fast.ai
Making neural nets uncool again.
VS
Perplexity AI
AI-powered answer engine for real-time, cited information and advanced research.
Detailed comparison
Criteria
fast.ai
Perplexity AI
Pricing
Free
Freemium
Plans & pricing
Free: Free
Free Plan: Free, Perplexity Pro: $16.67/mo, Education Pro: $10/mo, Perplexity Max: $166.67/mo, Perplexity Enterprise Pro: $33.33/mo, Perplexity Enterprise Max: $270.83/mo, API Pricing: Custom
Free trial
No
No
Audience
b2c
b2c
Platforms
Web
Web
API
No
No
Open Source
Open Source
Proprietary
Categories
Education, Data Science
SEO, Education
Popularity
Very High
Very High
Description
fast.ai offers free, practical deep learning courses such as "Practical Deep Learning for Coders," "How to Solve it With Code," and "Applied Data Ethi...
Perplexity AI is a research-oriented answer engine that integrates large language models with live web search, transparent citations, document analysi...
Pricing
fast.ai
Free
Perplexity AI
Freemium
Plans & pricing
fast.ai
Free: Free
Perplexity AI
Free Plan: Free, Perplexity Pro: $16.67/mo, Education Pro: $10/mo, Perplexity Max: $166.67/mo, Perplexity Enterprise Pro: $33.33/mo, Perplexity Enterprise Max: $270.83/mo, API Pricing: Custom
Free trial
fast.ai
No
Perplexity AI
No
Audience
fast.ai
b2c
Perplexity AI
b2c
Platforms
fast.ai
Web
Perplexity AI
Web
API
fast.ai
No
Perplexity AI
No
Open Source
fast.ai
Open Source
Perplexity AI
Proprietary
Categories
fast.ai
Education, Data Science
Perplexity AI
SEO, Education
Popularity
fast.ai
Very High
Perplexity AI
Very High
Description
fast.ai
fast.ai offers free, practical deep learning courses such as "Practical Deep Learning for Coders," "How to Solve it With Code," and "Applied Data Ethi...
Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is a research-oriented answer engine that integrates large language models with live web search, transparent citations, document analysi...
Features
fast.ai
Free practical deep learning courses, including 'Practical Deep Learning for Coders,' 'How to Solve it With Code,' and 'Applied Data Ethics'
Open-source fastai deep learning library for PyTorch
Open-source nbdev software for notebook development
Companion book: 'Practical Deep Learning for Coders with fastai and PyTorch'
Perplexity AI
Real-time answers with cited sources
Perplexity Computer for autonomous, multi-model AI workflows
Access to advanced AI models (GPT-5.1, Claude Opus 4.5, o3-pro, etc.)
File upload and analysis (PDFs, spreadsheets, reports)
Comet AI-native browser for integrated web assistance
Focus Modes for targeted searches (Web, Academic, Social, Health, Finance)
Key differentiators
fast.ai
- Free, practical deep learning courses
- Open-source fastai library for PyTorch
- Emphasis on real-world AI applications
Perplexity AI
- Real-time answers with cited sources
- Agentic AI workflows (Perplexity Computer)
- Document analysis & specialized focus modes
Other comparisons
FAQ: fast.ai vs Perplexity AI
fast.ai: Making neural nets uncool again.. Perplexity AI: AI-powered answer engine for real-time, cited information and advanced research.. Both tools take different approaches to address similar needs.
Both offer a free or freemium plan. fast.ai is free and Perplexity AI is freemium.
The best choice between fast.ai and Perplexity AI depends on your specific needs. Compare their features, pricing, and target audience on this page to find the tool that best fits your use case.
Both are primarily designed for individuals. The choice depends on which specific features you need.
fast.ai offers: Free practical deep learning courses, including 'Practical Deep Learning for Coders,' 'How to Solve it With Code,' and 'Applied Data Ethics', Open-source fastai deep learning library for PyTorch, Open-source nbdev software for notebook development, Companion book: 'Practical Deep Learning for Coders with fastai and PyTorch'. Perplexity AI offers: Real-time answers with cited sources, Perplexity Computer for autonomous, multi-model AI workflows, Access to advanced AI models (GPT-5.1, Claude Opus 4.5, o3-pro, etc.), File upload and analysis (PDFs, spreadsheets, reports).
Based on our data, Perplexity AI currently enjoys greater popularity. However, popularity isn't the only factor — compare features to find the right tool for your needs.