ChatGPT vs Perplexity: comparison between AI-based search tools

With the advancement of generative artificial intelligence, platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity are becoming increasingly common and used to find information on the internet.

Unlike traditional Google searches, these tools use advanced language models to provide detailed answers in a conversational tone, rather than listing a series of links to relevant websites.

In this article, we explore the differences between these two tools and analyze which one might be more useful for your needs.

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Pricing and plans

To begin with, both models have free plans and paid plans. And in both cases the values ​​are given in dollars, so if you subscribe to the paid plan you will pay the conversion each month, which may vary slightly. Both have the same price for the paid model, which is US$20, the difference is that ChatGPT even has a higher plan, which is US$200 per month.

In the case of Perplexity, the free plan includes unlimited quick searches, three “Pro” searches per day, and access to the standard Perplexity AI model. The Pro plan includes unlimited quick searches, 300 daily “Pro” searches, choose from advanced AI models such as GPT-4o, Claude-3 and LLama 3.1, as well as features such as uploading files and viewing responses using generation tools of images.

The free version of ChatGPT offers limited access to the GPT-4o-mini model, with some restrictions on the use of features such as data analysis, image generation and web browsing. The Plus plan, which is US$20, expands access, allowing more messages with the full GPT-4o model and full use of features such as data analysis and file uploads. There is also a Pro plan, for US$200 per month, which offers priority and unlimited access to all features.

Advantages of ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a better known platform as it has been available for a longer time. It is versatile and goes beyond simple web searches. Even without the Plus subscription, it offers internet access to provide up-to-date information, including sports scores, stock quotes and news. Integration with DALL-E for imaging and features like data analysis help make ChatGPT a complete tool for creative and professional tasks.

Additionally, your responses are quite customizable. Users can request detailed analyses, summaries, edits and ask follow-up questions to expand on answers, and can now also edit within the platform itself. This makes ChatGPT a powerful platform for complex tasks that involve more than simply searching for information.

Advantages of Perplexity

If ChatGPT stands out for its creativity and versatility, Perplexity is a tool focused on retrieving accurate information. Their answers are generally more accurate, accompanied by detailed references and citations from reliable sources. The platform also allows the user to filter information according to specific criteria, such as only searching academic content or only social media.

The interface also stands out for being very fast, with well-structured responses, which make Perplexity an ideal choice for in-depth research. The tool also makes additional queries, remembering snippets of previous conversations for a seamless and informative search experience.

Accuracy of responses

Although both systems can make mistakes, studies indicate that Perplexity offers greater accuracy in its responses. Researchers at Columbia University found that ChatGPT Search often presents incorrect or inaccurate information. In an analysis involving 200 articles from reliable sources, ChatGPT returned completely wrong answers in 153 cases, recognizing its limitations only on seven occasions.

In response, OpenAI disputed the results, claiming that the study’s methodology was incorrect. Despite this, the research highlights the importance of choosing the right tool for each type of query, recognizing that specific tasks are best served by different AI models.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an AI-based search tool, the choice between ChatGPT and Perplexity depends on the type of task you want to perform. ChatGPT is ideal for those who need a multifunctional platform, capable of creating, analyzing and editing complex content. Perplexity is the best option for those who value accuracy in answers and transparency in sources.

Regardless of the choice, the two tools show that internet searches are becoming increasingly accurate and more modern, promising a more dynamic, interactive future adapted to the individual needs of each user.

Source: digitaltrends