Perplexity

What it does

Perplexity is an answer engine: ask a question and it searches the web, reads the results and writes a short answer with numbered links to its sources.

It is the quickest way to research something and see where the answer came from.

Why use it

• Every answer comes with its sources, so you can check them.
• It is up to date: it searches the web each time.
• Follow-up questions keep the context, like a conversation.
• Good for comparing products, prices and options quickly.

How it works

1. Go to perplexity.ai or open the app; you can start without an account.
2. Ask your question in plain English.
3. Read the answer and open the numbered sources that matter.
4. Ask follow-ups, or narrow it to academic papers or a particular site.

How hard is it to use?

Beginner Easy to start. You need an account, not any technical know-how.

As easy as a search engine. The skill is in checking the sources, which it makes easy.

What it costs

Free plan; paid plans. Free for everyday searches. A paid plan unlocks deeper research, more capable models and higher limits.

Prices change often, so check Perplexity’s own site before you pay.

Watch out for

• Answers are only as good as the pages it finds. Open the sources for anything important.
• Sometimes it summarises a source wrongly, so check quotes and figures.

Your data

Check its settings for whether your questions can be used to improve the service, and don’t search for other people’s private details.

Perplexity doesn’t offer UK data storage, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.