What Perplexity is
Perplexity is an AI answer engine that researches the open web in real time and returns concise, cited answers. Founded in 2022, it is one of the fastest-growing AI consumer products and now ships its own Comet browser.
Funding snapshot
Perplexity closed a $500M round in June 2025 at a $14B valuation, was valued at about $20B in September 2025, and reached a $21.21B valuation in early 2026 following its Series E-6 round. It had raised $165M by April 2024 at a valuation above $1B (source: Wikipedia).
Key features
- Real-time web research with inline citations
- Pro Search multi-step reasoning
- Deep Research agentic research reports
- Labs workspace for building apps and reports (unlimited on Max)
- Spaces for collaborative research
- Focus modes (Academic, Social, Writing, etc.)
- Finance and Shopping hubs
- Comet AI browser (free, launched July 2025)
Where it lives
Alternatives to consider
Full comparisonRelated reading
11 pieces from AIUnpacker on Perplexity
Perplexity AI Review 2025: Still Worth It in 2026?
Perplexity is one of the best AI tools for fast cited research, source discovery, and current-answer workflows, but citations are not a guarantee of truth and serious users still need to open sources and verify claims.
Best Perplexity Alternatives in 2026
Verified pricing on nine Perplexity alternatives for 2026, with strengths, limitations, and migration tips for research-heavy workflows.
Guides and articles
8
Perplexity Deep Research Comes to Computer: New AI Research Tool Explained
Is Perplexity AI Legit? Fact-Checking Its Sources
Perplexity Deep Research Mode Ultimate Guide for Researchers
Perplexity AI vs ChatGPT 7 Key Differences You Should Know
Perplexity Pro Review 2026: Is $20/Month Still Worth It for Research?
How to Use Perplexity Pro for Deep Research in 2026
Perplexity vs ChatGPT for Research: 30-Day Test Results
Is Perplexity AI Legit? Fact-Checking Its Sources for 30 Days
Prompt collections
1Sources & media
Weekly digest
Don't pick tools from a launch tweet.
Directory updates and practical AI picks — short, useful, unsubscribe anytime.