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What can Perplexity do? - An all-round check of AI
09.07.2025 —
Almost everyone knows ChatGPT by now - whether for texting, programming or researching. But while the market leader has established itself, it is worth taking a closer look at the up-and-coming competition: Perplexity. This young tool combines artificial intelligence with direct web search and aims not only to provide answers, but also to promote genuine information literacy.
But what exactly can Perplexity do - and how does it differ from other AI chatbots? In this article, we show what is behind the concept, how the platform works and for whom it is particularly worthwhile using it.
What can Perplexity do - an overview of all topics
- What is perplexity?
- Perplexity as a search engine
- Limitations and possible errors of Perplexity
- How do you use perplexity?
- Formulate requests to Perplexity correctly
- Is Perplexity free of charge?
- What can Perplexity do in different versions?
- What is the difference between Perplexity and ChatGPT?
- Conclusion: What can Perplexity do?
What can Perplexity do? - The most important things at a glance
- Perplexity is an AI-based answer engine that combines web search and artificial intelligence. It provides direct answers in natural language - including transparent sources.
- Access & use: Can be used without registration - simply enter questions in natural language.
- Costs: Free to use in the basic version. Pro version with extended features and models such as GPT-4, Claude 4, Gemini Pro, Sonar etc. is subject to a charge.
- Strengths: Ideal for fact-based research, current topics and comprehensible information. Particularly useful for journalists, marketers, developers, students and teachers.
- Limitations: Perplexity cannot develop its own opinions, does not remember long-term context, does not provide legally compliant or emotionally empathetic answers, has limited creative capabilities and only accesses publicly available information.
It's not just about answering questions; it's about empowering you to do more [...].
perplexity.ai
Perplexity as a search engine
Perplexity replaces the classic list of links with structured, well-founded answers with direct reference to sources. The dialog-based search enables queries and in-depth information - ideal for complex or multi-part topics. Thanks to the dynamic display of results, real-time research and disclosure of information sources, Perplexity is particularly suitable for anyone who wants to obtain well-founded knowledge quickly and reliably.
Appear as a source in Perplexity? It works with us!
Artificial intelligence is changing how people search for services and companies - traditional search results are being replaced by direct recommendations. We ensure that your brand remains visible in this new digital environment and is reliably found and recommended by modern AI systems.
What can Perplexity do?
What can Perplexity do?
Direct answers to questions
Instead of a list of links, Perplexity can provide complete, understandable answers in natural language - directly related to your question.
Current web research in real time
Perplexity can search the Internet live and filter information from news articles that are up to date - ideal for current topics.
Transparent references
Each answer contains clickable source references. This allows you to check for yourself where the information comes from - and whether it is trustworthy.
Dialog-based search
You can ask follow-up questions and delve deeper into the topic - just like in a real conversation with an expert.
Summaries of complex content
Perplexity can reduce long texts, articles or scientific sources to comprehensible core statements.
Multimodal search
With the Pro version, you can also have images, PDFs and other files analyzed - or interact directly with uploaded documents.
Writing assistant & idea generator
Perplexity can help with formulating, structuring and researching texts - whether blog articles, term papers or emails.
Benefits for work and everyday life
Ideal for journalists, marketers, students, developers, teachers - and anyone who needs reliable information quickly.
What can't Perplexity do?
No own thoughts or opinions
Perplexity can inform, summarize and compare - but not think for itself. You have to contribute original ideas, personal opinions or creative interpretations yourself.
No deep context over longer periods of time
The platform only remembers the current search context. ChatGPT is more suitable for long-term conversations, personal projects or dialog histories.
Limited creative skills
Although Perplexity is good at writing, it does not specialize in creative texts - e.g. poems, fictional stories or humorous content.
No access to protected or paid content
Perplexity searches publicly accessible websites. Paywalls, internal documents or databases are left out.
No personal advice or legally binding statements
Perplexity is not a substitute for professional advice - e.g. on legal, medical or financial issues. It can provide information, but not binding advice.
No emotional intelligence
Perplexity does not understand emotions and does not react empathetically. There is no substitute for human empathy when it comes to sensitive topics, personal conversations or situational nuances.
Limitations and possible errors of Perplexity
Despite its strengths, Perplexity is not infallible. Perplexity (like any other AI) can provide incorrect or outdated information, misunderstand content or quote from unreliable sources. Caution is advised, especially with complex, sensitive or highly technical topics. Emotional intelligence or real contextual understanding are also lacking. Users should therefore check all information critically and also rely on reliable, human sources when making important decisions.
How do you use perplexity?
Perplexity AI can be accessed via https://www.perplexity.ai/ and can be used directly without logging in.
2. registration (optional)
On the right-hand side, you will see the "Sign in or create an account" box. Here you can sign in with Google, Apple or e-mail - but you don't have to. Perplexity can also be used without an account, albeit with limited functions.
3. start free of charge
If you register, click on "Continue with Free" to activate the free version. No payment is required.
4. make a request
You can now enter your question directly in the main window. Perplexity answers it in natural language - and shows the sources used for each answer.
When AI provides the answer - we make sure it's yours
Intelligent tools not only provide information, but also help decide which providers are recommended. With our support, you can position yourself in such a way that your services are present in AI-based search dialogs - trustworthy, relevant and high converting.
Formulate requests to Perplexity correctly
To ensure that the language model (LLM) Perplexity does not just give you any answer, but exactly the information you are looking for, it is important to ask the right question. The AI works best if you formulate your questions clearly, precisely and purposefully.
1. be specific instead of vague
Bad: "Tell me about AI"
Better: "What are the biggest ethical challenges in the use of AI in medicine?"
2. provide a brief context
Why are you asking? This helps the AI to better understand what you need.
Example: "I have to prepare a customer briefing on social media trends 2025 - can you name the three most important developments?"
3. use targeted signal words
Start with What is, How does it work, Explain, Compare, Give three reasons for... - this often leads to structured, well-founded answers.
4. ask only one question per entry
Instead of: "What is SEO and how does Google Ads work?"
Better: Ask two separate questions - that way you will get clearer answers.
What can Perplexity do? - The different focus modes
Perplexity offers different focus modes that allow you to control which sources and types of information your answers should come from. This function helps you to tailor the search results more precisely and more relevantly to your needs:
- Web: Searches the entire Internet
- Academic: Searches in scientific papers
- Social: Searches in discussions and opinions (e.g. in forums such as Reddit)
- Finance: Searches in documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission by listed US companies, insiders and securities traders.
Is Perplexity free of charge?
Yes, the basic version of Perplexity AI can be used free of charge. The Pro version is available for a fee for advanced functions.
1
Perplexity Free
Enables basic use without login.
Uses GPT 3.5 model of OpenAI with browsing extension.
Supports uploading of documents.
Registered users can use Pro version features up to five times a day.
2
Perplexity Pro
Advanced search with longer answers and up to three times more sources.
Pro-Search &
3
Perplexity Max
For 200 US dollars per month, users receive
- unlimited access to the Labs function
Content that AI really understands - and recommends to others
AI systems such as Perplexity evaluate content differently to traditional search engines: structure, clarity and relevance count more than ever. We develop a content strategy for you that not only convinces people - but also recognizes and incorporates modern AI as a reliable source.
What is the difference between Perplexity and ChatGPT?
Perplexity is particularly strong in fast, fact-based AI-supported research with transparent source citation and up-to-date web search. It is ideal for users who value verifiable information and efficient research.
In contrast, ChatGPT scores with creative, detailed dialogs, versatile text formats and a particularly natural conversation flow. ChatGPT is often the better choice for creative tasks, content creation or interactive applications.
In other words: Perplexity is the tool for precise, up-to-date information with clear sources - ChatGPT is the choice for creative, dialog-oriented and versatile, generative AI applications.
While normal search engines are like libraries full of books, Perplexity AI feels like you're talking directly to a librarian who will guide you to the answer you need.
Unite.ai, Perplexity AI Review, 2024
Conclusion: What can Perplexity do?
Perplexity is more than just a search engine - it is an AI-supported research assistant that provides answers instead of just links. The platform combines up-to-date web searches with natural language, provides transparent references and enables dialog-based, efficient information retrieval.
Whether for fact checks, presentations, homework or everyday questions - Perplexity impresses with its speed, comprehensibility and contextual relevance. Its strengths are particularly evident when it comes to complex issues or current topics.
In short, if you are looking for precise, comprehensible information and want to save time, Perplexity is a powerful tool - provided you use it with a critical eye.
What can Perplexity do? - and other frequently asked questions:
Can Perplexity AI also be used on mobile devices?
Yes, Perplexity can also be used on mobile devices in the browser - a dedicated app is also available. The user interface has a responsive design and also works very smoothly on smartphones.
Is it possible to export or save the answers from Perplexity?
Yes, in the Pro version, content can be exported as Markdown, PDF, DOCX or HTML, for example - including source citation and layout.
What can Perplexity do that ChatGPT can't?
Up-to-date information with sources, automated searches, source comparison - ideal for facts and news.
How up-to-date is the information at Perplexity?
Perplexity accesses the Internet in real time, i.e. the content is usually updated on a daily basis.
Is Perplexity safe to use?
Data is not published, but is stored for analysis purposes. Anyone working with sensitive information should be aware of this.
