ChatGPT vs Perplexity
ChatGPT vs Perplexity: which is better for finding answers?
Use Perplexity when you need current facts you can check, because every answer links to its sources. Use ChatGPT when you want to create something – a plan, a letter, a story – or talk a problem through. Both are free to start; Perplexity Pro and ChatGPT Plus each cost US$20/month.
At a glance
| ChatGPT | Perplexity | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI | Perplexity AI |
| Free plan | Yes – Free plan: everyday text chats with fair-use limits, plus limited uploads, image creation, voice and deep research. | Yes – Free plan with cited answers and limited daily advanced searches. |
| Paid from | US$8/month (Go, may include ads); Plus US$20/month; Pro from US$100/month. | US$20/month (Pro); Max US$200/month. |
| Best for | everyday questions, writing and editing, brainstorming, image creation, voice chat | researching with sources, comparing products, fact-finding |
| Works on | web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
Which wins for what?
| Task | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fact-finding with sources | Perplexity | Shows sources for every answer. |
| Writing and planning | ChatGPT | Better at creating and refining content. |
| Product comparisons | Perplexity | Pulls current information from the web with links. |
| Voice and images | ChatGPT | Free voice mode and image creation. |
| Price | Tie | Both have free plans; paid from US$20/month (ChatGPT also has Go at US$8/month in the US). |
Choose ChatGPT if…
- You want to create, plan or write
- You want voice chat and images
Choose Perplexity if…
- You want answers with sources
- You're comparing products or checking facts
Both have free plans, so the easiest test is to paste the same prompt into each – try one from the guides below.
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Prompts to test them side by side
How we chose
These are editorial picks by Amara Lewis, based on what each tool's free and paid plans include, how easy it is for a beginner, and how well it suits this task. We have not run formal benchmark tests for this page, and no company paid to be listed. Read how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Is Perplexity more accurate?
Its sources make answers easier to check, but it can still misread them. Open the links.
Can ChatGPT search the web?
Yes, ChatGPT can search the web and show sources too.
Is Perplexity free?
Yes, with limits on advanced searches.
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