Perplexity vs ChatGPT
Short answer: Both have free plans, so try both. Pick Perplexity if you want research with sources you can click; pick ChatGPT if you want all-round everyday help, writing, images and voice.
| Perplexity | ChatGPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Perplexity | OpenAI |
| Free plan | Yes, free plan; Comet browser free | Yes, free plan for everyone |
| Paid plans | Pro $20/mo or $200/yr; Max: price unverified | Go $8/mo; Plus $20/mo (monthly only); Pro $100, $200 or $500/mo |
| Best for | Research with sources you can click | All-round everyday help, writing, images and voice |
| Strengths | Answers with citations by default, so it's easy to check facts. | The most widely used assistant; huge range of features (voice, images, deep research, memory). |
| Watch out for | Max tier pricing not verified here; check the pricing page. | Pro tiers changed several times in Sept–Oct 2026; usage limits on Free are tight. |
| First prompt to try | What's the best way to [goal] on a $[budget] budget? Cite 3 sources and say where they disagree. | I'm new to AI. Ask me 5 questions about my job and day, then suggest 3 ways you could save me time this week. |
Prices verified 2026-10-15 from official pages.