What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity AI is a search engine that uses AI to provide answers with information sources. It is similar to ChatGPT, but the biggest difference is that it tells you exactly where the information came from.
For example, if you ask "What will be the new features of the iPhone in 2025?", a series of source links will be displayed next to the answer. With ChatGPT, you may feel anxious, wondering if it's true, but with Perplexity, you can check the original source yourself, so you feel a whole lot safer.
What's the difference between ChatGPT and Perplexity?
Roughly summarized, it looks like this.
| Perplexity AI | ChatGPT | |
|---|---|---|
| What I am good at | Searching and researching the latest information | Writing, generating ideas, chatting |
| Source | Always displayed | Often not displayed |
| Real-time performance | Always search the web for answers | Web search only when the function is ON |
| Prices | Basic free (Pro version: $20/month) | Basic free (Plus: $20/month) |
| Suitable for people | People who research a lot | People who want to streamline their creation and work |
In short, Perplexity is an AI that specializes in "investigating," and ChatGPT is an AI that specializes in "creating."
Perplexity is useful in these situations
When you want to know the latest news and trends
Perplexity is your go-to source for current events like "2025 tax return changes." It searches the web in real time and answers multiple articles at once.
When you need reliable information
It is suitable for questions where accuracy is important, such as "What are the side effects of this medicine?" and "What is the official name of this law?" If you click on the source link, you can immediately check the original official website or paper.
When you want a comparison/summary
If you ask a question like "comparison of recommended project management tools," it may collect information from multiple sources and summarize it in a table format.
ChatGPT is better in these situations
When you want to write a text
ChatGPT is better at "generating" texts such as email drafts, blog articles, and presentation materials.
Throwing ideas into the wall
Interactive tasks such as "Give me 10 ideas for a new business" and "Point out the weak points of this proposal" are suitable for ChatGPT.
Programming
ChatGPT (especially GPT-4o) is strong for writing code and fixing bugs.
You can use both for free, so it's best to use them properly
Conclusion: You don't have to choose one. Both are basically free, so it's best to use them depending on your needs.
Recommended usage rules:
- "Is this true?" "What's the latest information?" → Perplexity
- "Correct this sentence" "Give me your ideas" → ChatGPT
Both can be used right away from your browser, so first try asking the same question to both and experience the difference.
FAQ
Can Perplexity AI be used in Japanese?
Yes, if you ask a question in Japanese, you will receive an answer in Japanese. However, most of the sources may be from English sites.
Is it necessary to create a Perplexity account?
You can use it without an account, but if you create one, you will be able to save your search history and use collection functions. Logging in with your Google account is the easiest.
Is Perplexity Pro worth it?
The free version is fully usable, but the Pro version ($20/month) allows you to select GPT-4o or Claude to answer, or upload files for analysis. If you use it heavily every day, it's worth considering.
References
- Perplexity AI — Perplexity
- ChatGPT — OpenAI
