Best Perplexity Alternatives 2026
Overview: Perplexity Pro is $20/month. These alternatives offer AI-powered research with different approaches.
| # | Tool | Price | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChatGPT (with browsing) | Free-$20/mo | Versatile | Browse + analyze + reason |
| 2 | Google Gemini | Free-$20/mo | Google integration | Access to Google’s search index |
| 3 | You.com | Free | Privacy | Privacy-focused AI search |
| 4 | Consensus | Free | Academic | AI search for research papers |
| 5 | Elicit | Free | Researchers | Research assistant for papers |
How to Choose
- Budget? Start with the free options listed above
- Specific need? Match the “Best For” column to your primary use case
- Team? Consider collaboration features and per-seat pricing
- Privacy? Look for self-hosted or local-first options
FAQ
Should I try multiple alternatives?
Yes. Most offer free tiers or trials. Test 2-3 with your actual workflow before committing.
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