Perplexity: what it is, pricing, and how to use it at work
Best pick: Travel & hospitality
In plain words: An AI answer engine that searches the web and shows its sources. Its free Comet browser has an assistant that can do tasks on web pages; paid plans add deeper research and Perplexity Computer.
Free tierYes (incl. Comet browser)
PriceFree; Pro $20/mo; Max $200/mo
Ease of use●●●●●
Acts on the webYes (Comet browser assistant)
Who it's for
Anyone who needs quick, sourced answers: prices, rules, competitors, suppliers.
Pricing tiers
| Free | $0 (Comet browser free for everyone) |
|---|---|
| Pro | $20/month or $200/year |
| Max | $200/month or $2,000/year |
| Enterprise | Pro $40/seat/month; Max $325/seat/month |
Checked on the official site or help pages in October 2026. Prices change often; confirm on www.perplexity.ai before buying.
Daily-use examples by profession
Business owners
- Find current sales-tax rules for your state with sources
- Compare three payroll tools' prices
- Find grants for small businesses in your city
Doctors & medical offices
- Look up latest CDC guidance summaries with links (verify before use)
- Compare telehealth platforms
- Find local CME events
Real estate
- Check recent rule changes on disclosures in your state
- Research mortgage rate news for client updates
- Find permit history sources for an address
Trainers & coaches
- Find studies behind a training method with citations
- Compare booking software
- Research local competitor class prices
Restaurants & bars
- Find local food-safety inspection rules
- Compare delivery app commission rates
- Find seasonal produce suppliers nearby
Trades & home services
- Look up local permit requirements
- Compare tool/equipment prices
- Find licensing renewal rules
Pros and cons
Pros
- Every answer cites sources you can click
- Free browser with a built-in assistant
- Great for quick price and rule lookups
Cons
- Less suited to long writing projects
- Browser-agent limits depend on plan
- Sources still need a quick check
Bottom line
Perplexity is best for: Fast research with sources. Start on the cheapest plan that fits, give it one real task from the list above, and check its work before relying on it.