training date. Perplexity does an intermediate thing: it understands the question, searches the internet, reads the found pages, and writes a short answer, with a citation number next to each important sentence leading to the source. The company calls this an answer engine (explanation of Perplexity).
In practice, this means that Perplexity is better than ChatGPT and Claude for questions like “how much does it cost today…”, “what are the opening hours…”, “what's new regarding…”, “compare offer A and B”, “is it true that…”. It is worse at writing long texts, working with your documents, and in conversations that are meant to last an hour. Many people use it alongside ChatGPT or Claude: Perplexity for fact-checking, the others for writing. If you are not familiar with any of these programs yet, start with our ChatGPT Beginner's Guide; the sections on prompts and tokens apply to Perplexity as well.
Current information, prices, news, comparisons, fact-checking, initial exploration of a new topic, searching for official pages and documents.
Writing letters and texts in your style, long work on a single document, translating while maintaining tone, conversations where context from previous hours matters.
Like a librarian who brings you five pages and summarizes them on a sheet in a minute. The summary is only as good as the pages it found; that's why you check where they are from.
How it Differs from ChatGPT and Claude
| Feature | Perplexity | ChatGPT / Claude |
|---|---|---|
| Where it gets the answer | Always from internet searches, with citations | Defaults to memory of the model; search must be enabled |
| Form of the answer | Short, with source numbers and page previews | Longer, more “conversational” |
| Own model | Sonar (own) plus models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google to choose in paid plans | Manufacturer's own models |
| Writing texts | Possible, but not its main use | Main use |
| Files | Attachment of files up to 40 MB, broader in paid plans (about files) | Extensive work with files |
| Images | Image generation in paid plans | ChatGPT does; Claude does not |
| Browser | Comet, with a built-in assistant in browsing | None or separate products |
| Price of the basic plan | Pro 20 USD | ChatGPT Plus 20 USD, Claude Pro 20 USD |
What You Need
- A device with internet and a browser or mobile app (iPhone and Android) or on Mac; there is also the Comet browser (getting started according to Perplexity).
- You can ask questions on the site without an account; an account (Google, Apple, or email) saves history and unlocks more features.
- You do not need a card for the free version.
Step by Step: First Launch
- Go to perplexity.ai
Type
perplexity.aiin the address bar. On your phone: App Store or Google Play, the app “Perplexity”, publisher Perplexity AI. - Ask a question right away
The field in the middle of the screen. You can ask without logging in; after a few questions, the site will suggest creating an account.
- Create an account
Google, Apple, or email with a code. An account saves conversation history and allows you to create folders (Spaces).
- See what the answer looks like
A short text, with numbers next to sentences, above the answer or next to a list of sources with labels. Clicking on the number opens the page.
First Screen: What is Where
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Writing field | This is where you type your question. Enter sends it. |
| Mode selection next to the field | Regular search (“Search”), more precise with multiple sources (“Pro Search”, limited daily number in the free plan), research report (“Research”, a few minutes of work, dozens of sources) (about Research mode). |
| Attachment | A file or image, up to 40 MB, to ask about its content. |
| Source selection | Narrowing the search, e.g., to academic pages or specific types. |
| Model selection | In paid plans: which AI model should write the answer. |
| History and Spaces | On the left: previous conversations and folders on one topic, where you save threads and files. |
| Follow-up questions | Under the answer, suggestions for further questions; clicking continues the thread. |
First Question: Try Now
What is the weather today in Chicago and what is the forecast for tomorrow? Answer in Polish and provide the source of each piece of information.
Is it true that [insert statement you read somewhere]? Answer in Polish. Indicate what official sources (government, scientific, major media) say about this, and what only blogs and social media say. If the sources contradict, state that directly.
Compare [product or service A] and [B] in terms of price, user reviews, and most common complaints. Make a table in Polish. For each piece of information, provide the source and its date; mark reviews older than a year.
The conversation continues. Below the answer, you can ask follow-up questions in the same thread:
Provide only official sources.
What is the date of this information?
Shorter, in three points.
Which of these sources is the most reliable and why?
Look for the same in Polish.
What do government websites say about this?
How to Read Perplexity's Answer
The answer has three layers, and it's worth looking at all of them:
- Text is a summary. It is short and sounds confident, regardless of how good the sources were.
- Citations (numbers next to sentences) indicate where each piece of information comes from. Hovering shows a page preview, clicking opens it. If an important sentence has no citation, treat it cautiously.
- Source labels (government, academic, trusted, and others) help assess credibility at a glance (explanation of labels). A government page and a store page are not the same, even if both are in the citations.
The one-click rule – for every answer you base something on (money, health, law, travel), click on the citation next to the most important sentence and check if the page really says that and what its date is. This takes a few seconds and catches most errors.
Modes: When to Use Regular Search and When to Use Research
Quick answer from a few sources, in seconds. For everyday questions: prices, hours, news, “what is this”.
More precise: more sources, sometimes a clarifying question. In the free plan, limited daily number, in Pro much more (about Pro plan).
A few minutes of work, dozens of sources, a report with chapters and citations. For topics you would spend an hour on. In the free plan, a few reports daily (Perplexity announcement).
Ten Prompts to Start
Summarize in Polish the most important news from the last 24 hours from Poland and separately from the USA, in five points each. Only from major editorial offices and agencies; for each point, provide the source and publication time. No comments or opinions.
What documents are needed for [e.g., renewing a Polish passport at the consulate in Chicago / exchanging a driver's license in Illinois]? Answer in Polish, based only on official pages, with links. If the office's page says something different than other sources, point that out.
How much does [product or service] currently cost in [city or country]? Provide a price range from at least three stores or providers, with links and dates. Mark which prices are promotional.
I want to understand [topic] from scratch. Explain in Polish in five steps, from the simplest. For each step, provide one reliable source for further reading, preferably in Polish, and if not available, in English.
What do official medical sources (public health institutions, medical societies, large hospitals) say about [topic]? Answer in Polish, only from such sources, with links. Do not make a diagnosis; at the end, write which specialist to discuss this with.
Check the company [name, city]: does it exist in the registers, since when, what are its reviews, are there complaints or warnings from authorities, does it appear in the context of fraud. Answer in Polish, with links. Separate facts from the registers from user opinions.
I am planning a flight from [city] to [city] in [month]. Check: current entry requirements and documents for a citizen of [country], typical ticket prices during this period, and what has recently changed in regulations. Only official sources and major services, with dates.
[Enable Research mode] Prepare a report in Polish: [topic, e.g., how the rules for sponsoring a work visa in the USA have changed in the last year]. Chapters: what has changed, since when, who it affects, what the offices say, what lawyers say, what is unknown. Each statement with a citation; at the end, a list of sources with dates.
[Attach file] Summarize this document in Polish in five points and check online if the information provided in it (names, dates, amounts) is current. Separate what is in the document from what you found online.
Look for information about [topic] separately in Polish sources and separately in American ones. Write in Polish what each says, where they differ, and provide links to both.
Plans and Prices
Prices in USD as of the verification date according to Perplexity pricing and plan comparison.
| Plan | Monthly Price | What it Offers | For Whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 0 | Regular search and conversation without limits, limited daily number of Pro Search and Research reports, basic attachments | Anyone starting out; most everyday questions |
| Pro | 20 | Much more Pro Search and Research, model selection, more files and Spaces, image generation, access to additional databases (about Pro) | People who do research daily |
| Max | 200 | Highest limits, strongest models, early access to new features (about Max) | Professionals working with research all day |
| Comet Plus | 5 | Access to publisher content in the Comet browser; included in Pro and Max (announcement) | Readers of the press in Comet |
When is it worth paying? When you hit the daily limit for Pro Search or Research, when you want to choose a model, or when you use Perplexity for work. For checking a few things daily, the free version is sufficient.
Comet: Browser with an Assistant
Comet is Perplexity's web browser, available for free (announcement, product page). It differs from a regular browser in that the assistant can see the page you are on and can summarize it, answer questions about its content, or perform simple tasks for you. For beginners, this is a second step, not the first: first, get familiar with regular Perplexity, then, if you like the idea, try Comet. Note that the assistant in the browser sees what you see, so it is advisable to turn it off on banking and email pages.
Spaces: Folders on a Single Topic
A Space is a folder where you save threads and files on one topic (e.g., “moving to Texas”, “children's school”) and where you can set permanent instructions. Threads in a Space see its files, so subsequent questions do not start from scratch. This is equivalent to projects in ChatGPT and Claude.
Answer in Polish, briefly, in points. For each piece of information, provide the source and date. Prefer official, scientific, and major editorial sites; mark blogs and social media as less reliable. If sources disagree, state that directly. Do not guess: if you did not find something, say so.
Safety and Privacy
- Do not enter personal data, account numbers, or passwords; formulate questions about your situation generally.
- Click on citations for everything that matters. A summary sounds confident even when the source is weak.
- Look at the page date. Perplexity can find an article from three years ago and present it as current; ask for “only sources from the last 6 months”.
- The Comet browser sees the pages you are viewing. On banking and email, turn off the assistant or use a regular browser.
- Check data settings in your account: what is being saved and whether conversations can be used to improve the service. Perplexity describes this in its help center (help center).
Common Mistakes of Beginners
- Treating text as a verdict. The text is a summary; the truth is in the citations.
- Asking for opinions instead of facts. “Is it worth buying X” gives a summary of others' reviews. “What are the most common complaints about X and where do they come from” gives something to check.
- Lack of date in the question. Add “in 2026”, “currently”, “from the last few months”.
- Writing letters in Perplexity. It can do it, but ChatGPT and Claude will do it better; Perplexity is for checking.
- Research for everything. A report for a few minutes is for topics you would spend an hour on; for the rest, regular search.
- Ignoring source labels. A store, blog, and office in one line of citations are not equally reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perplexity free?
Yes, regular searching and chatting are free; the daily number of more precise searches and reports is limited. Pro costs 20 USD, Max 200 USD per month.
Does it speak Polish?
Yes. It also searches Polish sources if you ask in Polish or request Polish pages. For American topics, it is worth asking for both versions, as in prompt 14.
How does it differ from Google?
Google gives a list of pages, Perplexity reads them for you and writes an answer with citations. Google does not fabricate because it does not write anything; Perplexity can summarize poorly, which is why you click on the citation.
Does Perplexity replace ChatGPT?
No, it complements it. You check facts and news in Perplexity, write texts and documents in ChatGPT or Claude. Many people have both in the free version.
What is Sonar?
Perplexity's own model, built to respond based on search results. Alongside it, in paid plans, there are models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google; in the free plan, Perplexity chooses for you.
Can I use Perplexity without an account?
Yes, for the first questions. An account is needed for history, Spaces, files, and paid plans.
Fact-Check Summary
- For sure true: Perplexity answers based on internet searches and provides numbered citations with source labels; it has a free plan, Pro and Max plans, Research mode, Spaces folders, file attachments up to 40 MB, mobile apps, and a free Comet browser. All with links to Perplexity documentation.
- Probably true as of the verification date: Pro prices 20 USD, Max 200 USD, Comet Plus 5 USD; daily limits for Pro Search and Research in the free plan. They change most often; check the pricing.
- What is uncertain: which exact models are available in a given plan in a given month; Perplexity changes the list frequently.
- Common myth: “since there are citations, the answer is verified.” Citations indicate where the information comes from; whether the source is good and current is something you check.
Sources
| Source | Type | Credibility |
|---|---|---|
| Perplexity – what is Perplexity | Official | High |
| Perplexity – how it works | Official | High |
| Perplexity – answer engine | Official | High |
| Perplexity – source labels | Official | High |
| Perplexity – pricing | Official | High |
| Perplexity – which plan to choose | Official | High |
| Perplexity – Pro plan | Official | High |
| Perplexity – Max plan | Official | High |
| Perplexity – models in plans | Official | High |
| Perplexity – Research mode | Official | High |
| Perplexity – Deep Research announcement | Official | High |
| Perplexity – file uploads | Official | High |
| Perplexity – getting started | Official | High |
| Perplexity – Comet browser | Official | High |
| Perplexity – Comet available to everyone | Official | High |
| Perplexity – Comet Plus | Official | High |
| Perplexity – help center | Official | High |
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