ChatGPT vs. Perplexity AI: Which Bot Is Better? [Updated]

Google recently announced it would change how online searches work. Microsoft integrated ChatGPT into its Bing search platform for a similar goal. Yet, Perplexity AI started that AI revolution before these tech giants. It lets people use artificial intelligence to find online information for free on their computers and smartphones.

Does that mean you should ditch ChatGPT for Perplexity? You should check their features first before you decide. Look closely to see that both platforms have different purposes and features. More importantly, that analysis will enable you to maximize the benefits of artificial intelligence.

This article will discuss the features of ChatGPT and Perplexity AI. Then, it will compare them in several categories, such as their functionalities and prices. Whether you want AI in search, our discussion will show you the potential impact of these technologies in your daily life.

What are ChatGPT and Perplexity AI?

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I must explain both AI systems so that all readers get up to speed. ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that generates various texts with near-human accuracy and style. OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022.

Despite being active for only a few months, it has already had an impressive global impact. Nowadays, more countries are integrating it into their products and services. On the other hand, Perplexity AI launched in August 2022, a few months earlier than ChatGPT.

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A team of prominent AI experts from Meta, Quora, Databrick, and OpenAI created it. These include founder Aravind Srinivas, co-founder Andy Konwinski, Chief Technology Officer Denis Yarats, and Chief Strategy Officer Johnny Ho.

Like ChatGPT, Perplexity answers questions using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning. Perplexity AI is a search engine, while ChatGPT is an AI text generator. Later, you will understand the impact of this significant difference.

The differences between ChatGPT vs. Perplexity AI

  1. Technology
  2. Features
  3. Responses
  4. Supported platforms
  5. Speed and stability

Technology

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ChatGPT and Perplexity rely on large language models to function. LLMs determine the capabilities of these programs. The former uses GPT-3.5 for its free version and GPT-4 for its paid version, ChatGPT Plus.

GPT-4 is the latest LLM version, enabling ChatGPT to understand and execute requests more accurately. Also, it gives the bot a longer memory, letting it remember thousands of words.

GPT-4 also allows ChatGPT to see and understand photos. However, it is only available in a ChatGPT Plus subscription, which charges $20 monthly.

The free version uses GPT-3.5, which is enough for casual use. In contrast, Perplexity AI uses GPT-3, which is still powerful enough for its search engine function.

Features

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ChatGPT is an AI text generator, and Perplexity is a search engine. The former’s database has a cutoff date of September 2021. That means it does not use data beyond that time.

Its main strength is its ability to hold almost natural conversations with users. As a result, it has numerous real-world and business applications.

For example, Snapchat implemented GPT-4 for its new My AI bot to speak with users. On the other hand, Perplexity AI’s main advantage over the OpenAI bot is its internet access.

It can find online information and ask follow-up questions to provide accurate results. Moreover, it lists its sources so that you can confirm them yourself.

The downside is Perplexity AI cannot engage in conversation due to its outdated LLM. It can summarize web articles, but it cannot explain them further.

Responses

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One cool thing about ChatGPT is that it replies like a human. Ask it to explain a topic, and it will usually say, “Sure thing!” before generating a response.

Ask a controversial topic, and it will politely apologize for having no opinions or beliefs. It admits it is an artificial intelligence that cannot comment on specific human experiences.

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Afterward, ChatGPT will provide the answer you want. Also, you can ask it to change its tone. For example, you can ask it to retell an answer in a professional tone.

Perplexity AI sounds more robotic than OpenAI’s bot because of its GPT-3 dependence. It provides online answers verbatim without rewriting for further clarification. Yet, it has an advantage because it can take recent information. Also, Perplexity shows you where it got its data so that you can check.

Supported platforms

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ChatGPT became the fastest-growing consumer application in the world as it gained 100 million users in January 2023. Yet, OpenAI has not released an official mobile app!

You can only use ChatGPT on a web browser. However, you can turn the website into a widget or home screen shortcut for quick access. Still, these methods will open the AI bot as a website in your browser.

On the other hand, Perplexity AI is available on web browsers and iPhone users. You can download it for free on the Apple App Store. Unfortunately, it is not available to Android users at the time of writing.

Speed and stability

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You will rarely have any problems with the responsiveness of both AI bots. ChatGPT and Perplexity AI will provide results at roughly the same time. The same is true if you compare Perplexity with GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.

However, ChatGPT often lags when it reaches maximum capacity. OpenAI serves 100 million users worldwide, and that population is still growing. Consequently, ChatGPT has an extremely high demand.

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You do not have to worry about stability issues if you subscribe to ChatGPT Plus. On the other hand, you could use Perplexity AI because it does not have such problems.

Conclusion

Perplexity AI lets you use artificial intelligence for improved online searches. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is an AI text generator that creates various texts.

They have different purposes that they fulfill excellently. Learn both tools, and you can harness the power of AI to improve your life like never before.

Fortunately, you are already on the website that provides the best digital tips. Also, Inquirer Tech informs you of the latest trends in AI, gadgets, apps, and more.

Frequently asked questions regarding ChatGPT vs. Perplexity AI

Is Perplexity AI better than ChatGPT?

Comparing the performance of Perplexity AI and ChatGPT is impractical because they have different purposes. Perplexity AI is a search engine that uses artificial intelligence to find and summarize online data. In contrast, ChatGPT is an AI text generator that converses almost like a person and writes human-like text.

What is the alternative to ChatGPT access?

You can access ChatGPT on other platforms, like Microsoft’s Bing AI. It lets you use a version of GPT-4, OpenAI’s latest large language model, for free. Also, you can try other AI chatbots like Google Bard and Bing. If you want more stable access to ChatGPT, pay $20 monthly for a ChatGPT Plus subscription.

Is ChatGPT the most advanced AI?

ChatGPT is the most sophisticated artificial intelligence in the world at the time of writing. It has impressed the world with its uncanny ability to generate various texts. As a result, it became the world’s consumer application with the fastest-growing user base. More importantly, more of our products and services integrate ChatGPT.

Published April 10, 2023. Updated May 20, 2023
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