ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity: Which AI tool is better? [2025]
Since comparing Perplexity and ChatGPT, the situation has changed significantly. Both of these AI tools have released new updates and features that make them sharper, more resourceful, easier to use and more interactive. Perplexity and ChatGPT run in different lanes of the same highway, each providing a different experience for the user's journey. To make an neutral conclusion, I compared ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity to the general everyday experiences that tools offer purely. Read on to check which of the two should be chosen!
Catalogs:
Part 1: ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity: a Brief overview
Perplexity AI and ChatGPT are both powerful AI tools, but their features and use cases are different. For those interested in exploring other AI tool comparisons, check out our detailed analysis of ZeroGPT vs. GPTZero and the insightful Turnitin AI Detector Review. ChatGPT is a generic conversational AI model that allows you to create, create, and answer queries.
ChatGPT: All-in-One AI Assistant
ChatGPT is a tool based on conversational AI. The Natural Language Processing (NLP) function allows you to answer simple questions and solve logical puzzles, as well as generate full-fledged blog articles and write code.
Whether it's play or real work, you may have tried ChatGPT. The interface is simple. When you enter a question or text (prompt), a text-based answer is generated.
In the app version, you can enter a prompt with voice instead of text and chat with AI chatbot. In the Plus version, you can enter both image and audio prompts and get the result of the image and audio.

Perplexity AI: AI bots specialized in search
Perplexity AI is an AI-powered conversational search engine designed to replace traditional searches. This chatbot uses a large language model (LLM) to change the way people search.
In traditional searches, a list of related links was displayed as the search result, and it was necessary to look at it manually. Perplexity AI changes this with AI generation answers that summarize the necessary information from related links. Also list all sources to maintain reliability.

Part 2: Real-Time Comparison – ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity in Action
Let's compare ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity:
1. Apple Stock Price
ChatGPT search was slightly faster, but Perplexity was more detailed and beautiful chart. When I requested Perplexity at 15:59 and ChatGPT at 16:00, the price of both was 1 minute difference.

2. Get a detailed breakdown of the US election results announcement
Perplexity was more detailed, more complete, and faster. Perplexity was also more detailed and complete.

3. Cryptocurrency Price:
The ChatGPT search was much faster than Perplexity AI, and the BTC and ETH price charts were also displayed, but Perplexity was not displayed. Noteworthy is that ChatGPT Search last displayed at 6:40 a.m.

4. Search recent tweets:
While ChatGPT was not answered and requested to see the latest tweet on the official profile, Perplexity AI gave an outdated answer. It is unclear which one won.

5. What is AI-related trend news today?
This was earlier in Perplexity than ChatGPT Search. However, although the results were comparable, Perplexity provided the latest AI-related news in the inspection.

Search Speed
With regard to speed, there was no significant difference between them. However, both are slower than standard browser searches.
Overall Verdict of Performance
ChatGPT and Perplexity AI each have their strengths. ChatGPT excels in speed and clean chart displays, particularly for cryptocurrency prices, while Perplexity provides more detailed and comprehensive information, especially for events like election results. Both tools lack accuracy for live social media updates, but Perplexity shines with its Chrome extension for multitasking. Ultimately, the choice depends on the user's preference for speed or depth.
Part 3: How does Perplexity differ from ChatGPT?
Aside from standard functions and use cases, Perlpexity's main identity, the Unser Engine, has reached a new level of providing accurate and insightful results ideal for research and knowledge. You can do the same as ChatGPT, but you can now do more than that. You can now shop at Perplexity!
On the other hand, ChatGPT has made significant progress in its lanes as a valuable personal AI assistant for versatile AI-based applications. More advanced AI models and functions enable multi-modal dialogue. Here is table of ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity key differences:
Parameters for Comparison | ChatGPT Search | Perplexity AI |
---|---|---|
Language Model | GPT-4o, GPT-4o with Canvas, o1-preview, o1-mini, GPT-4o mini, GPT-4 | GPT-4o, Claude 3.5, Sonar Large (LLama 3.1), and more |
Pricing | Starts from $20/month (ChatGPT Plus) | $20/month or $200/year (Perplexity Pro) |
Free Version | GPT-4o mini available | Default proprietary AI model |
Search Web for Real-Time Info | ✅ | ✅ |
Conversation Skills | Intuitive but less user-focused | Requirement-focused conversations as per 'Focus' selection |
Information Source | Uses minimal sources | Searches the web for real-time information |
User Experience | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 |
Search Feature | Relies on third-party search providers | Built-in search features |
Integrations | Customizable into any purpose-specific bot using GPTs | Limited customization abilities |
Who should use ChatGPT?
- ChatGPT is useful for many people, but it is ideal for:
- Understanding creative thinking and complex topics
- Developers for troubleshooting and learning
- For professional use, create reports and perform work-related tasks in general.
- Write, analyze and publish data
- Coding.
Who should use Perplexity AI?
- Perlpexity, on the other hand, is suitable for:
- Research-based tasks
- Shopping
- People who want to replace Google search with AI.
- Get a brief summary of queries and all support resources in one place.
- Get specific results and follow-up support for requirements.
Part 4: Bonus Tip Tenorshare IA ChatPDF: The Best Tool for Editing PDFs and Beyond
When it comes to managing PDFs efficiently, Tenorshare AI ChatPDF emerges as a powerhouse tool offering a blend of advanced features tailored for diverse user needs. Unlike standard PDF editors, this tool goes beyond basic editing by integrating AI-powered functionalities that enable seamless commenting, chatting, and document management. Whether you are an academic professional, a business owner, or a casual user, Tenorshare IA ChatPDF simplifies tasks that traditionally required multiple applications.
Key Features of Tenorshare AI ChatPDF
- AI-Powered PDF Editing: Edit, annotate, and comment on PDFs effortlessly with precision.
- Chat Functionality: Engage with AI to clarify doubts, summarize sections, or enhance your document's content.
- Search Integration: Retrieve relevant content or references directly from the web.
- User-Friendly Interface: A seamless, intuitive design that ensures an excellent user experience.
- Multi-Purpose Usage: Perfect for academic, professional, and personal document management needs.
- Efficient Document Organization: Manage, organize, and collaborate on PDFs easily with advanced tools.
Tenorshare AI PDF Tool
- Summarize the various types of large PDF documents
- Chat with the PDF to get key information accurately
- Supports simultaneous uploading of multiple documents
FAQs
Can Perplexity AI perform voice-to-text searches like ChatGPT?
While ChatGPT supports voice input for prompts, especially in its app version, Perplexity AI primarily focuses on text-based queries and does not currently offer voice-to-text capabilities.
Which tool is better for professional writers and content creators?
ChatGPT excels in generating creative content like articles, blogs, and scripts, making it a go-to for writers. Perplexity AI, however, is better suited for research and fact-checking due to its real-time web search capabilities and cited sources.
Can Perplexity AI assist in shopping recommendations?
Yes, Perplexity AI has introduced features for shopping by providing tailored search results, making it a unique option for users seeking product comparisons or shopping insights, unlike ChatGPT, which does not specialize in shopping tasks..
Conclusion
Both ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity have grown significantly, catering to distinct user needs. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize detailed search results or multifunctional conversational AI. For tasks involving advanced document management and AI-powered tools, Tenorshare AI ChatPDF is an excellent companion. It complements both AI systems by offering seamless PDF editing, annotation, and organization capabilities, streamlining your workflow
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