Perplexity: what it does, what it costs, where it struggles
An answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources, with an agent called Perplexity Computer on paid plans.
- Made by
- Perplexity
- Kind
- general assistant
- Free to try
- Free plan with limits
- Where
- web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Comet browser
What it does
Perplexity answers questions by searching the web and showing where each answer came from. It also does longer research reports.
Perplexity Computer is an agent on paid plans that works in a cloud sandbox and can connect to Gmail, Outlook and Slack. It runs on credits: Max gets 10,000 a month, consumer Pro gets none each month, and tasks pause when credits run out. Some free accounts get a one-time set of free turns.
Main features
- Answers with cited sources
- Research reports
- Perplexity Computer agent in a cloud sandbox (paid plans)
- Connects to Gmail, Outlook and Slack
- Comet browser (separate entry)
What it costs
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 3 Pro searches a day and 1 research query a month |
| Pro | $17/month billed yearly | No monthly Computer credits |
| Max | $167/month billed yearly; $200/month or $2,000/year on the Max help page | 10,000 Computer credits a month |
Who it's for
- People who want answers with sources they can check
- Researchers and students
- Max subscribers who want an agent with email and Slack access
Where it struggles
- The free plan allows only 3 Pro searches a day and 1 research query a month.
- Consumer Pro gets no monthly credits for Perplexity Computer, and tasks pause when credits run out (Perplexity help: what is Computer).
- The full agent allowance needs Max at $200 a month.
At a glance
| Perplexity | |
|---|---|
| What it is | An answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources, with an agent called Perplexity Computer on paid plans. |
| Price | Free: $0; Pro: $17/month billed yearly; Max: $167/month billed yearly; $200/month or $2,000/year on the Max help page |
| Free to try | Free plan with limits |
| Does the task itself | partly Perplexity Computer acts for you on credits; the main app answers and researches |
| Its own email address | no it can connect to your Gmail or Outlook |
| You can text it | no not confirmed on the pages checked |
| Its own computer and browser | yes Perplexity Computer runs in a cloud sandbox |
| Remembers you | Not confirmed on the pages checked |
| Where it lives | web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Comet browser |
Listed in: The best ChatGPT alternatives in 2026.
Questions people ask
- Is Perplexity free?
- Yes, with 3 Pro searches a day and 1 research query a month. Pro is $17 a month billed yearly.
- What is Perplexity Computer?
- An agent that works in a cloud sandbox and can connect to Gmail, Outlook and Slack. It runs on credits; Max includes 10,000 a month.
Checked 2026-11-08 on Perplexity's own pages: Perplexity pricing, What is Computer? (Perplexity help), How credits work on Perplexity (Perplexity help), What is Perplexity Pro? (Perplexity help), Perplexity Max (Perplexity help), Which Perplexity subscription plan is right for you? (Perplexity help). Prices change; check the maker's pricing page before you buy.
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