Best for: Write
ChatGPT
The best-known AI chat assistant: ask anything, get a written answer.
Best for: Understand topics, notes and sources faster.
An AI search engine that answers with sources you can click.
Perplexity works like Google, but instead of ten blue links it writes a short answer and shows numbered sources so you can check where each fact came from.
Free is enough for everyday research.
Perplexity's help centre says the Free plan includes its Best search mode and a limited number of Pro Searches; paid plans let you pick advanced models.
Source: Perplexity's own pricing page, checked Nov 2026. Plans change; confirm before you pay.
Best for: Write
The best-known AI chat assistant: ask anything, get a written answer.
Best for: Write
A careful, clear AI writing and thinking partner from Anthropic.
Best for: Study & research
Upload your notes or PDFs and chat with them, or hear them as a podcast.