What Is Perplexity? A Beginner's Guide to Using the AI Search Engine and What It Can Do [2026 Edition] | AI Friends (@aifriends)

Have you ever felt frustrated searching on Google, unable to find the answer you're really looking for? That's where the AI search engine "Perplexity" comes in handy. In this article, we'll explain Perplexity from the basics — what it is, how to use it, and what it can do — in simple terms that even a middle schooler can understand.

What You'll Learn in This Article

What Perplexity is
The main features Perplexity offers
How to use Perplexity step by step
Its advantages and disadvantages
Who Perplexity is best suited for

What Is Perplexity?

Perplexity is a next-generation search engine powered by AI technology. Unlike traditional Google Search, Perplexity's AI understands your question and delivers the answer as a written summary.

For example, if you search "delicious ramen restaurants in Tokyo," Google Search shows you a list of website links. Perplexity, on the other hand, responds with a written answer like "Popular ramen restaurants in Tokyo include ○○" — the AI compiles the answer for you.

As of April 2026, Perplexity is used by more than 45 million people per month and handles over one billion searches a month, making it a highly popular service. And since it's free to use, anyone can try it right now.

What Can You Do with Perplexity?

Perplexity is packed with useful features. Here are five of the main ones.

1. Conversational Search for In-Depth Exploration

Perplexity lets you research information through conversation, much like ChatGPT.

After seeing the answer to your first question, you can follow up with things like "Tell me more" or "What are some other examples?"

It's perfect for gaining a deep understanding of whatever you're looking into.

2. Sources Are Always Displayed

Every AI-generated answer comes with citation links showing exactly which website the information was drawn from.

This means you can verify for yourself whether the information is actually correct.

This is one of Perplexity's defining features.

3. Deep Research

Available exclusively on the paid plan (Pro), Deep Research has the AI scan over 100 web pages and compile a detailed report for you. It takes around 2–5 minutes and does a thorough job of summarizing even complex topics.

4. Model Council

A new feature introduced in February 2026.

It lets you research a single question using three different AI models simultaneously.

By comparing the perspectives of multiple AIs, you can obtain more accurate information.

5. Perplexity Computer

Perplexity's latest feature for 2026 — an autonomous agent that can automatically browse the web, fill out forms, and carry out a series of tasks in sequence. You can hand off complex research or procedures directly to the AI.

How to Use Perplexity

Perplexity is extremely easy to use. Even first-timers can get started right away by following the steps below.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

First, go to Perplexity's official website (perplexity.ai).

It works on both smartphones and computers.

You can start searching immediately without creating an account.

Step 2: Type In Your Question

Enter what you want to look up in the search box on the screen. Rather than using "short keywords like you would in Google," try phrasing your query as a sentence — something like "Please tell me about ○○" — and you'll get much better answers.

Step 3: Choose a Search Mode

Perplexity offers several search modes.

For everyday use, "Web Search" is more than sufficient, but if you're looking for papers or academic information, switch to "Academic" mode.

Pro users also have access to "Deep Research."

Step 4: Review the Answer and Its Sources

The AI will return an answer in written form.

Numbers like [1] and [2] appear within the answer; clicking them takes you to the original source (website).

Always check the sources to verify that the information is accurate.

Step 5: Ask Follow-Up Questions

After reading the initial answer, if there's anything you want to know more about, you can keep asking. You can follow up conversationally with things like "Tell me more," "What are some other examples?" or "Explain it for a beginner."

Perplexity's Advantages and Disadvantages

Every tool has its strengths and its caveats. Let's look at both sides of Perplexity.

Advantages

Trustworthy because sources are cited: Every answer comes with links to its sources, so you can verify the accuracy of the information yourself.
Access to up-to-date information: Since it searches the live internet, you can get real-time information.
Conversational deep-dives: You can keep asking questions in a natural back-and-forth, letting you explore a topic thoroughly.
No ads: Unlike Google Search, there are no advertisements, so you can focus purely on gathering information.
Free to use: The core features are available for free, making it easy for anyone to try.

Disadvantages

AI answers aren't always accurate: The AI can sometimes return incorrect information, so you always need to check the sources.
Japanese responses can occasionally sound unnatural: Compared to English answers, the Japanese can sometimes read a little awkwardly.
Some features require a paid plan: Useful features such as Deep Research and Model Council require a paid plan (approximately ¥2,000/month).
Potential for biased information: Because it relies on information found on the internet, answers can sometimes reflect a particular viewpoint.
Free plan limited to 3 uses per day: On the free plan, the advanced "Pro Search" feature can only be used up to three times per day.

Who Should Use Perplexity?

Perplexity is especially recommended for the following types of people:

Students who do a lot of research: It's incredibly convenient when gathering information for reports or assignments, since you get answers with citations included.
Professionals who collect information for work: You can efficiently gather business-relevant information such as the latest industry trends or competitor research.
People tired of Google Search: It saves you the hassle of opening and comparing multiple websites, so you can save time.
People who want accurate information: Since sources are clearly cited, you can check the reliability of information as you research.
People who enjoy trying new tools: It's the perfect tool for anyone who wants to experience the latest AI technology.

On the other hand, if you only need to look up simple everyday things, Google Search may be perfectly sufficient. Also, for information where accuracy is critically important — such as medical or legal matters — it's best to consult a professional.

Summary

Perplexity is a next-generation search engine where AI understands your questions and delivers answers in written form. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

Perplexity is a search engine where AI understands your questions and responds with written answers
It offers a range of useful features including conversational search, source display, Deep Research, and Model Council
It's easy to use — just visit the official website and type in your question
Its strengths include high reliability thanks to cited sources and access to up-to-date information
AI answers aren't always accurate, so checking sources is essential
Recommended for students, business professionals, and anyone who wants to gather information efficiently
It's free to use, so it's worth giving it a try

Perplexity is a tool with the potential to fundamentally change the way we look things up.

Since it's free, go ahead and give it a try.

It's sure to make your research a whole lot easier.

This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.

What You'll Learn in This Article

What Perplexity is
The main features Perplexity offers
How to use Perplexity step by step
Its advantages and disadvantages
Who Perplexity is best suited for

What Is Perplexity?

Perplexity is a next-generation search engine powered by AI technology. Unlike traditional Google Search, Perplexity's AI understands your question and delivers the answer as a written summary.

What Can You Do with Perplexity?

Perplexity is packed with useful features. Here are five of the main ones.

1. Conversational Search for In-Depth Exploration

Perplexity lets you research information through conversation, much like ChatGPT.

After seeing the answer to your first question, you can follow up with things like "Tell me more" or "What are some other examples?"

It's perfect for gaining a deep understanding of whatever you're looking into.

2. Sources Are Always Displayed

Every AI-generated answer comes with citation links showing exactly which website the information was drawn from.

This means you can verify for yourself whether the information is actually correct.

This is one of Perplexity's defining features.

3. Deep Research

4. Model Council

A new feature introduced in February 2026.

It lets you research a single question using three different AI models simultaneously.

By comparing the perspectives of multiple AIs, you can obtain more accurate information.

5. Perplexity Computer

How to Use Perplexity

Perplexity is extremely easy to use. Even first-timers can get started right away by following the steps below.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

First, go to Perplexity's official website (perplexity.ai).

It works on both smartphones and computers.

You can start searching immediately without creating an account.

Step 2: Type In Your Question

Step 3: Choose a Search Mode

Perplexity offers several search modes.

For everyday use, "Web Search" is more than sufficient, but if you're looking for papers or academic information, switch to "Academic" mode.

Pro users also have access to "Deep Research."

Step 4: Review the Answer and Its Sources

The AI will return an answer in written form.

Numbers like [1] and [2] appear within the answer; clicking them takes you to the original source (website).

Always check the sources to verify that the information is accurate.

Step 5: Ask Follow-Up Questions

Perplexity's Advantages and Disadvantages

Every tool has its strengths and its caveats. Let's look at both sides of Perplexity.

Advantages

Trustworthy because sources are cited: Every answer comes with links to its sources, so you can verify the accuracy of the information yourself.
Access to up-to-date information: Since it searches the live internet, you can get real-time information.
Conversational deep-dives: You can keep asking questions in a natural back-and-forth, letting you explore a topic thoroughly.
No ads: Unlike Google Search, there are no advertisements, so you can focus purely on gathering information.
Free to use: The core features are available for free, making it easy for anyone to try.

Disadvantages

AI answers aren't always accurate: The AI can sometimes return incorrect information, so you always need to check the sources.
Japanese responses can occasionally sound unnatural: Compared to English answers, the Japanese can sometimes read a little awkwardly.
Some features require a paid plan: Useful features such as Deep Research and Model Council require a paid plan (approximately ¥2,000/month).
Potential for biased information: Because it relies on information found on the internet, answers can sometimes reflect a particular viewpoint.
Free plan limited to 3 uses per day: On the free plan, the advanced "Pro Search" feature can only be used up to three times per day.

Who Should Use Perplexity?

Perplexity is especially recommended for the following types of people:

Students who do a lot of research: It's incredibly convenient when gathering information for reports or assignments, since you get answers with citations included.
Professionals who collect information for work: You can efficiently gather business-relevant information such as the latest industry trends or competitor research.
People tired of Google Search: It saves you the hassle of opening and comparing multiple websites, so you can save time.
People who want accurate information: Since sources are clearly cited, you can check the reliability of information as you research.
People who enjoy trying new tools: It's the perfect tool for anyone who wants to experience the latest AI technology.

Summary

Perplexity is a next-generation search engine where AI understands your questions and delivers answers in written form. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

Perplexity is a search engine where AI understands your questions and responds with written answers
It offers a range of useful features including conversational search, source display, Deep Research, and Model Council
It's easy to use — just visit the official website and type in your question
Its strengths include high reliability thanks to cited sources and access to up-to-date information
AI answers aren't always accurate, so checking sources is essential
Recommended for students, business professionals, and anyone who wants to gather information efficiently
It's free to use, so it's worth giving it a try

Perplexity is a tool with the potential to fundamentally change the way we look things up.

Since it's free, go ahead and give it a try.

It's sure to make your research a whole lot easier.

This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.

What You'll Learn in This Article

What Is Perplexity?

What Can You Do with Perplexity?

1. Conversational Search for In-Depth Exploration

2. Sources Are Always Displayed

3. Deep Research

4. Model Council

5. Perplexity Computer

How to Use Perplexity

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Step 2: Type In Your Question

Step 3: Choose a Search Mode

Step 4: Review the Answer and Its Sources

Step 5: Ask Follow-Up Questions

Perplexity's Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Who Should Use Perplexity?

Summary

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What You'll Learn in This Article

What Is Perplexity?

What Can You Do with Perplexity?

1. Conversational Search for In-Depth Exploration

2. Sources Are Always Displayed

3. Deep Research

4. Model Council

5. Perplexity Computer

How to Use Perplexity

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Step 2: Type In Your Question

Step 3: Choose a Search Mode

Step 4: Review the Answer and Its Sources

Step 5: Ask Follow-Up Questions

Perplexity's Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Who Should Use Perplexity?

Summary