Perplexity vs Gemini: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Perplexity is an AI search engine: every answer links to its sources, and Pro lets you choose models from several providers. Gemini comes in Google AI plans that add storage, Gemini in Gmail and Docs, YouTube extras and sharing with up to five others. For research you need to cite, Perplexity; for an assistant inside Google’s apps and a plan the family shares, Google AI Pro.
Option A
$20.00/moPro
Official price before tax: $20.00
Price checked
Also has a free plan: Free
Perplexity price and plans
Option B
We compare plans with a similar purpose, whose features may differ; prices before sales tax; prices for other plans and periods are in the reviews.
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Perplexity | Google AI |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Search with citations | Assistant in Google’s apps |
| Model choice | Several providers (Pro, Max) | Gemini models |
| Storage | Not included | 5 TB on AI Pro |
| Sharing | Not listed | Up to 5 others |
| Student offer | Education Pro | AI Pro free for a year |
Perplexity is sold on its own, with a free tier and Pro, Max and Education Pro. Gemini is Google’s assistant, sold as Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra.
If you don’t want to read further
Answers with citations and a choice of AI models — Perplexity Pro. Gemini in Gmail and Docs, 5 TB of storage, sharing — Google AI Pro.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Citations?
Perplexity
Every answer links to its sources, on every plan.
Google AI
Gemini is an assistant first; the paid plans raise Deep Research limits.
If every claim needs a source, Perplexity.
Which AI models?
Perplexity
Pro and Max let you choose a preferred model per question.
Google AI
Google’s Gemini models, with more Gemini 3.1 Pro on paid plans.
To switch models per question, Perplexity.
What else is in the plan?
Perplexity
Image and video generation and expanded Perplexity Computer access on Pro.
Google AI
Storage, Gemini in Gmail, Docs and Sheets, YouTube Premium Lite and Google Home Premium Standard on AI Pro.
If you’d pay for Google storage anyway, Google AI Pro bundles it.
Sharing?
Perplexity
No family sharing listed.
Google AI
Storage and AI shared with up to five others.
For a household, Google AI.
Students?
Perplexity
Education Pro at a discount for verified students and educators.
Google AI
Google AI Pro free for one year for eligible students.
Both have a student route; Google’s is free for a year.
Refunds in the US?
Perplexity
24 hours for monthly plans; 48 or 72 hours for annual ones, depending on the page.
Google AI
Google says storage plans are non-refundable in most countries.
Decide quickly on Perplexity — the window is very short.
Private sessions?
Perplexity
Incognito – deleted within 24 hours.
Google AI
Temporary chats – kept 72 hours.
Both keep private sessions only briefly.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
A usable free tier
Perplexity Free (3 Pro Searches a day) and Gemini without an AI plan.
Higher tiers for heavy use
Perplexity Max and Google AI Ultra.
App store billing
Both can be billed by Apple or Google — cancel there.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You research and cite sources | Perplexity Pro | Citations in every answer. |
| You live in Gmail and Docs | Google AI Pro | Gemini inside Google’s apps. |
| A family that needs storage | Google AI Pro | 5 TB shared with up to five others. |
| You’re a student | Google AI Pro | Free for one year if eligible; or Perplexity Education Pro. |
- Deleting your Perplexity account doesn’t cancel the subscription.
- Perplexity has no pause option.
- Google sells two plans called Google AI Plus — with 400 GB and with 2 TB — at different prices.
- Some Google AI features are US-only or English-only.
Where the facts come from
Sources: perplexity.ai and the Perplexity Help Center, and one.google.com for the US. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Perplexity or Google AI
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “AI subscriptions” category.
Where their scores differ
Only criteria we’ve checked for both services and where the scores differ. Equal criteria and criteria without data aren’t shown here, because they add nothing to the decision.
If what matters most is — clear usage limits: Google AI Pro
Perplexity Pro: limits aren’t published (1,0/5) · Google AI Pro: specific limits are published (5,0/5)
If what matters most is — chats and model training: Google AI Pro
Perplexity Pro: yes, by default (can be turned off) (2,0/5) · Google AI Pro: provider doesn’t say (3,0/5)
If what matters most is — app rating: Perplexity Pro
Perplexity Pro: 4,8 out of 5 (4,8/5) · Google AI Pro: 4,7 out of 5 (4,7/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: