4.7
References, free, until the storage runs out.
A search box that returns answers with links, not a vibe.
Best for starting a literature skim with citations attached
Reviewed 16 September 2026 · Prices checked the same day
4.6
210K reviews
Perplexity is search shaped like chat. Free is usable; Pro is $20 a month. Students use it to get a first map of a topic with links they can actually open, which is more than most chat tabs offer.
It is still a starting point. Do not paste the answer into the essay. Follow the links, then put the real papers in Zotero.
Pricing
freemium
Pro $20/mo
Free version
Limited Pro-model queries per day
Platforms
Web · iOS · Android · Desktop
Use it to find the papers. Use Zotero to keep them. Use NotebookLM or Studycamp once the pile is yours.
Checked 2026-09-16
| Model | Freemium |
|---|---|
| What free actually includes | Limited Pro-model queries per day |
| Cheapest paid tier | Pro $20/mo |
| Student pricing | Perplexity has run student Pro deals — check the current offer |
Links from StudyApps include ref=studyapps.
Limited Pro-model queries per day Checked 16 September 2026.
Cheapest paid plan: Pro $20/mo. Student deal: Perplexity has run student Pro deals — check the current offer. Prices checked 16 September 2026.
Starting a literature skim with citations attached
Links can still be weak or off-topic
References, free, until the storage runs out.
The general assistant. It does not know your slides unless you paste them.
Google’s assistant, already sitting next to Drive and Docs.