Perplexity AI
AI-powered answer engine for real-time, cited information and advanced research.
VS
Trace
AI Component Generator (Unmaintained)
Detailed comparison
Criteria
Perplexity AI
Trace
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
Free: Free, Starter: $20/mo, Pro: $99/mo
Free trial
No
No
Audience
b2c
b2b
Platforms
Web
Web
API
No
No
Open Source
Proprietary
Proprietary
Categories
SEO, Education
Dev Tools, No-Code
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...
Trace is an AI component generator offering thousands of ready-to-use components for developers. It provides a free tier and paid plans with additiona...
Pricing
Perplexity AI
Freemium
Trace
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
Trace
Free: Free, Starter: $20/mo, Pro: $99/mo
Free trial
Perplexity AI
No
Trace
No
Audience
Perplexity AI
b2c
Trace
b2b
Platforms
Perplexity AI
Web
Trace
Web
API
Perplexity AI
No
Trace
No
Open Source
Perplexity AI
Proprietary
Trace
Proprietary
Categories
Perplexity AI
SEO, Education
Trace
Dev Tools, No-Code
Popularity
Perplexity AI
Very High
Trace
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...
Trace
Trace is an AI component generator offering thousands of ready-to-use components for developers. It provides a free tier and paid plans with additiona...
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)
Trace
Thousands of components
AI component generation
Free plan with 100 credits/month
Paid plans for unlimited drafts and more credits (e.g., 1000 credits/month)
Source code access for components (paid plan)
Project is no longer maintained
Key differentiators
Perplexity AI
- Real-time answers with cited sources
- Agentic AI workflows (Perplexity Computer)
- Document analysis & specialized focus modes
Trace
- AI component generation
- Thousands of ready-to-use components
- Project no longer maintained
Other comparisons
FAQ: Perplexity AI vs Trace
Perplexity AI: AI-powered answer engine for real-time, cited information and advanced research.. Trace: AI Component Generator (Unmaintained). Both tools take different approaches to address similar needs.
Both offer a free or freemium plan. Perplexity AI is freemium and Trace is freemium.
The best choice between Perplexity AI and Trace 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.
Perplexity AI is primarily designed for individuals, while Trace is built for individuals.
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). Trace offers: Thousands of components, AI component generation, Free plan with 100 credits/month, Paid plans for unlimited drafts and more credits (e.g., 1000 credits/month).
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.