# Perplexity

> AI answer engine that responds to questions with sourced answers and can take on longer projects through Computer.

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that responds to questions typed into a search box with direct answers drawn from sources. Perplexity is used by asking a question, optionally choosing a model or adding a connector with the @ key, and reading the reply. A separate Computer mode accepts whole projects and returns finished deliverables.

**Best for:** People who want a direct, sourced answer to a question instead of a page of links, and who sometimes hand off longer research tasks.

- Official site: https://www.perplexity.ai
- Listed in: [Research & AI Search](https://trendhub.net/ai-tools/category/research-tools), [AI Chatbots](https://trendhub.net/ai-tools/category/ai-chatbots)
- Last checked: 2026-10-09 (facts taken from perplexity.ai)
- Source page: https://trendhub.net/ai-tools/perplexity-ai-answer-engine-search-research

## Key facts

- Platforms: Web
- Pricing model: Freemium
- Free plan: Yes
- Made by: Perplexity

## What is Perplexity?

Perplexity is an answer engine: instead of a list of links, it replies to a question with a written answer based on sources it treats as trustworthy, and it describes those answers as real-time. The home screen is a single prompt box with two modes. Search handles questions of any kind, while Computer, marked as new, is meant for handing over a project and receiving a finished deliverable. From the same box you can pick the model that answers, type @ to bring in a connector, or choose to work inside a project. The sidebar adds sections for Automations, Artifacts, Customize, Projects and Sessions, the last of which lists recent activity. Perplexity describes the answer engine as free, and a View plans link in the sidebar leads to its paid options.

## Key features

- **Search Mode**: Answers a typed question directly, drawing on sources instead of returning only links.
- **Computer Mode**: Takes on a project you hand off and works towards a finished deliverable.
- **Model Picker**: Lets you choose which model handles a request from a menu in the prompt box.
- **Connectors**: Brings outside sources into a question when you type @ in the prompt box.
- **Projects**: Groups related work so that a question can be asked inside a specific project.
- **Sessions and Artifacts**: Keeps recent sessions in the sidebar, next to dedicated sections for artifacts and automations.

## Use cases

- **Quick Fact Checks**: Ask a specific question and read a direct answer with its sources.
- **Background Research**: Explore an unfamiliar topic through a series of follow-up questions.
- **Handing Off a Report**: Give Computer a brief and receive a finished document to review.
- **Organising Client Work**: Keep the questions for one engagement together in a project.
- **Asking Across Connected Tools**: Use a connector to include material from another service in a question.

## Things to know

- **Computer is newly introduced**: The Computer mode carries a NEW label on the home page.
- **Cookies and advertising**: Perplexity says it does not use cookies and similar technologies to sell third-party advertising on its own services; they measure its ad performance on partner sites and help improve the product.

## FAQs

### What is Perplexity?

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that replies to questions with direct, real-time answers drawn from sources.

### What is Perplexity used for?

Perplexity is used for searching and research by asking questions in natural language, and for handing off larger projects through its Computer mode.

### Is Perplexity free?

Yes. Perplexity describes its answer engine as free, and the site also links to paid plans from a View plans button.

### What is Perplexity Computer?

Computer is a Perplexity mode for delegating a whole project; Perplexity says it works around the clock and returns a finished deliverable.

### Can I choose the AI model in Perplexity?

Yes. The Perplexity prompt box includes a Model menu for selecting which model responds.

### Does Perplexity support connectors?

Yes. Typing @ in the Perplexity prompt box brings up connectors that can be added to a request.

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Source: https://trendhub.net/ai-tools/perplexity-ai-answer-engine-search-research (trendhub)