Perplexity is an AI answer engine. You ask a question in normal language, and it returns a written answer with citations to the sources it used instead of only giving you a page of search links.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you are trying Perplexity on the web, desktop, iPhone, iPad, or Android and want to know what the free plan includes and how a Pro trial usually works.
What the free plan includes
You can start without committing to a paid subscription.
- Go to perplexity.ai and ask a question. In many cases, you can search before creating a full account.
- A free account saves history, preferences, and synced activity across devices.
- Basic searches are available on the free plan and include cited sources next to the answer.
- Free users usually get a limited number of advanced-model or Pro-style searches per day before falling back to standard search.
- File uploads, document Q&A, image features, and image generation may be available with lower caps than paid plans.
How the Perplexity Pro trial works
Check the current offer before entering payment details.
- Open Perplexity on the web or in the app and review the current Pro trial terms. Trial length and availability can change.
- Expect to add a payment method if you start a trial.
- The trial usually becomes a paid subscription automatically when it ends unless you cancel first.
- Pro generally raises limits for advanced AI models, file uploads, image generation, and deeper research features.
- To cancel, open account or subscription settings on the web or in the app and cancel before the trial deadline.
- Set a reminder a day or two before the end date if you are only testing it.
More control
Pricing changes, so check the live page
Perplexity Pro is commonly offered monthly and yearly, with yearly billing reducing the effective monthly cost. Use the current pricing page for exact numbers and included features.
Apps sync your research
Perplexity has mobile apps and other client options with the same core idea: ask a question, get an answer, inspect citations, and continue the thread. Voice input is available in supported apps.
How it differs from normal search
A traditional search engine sends you to pages so you can assemble the answer yourself. Perplexity reads and summarizes sources into one answer while showing citations, which is useful when you want a quick sourced overview.
Sources
- Perplexity – About Perplexity (2026)
- Perplexity – Perplexity Pro (2026)
- Perplexity Help Center – Managing your subscription (2026)