Perplexity AI
AI-powered answer engine for real-time, cited information and advanced research.
VS
Sonar by Perplexity
Real-time, web-grounded AI models and API for generative search.
Detailed comparison
Criteria
Perplexity AI
Sonar by Perplexity
Pricing
Freemium
Freemium
Plans & pricing
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
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Free trial
No
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Audience
b2c
b2c
Platforms
Web
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API
No
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Open Source
Proprietary
—
Categories
Specialized Technologies, information technology & services, Search engine
Specialized Technologies, Search engine
Popularity
Very High
Very High
Description
Perplexity AI is a research-oriented answer engine that integrates large language models with live web search, transparent citations, document analysi...
Sonar by Perplexity is a suite of advanced AI models and an API platform from Perplexity AI. It provides real-time, web-grounded AI responses with tra...
Pricing
Perplexity AI
Freemium
Sonar by Perplexity
Freemium
Plans & pricing
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
Sonar by Perplexity
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Free trial
Perplexity AI
No
Sonar by Perplexity
—
Audience
Perplexity AI
b2c
Sonar by Perplexity
b2c
Platforms
Perplexity AI
Web
Sonar by Perplexity
—
API
Perplexity AI
No
Sonar by Perplexity
—
Open Source
Perplexity AI
Proprietary
Sonar by Perplexity
—
Categories
Perplexity AI
Specialized Technologies, information technology & services, Search engine
Sonar by Perplexity
Specialized Technologies, Search engine
Popularity
Perplexity AI
Very High
Sonar by Perplexity
Very High
Description
Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is a research-oriented answer engine that integrates large language models with live web search, transparent citations, document analysi...
Sonar by Perplexity
Sonar by Perplexity is a suite of advanced AI models and an API platform from Perplexity AI. It provides real-time, web-grounded AI responses with tra...
Features
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)
Sonar by Perplexity
Real-Time Web Search with Verified Citations
Chain-of-Thought Reasoning (Sonar Reasoning Pro)
OpenAI Client Compatible API
Flexible Sonar Models (Sonar, Sonar Pro, Sonar Deep Research)
Extended Context Windows for Complex Queries
High Performance and Answer Quality
Key differentiators
Perplexity AI
- Real-time answers with cited sources
- Agentic AI workflows (Perplexity Computer)
- Document analysis & specialized focus modes
Sonar by Perplexity
Other comparisons
FAQ: Perplexity AI vs Sonar by Perplexity
Perplexity AI: AI-powered answer engine for real-time, cited information and advanced research.. Sonar by Perplexity: Real-time, web-grounded AI models and API for generative search.. Both tools take different approaches to address similar needs.
Both offer a free or freemium plan. Perplexity AI is freemium and Sonar by Perplexity is freemium.
The best choice between Perplexity AI and Sonar by Perplexity 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.
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). Sonar by Perplexity offers: Real-Time Web Search with Verified Citations, Chain-of-Thought Reasoning (Sonar Reasoning Pro), OpenAI Client Compatible API, Flexible Sonar Models (Sonar, Sonar Pro, Sonar Deep Research).
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.