I Ran 10 Prompts to See Who Wins

Everybody’s evaluating AI chatbots — however what occurs when one in all them is just not a chatbot in any respect? 

That’s what instantly intrigued me about Perplexity AI. It manufacturers itself as an ‘AI-powered reply engine’ — a citation-rich, clever different to Google. But, in apply, it usually appears like a chatbot, delivering solutions immediately, albeit with a powerful analysis spine.

I’ve been utilizing it because it first launched in late 2022, proper across the time ChatGPT exploded onto the scene. Evidently, I discovered myself consistently switching between the 2, testing concepts, writing drafts, and digging into analysis. And whereas they appear to serve totally different functions on paper, in actuality, there’s a number of overlap.

So I lastly did it: Perplexity vs ChatGPT, face to face. Similar prompts. Similar duties. Similar expectations. From fact-checking to content material creation, I wished to see which one really delivers extra worth whenever you’re deep within the stream of labor.

And right here’s what occurred, all with G2 information to again it up

Observe: Each OpenAI and Perplexity AI incessantly roll out new updates to those AI chatbots. The main points beneath mirror probably the most present capabilities as of April 2025 however could change over time.

• Positioning and function: From what I’ve seen, ChatGPT is clearly designed as a general-purpose AI chatbot — artistic, conversational, and customizable. Perplexity, however, positions itself as an “reply engine” constructed for quick, correct, and sourced responses. It feels extra like a sensible, AI-powered different to Google than a basic chatbot.
• Interface expertise: ChatGPT appears like a chat app at its core. It’s extremely succesful and designed for longer, multi-turn conversations. With chat historical past, customized GPTs (tailor-made utilizing directions, information, or features), and built-in instruments like looking and picture technology, it creates a versatile house for creativity and problem-solving. Perplexity, however, leans into its identification as a search-first instrument. Its interface resembles a analysis engine with a chat overlay optimized for quick, citation-rich responses. It additionally consists of options like Uncover for trending matters and Areas to avoid wasting solutions, manage analysis, or construct light-weight customized AI assistants.
• AI fashions and processing energy: ChatGPT runs on OpenAI’s GPT fashions, whereas Perplexity stands out for providing quite a lot of LLMs from a number of suppliers, together with Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o, Gemini Flash, and extra. It additionally options its personal fashions like Sonar and R1 1776, giving customers higher flexibility and management.
• Quotation-first vs. chat-first: Perplexity all the time exhibits sources. Citations are constructed into each reply. With ChatGPT, you’ll solely get sources when utilizing the online looking instrument (and even then, they’re much less distinguished.)
  
• Reminiscence and continuity: ChatGPT helps reminiscence throughout periods, which implies it may keep in mind preferences, previous prompts, or context I’ve shared (tremendous helpful for ongoing workflows.) Perplexity doesn’t have long-term reminiscence, at the least from what I’ve noticed. So, every session usually begins recent.

Perplexity and ChatGPT: The similarities

Regardless of the branding and options, they nonetheless have lots in frequent relating to getting stuff executed.

• Textual content technology: Each instruments are nice at producing clear, human-like responses to questions, prompts, and inventive duties. Whether or not I’m summarizing an article, drafting a weblog intro, or rephrasing one thing for tone, each ChatGPT and Perplexity ship coherent, context-aware output.
• Coding: Whereas ChatGPT has the sting for extra superior dev duties, Perplexity nonetheless holds its personal for fast code explanations, syntax assist, and debugging ideas. I’ve used each for every part from fundamental HTML and Python snippets to exploring new frameworks.
• Voice interactions: Each platforms now help voice chats. I’ve used ChatGPT’s voice mode for informal conversations or fast prompts on the go, and Perplexity lately rolled out voice capabilities, too. It’s nice after I need quick solutions with out typing.
• Multimodal capabilities: Every platform helps multimodal enter in numerous methods. ChatGPT lets me add pictures and have the mannequin describe, analyze, or interpret them. Perplexity isn’t natively constructed for picture technology, however it may extract insights from internet visible content material and generate pictures with the paid plan.
• File evaluation: Each instruments allow you to add information, like PDFs, docs, or decks, for summarization and Q&A. I’ve used them to extract key insights from dense analysis papers in seconds. Perplexity helps plain textual content, code, PDFs, and pictures as much as 25MB, with 3 uploads per day at no cost customers and as much as 4 information directly. ChatGPT helps codecs like DOCX, PDF, TXT, PPTX, CSV, and XLSX (as much as 512MB every), with free customers once more restricted to a few uploads every day.
• Internet search and deep analysis: Each ChatGPT (by way of SearchGPT) and Perplexity present real-time internet entry, however their types differ—ChatGPT summarizes, whereas Perplexity highlights sources and citations by default. Each additionally supply a Deep Analysis function that pulls from a number of internet sources to generate structured, in-depth stories. I’ve discovered it nice for tackling complicated matters or multi-layered questions.
• Non permanent chats and sharing: Each instruments help non permanent periods and make sharing simple. I usually share Perplexity threads by downloading them as PDFs or textual content information, whereas ChatGPT affords shareable chat hyperlinks.
• Customized AI assistants:  Whereas ChatGPT has “customized GPTs” and Perplexity has “Areas,” each let me construct purpose-specific AI instruments. For instance, I might create a writing assistant that remembers my most well-liked type in a customized GPT, or a Perplexity House centered on monitoring inventory market information with particular sources. Each platforms make it simple to customise how the AI responds and remembers context (inside that session).

Evaluating specs is one factor. However how do Perplexity and ChatGPT maintain up in apply? Right here’s how I put them to the take a look at.

Disclaimer: AI responses could range primarily based on phrasing, session historical past, and system updates for a similar prompts. These outcomes mirror the fashions’ capabilities on the time of testing. Additionally, this assessment is a person opinion and doesn’t mirror G2’s place in regards to the talked about software program’s likes and dislikes.

The primary problem concerned summarizing. I instructed each ChatGPT and Perplexity to extract the important thing data from a G2 article detailing the rising adoption of Canva by non-designers, presenting it in precisely three bullet factors and underneath 50 phrases.

Perplexity’s response to the summarization immediate

Instantly, I seen a distinction in how they approached the duty. Perplexity stored issues clear and direct. Its bullets had been brief, skimmable, and stayed true to the transient.

ChatGPT’s response to the summarization immediate

ChatGPT, in the meantime, added extra element and depth, even bringing in G2 assessment information, which was spectacular however went a bit overboard for a good abstract. It felt extra like a mini editorial than a TL; DR.

Whereas each had been correct, Perplexity’s model was simpler to make use of at a look. So if I wanted one thing polished for a write-up, I’d lean on ChatGPT. However for fast, high-impact summaries, particularly underneath phrase limits, Perplexity did a greater job.

Winner: Perplexity

2. Content material creation

Transferring on to AI content material creation, a recognized energy, I wished to see how Perplexity and ChatGPT would carry out underneath the strain of a full advertising and marketing push.

So, I gave them each a reasonably complete single immediate, asking for product descriptions, catchy taglines, social media posts for various platforms, e mail topic traces to attract folks in, and even a brief script for a video advert. Mainly, the entire 9 yards of a advertising and marketing marketing campaign!

Each ChatGPT and Perplexity dealt with it rather well. The outputs had been polished, various, and genuinely usable. Curiously, the concepts they got here up with had been fairly comparable throughout each instruments, which made the comparability really feel even fairer.

Perplexity’s output was sturdy. Its tone shifted properly between platforms — playful on Instagram, simple on e mail, and visible on video. 

Perplexity’s response to content material creation immediate

I discovered its tagline punchier than ChatGPT’s. Its copy didn’t really feel templated, and I appreciated that it didn’t want a lot tweaking. I particularly appreciated how naturally it dealt with totally different codecs with out shedding model voice.

Perplexity’s response to content material creation immediate

ChatGPT made the content material really feel able to drop right into a model doc or marketing campaign deck. It additionally supplied extra hashtag choices for social media posts, which is useful when you’re attempting to cowl a number of angles or faucet into totally different traits. The tone throughout codecs was constant, and I didn’t spot any weaknesses in its strategy.

ChatGPT’s response to content material creation immediate

Backside line: each instruments carried out impressively right here. I didn’t really feel like both one lagged. If I had to decide on, I’d say it’s a tie; ChatGPT wins on construction and extras (like hashtag protection), whereas Perplexity stands out for its fluid tone and plug-and-play readiness.

Winner: Cut up verdict.

3. Inventive writing

I actually wished to see how properly these instruments might break free from formulaic outputs and truly inform a narrative with temper, pacing, and a twist. I gave each ChatGPT and Perplexity a sci-fi immediate with a number of must-have components: a mysterious sign, a sentient AI, and a reality-bending reveal — all inside 300 phrases.

Proper off the bat, ChatGPT stood out for together with a title, “Whispers of the Wanderer,” which immediately set the tone. Its story had environment, rigidity, and a cinematic really feel. The pacing was tight, the language vivid (particularly these descriptions of the nebula and the glitching hologram), and the ending twist, “You’re the sign, ”landed completely.

ChatGPT’s story “Whispers of Wanderer” for the artistic writing activity

Perplexity’s take was additionally sturdy. It constructed a special form of temper, which was extra philosophical and nearly dreamlike. The narrative had a softer tone however nonetheless hit the important thing components. The ultimate line, “Actuality is just not what you see, however what you might be allowed to see,” was a strong nearer. It leaned barely extra summary, however I appreciated that it took a special stylistic route than ChatGPT’s model.

Perplexity’s response to my artistic writing immediate

Each tales had depth and stable character voice and used the weather I requested for. So general? One other sturdy exhibiting from each. 

Winner: Cut up

4. Coding  

Full disclosure: I’m not a developer. However I do know that coding is a significant benchmark for AI efficiency, particularly relating to real-world use. For this take a look at, I requested each ChatGPT and Perplexity to construct a easy password generator utilizing HTML and JavaScript. I wished to get a working resolution with clear code and a user-friendly interface.

And this spherical? ChatGPT swept it. The code it generated labored completely on the primary strive. The interface was clear and intuitive, and the instrument did precisely what it promised — no hiccups. At the same time as a non-dev, I might perceive what the code was doing, and the general setup seemed polished sufficient to drop right into a newbie mission or a fast demo. I appreciated that it had styled the UI additionally higher with the lock emoji and colourful buttons.

ChatGPT’s password generator

Perplexity, however, produced a largely useful model, however the clipboard copy didn’t work. Which may appear to be a small element, nevertheless it made the entire expertise really feel much less full. The UI additionally wasn’t fairly as refined. It did the job, however lacked the little touches that made ChatGPT’s model really feel extra usable and polished.

Perplexity’s password generator

Winner: ChatGPT

5. Picture technology

Subsequent, I wished to check one thing slightly extra visible — picture technology. We’ve all seen AI-generated artwork floating round on-line, however I used to be curious to see how properly these instruments might deal with one thing grounded and life like: a inventory picture of a small enterprise proprietor. It’s the form of picture entrepreneurs, content material creators, and small groups consistently want. However producing one that really appears to be like plausible? That’s an actual problem.

It’s price noting that Perplexity lets solely Professional customers generate pictures as a part of their workflow, and I attempted it with each Flux and DALL·E 3 on the platform. 

ChatGPT, utilizing GPT-4o, gave me what felt like the most effective general interpretation. The setting seemed like a comfortable boutique, full with a mixture of merchandise — garments, equipment, and a heat, trendy vibe. It checked a lot of the bins in a balanced, visually clear means.  

And given all of the current buzz round GPT-4o’s picture technology capabilities, with the ability to create every part from Ghibli-style artwork to ultra-realistic pictures, it really delivered right here. The picture seemed polished, pure, and really usable for real-world content material.

Picture generated with ChatGPT

Perplexity’s picture technology expertise was a bit much less intuitive. I needed to dig by way of the interface to really discover the choice because it wasn’t entrance and middle like in ChatGPT. However as soon as I obtained there, the outcomes had been stable. The model generated by way of Flux leaned into the environment greater than element. It didn’t cowl each side of the immediate, nevertheless it obtained the comfy, inviting temper proper. If ambiance was the objective, this was a win.

The DALL·E 3 model from Perplexity was probably the most product-specific. It zoomed in on the handmade and textile angle, giving off critical artisanal store vibes. Consider carefully stacked materials, stitching instruments, and a workspace that feels curated and genuine. If I had been selling a craft-focused small enterprise, this could be the one I’d attain for.

Picture generated with Perplexity

So, which instrument was higher? Actually, it will depend on what you’re prioritizing. ChatGPT was the most effective all-rounder, Flux delivered on vibe, and DALL·E 3 on product specificity. Totally different flavors, all spectacular — however ChatGPT undoubtedly felt probably the most seamless to make use of.

Winner: ChatGPT

6. Picture evaluation 

For picture evaluation, I actually wished to push Perplexity and ChatGPT a bit additional. As a substitute of a easy image, I gave them two distinct varieties of visuals: an infographic about AI adoption and a handwritten poem. And truthfully? Each instruments did surprisingly properly.

Perplexity supplied clear summaries for each pictures, highlighting key traits within the infographic and decoding the poem’s visible components with ease. It pulled out a very powerful percentages, supplied insights about design decisions, and interpreted the poem with emotional nuance. No main purple flags there!

Perplexity’s response to my picture evaluation immediate

ChatGPT additionally did a stable. However it was far more structured than Perplexity’s with subheaders. For the handwritten poem, it went the additional mile and absolutely transcribed the poem, which I discovered tremendous useful. That little little bit of added construction made it simpler to skim.

ChatGPT’s response to my picture evaluation immediate

First, the infographic. ChatGPT gave me an excellent well-structured abstract, hitting all the important thing statistics, traits, and conclusions. It even gave me some ideas on the visible design, which was a pleasant contact.

If I needed to nitpick, the poem transcription by ChatGPT was the one standout distinction — in any other case, they had been pretty evenly matched. I didn’t discover both lacking any important observations or misinterpreting something. Each instruments demonstrated sturdy comprehension and interpretation expertise.

ChatGPT transcribing my hand-written notes as a part of the picture evaluation activity

So, on this spherical? It’s an in depth name. If you happen to’re simply on the lookout for quick, correct picture understanding, Perplexity completely holds its personal. However when you worth barely extra construction and that bonus degree of element like transcription, ChatGPT nudges forward.

Winner: ChatGPT

7. File evaluation

For this activity, I gave each ChatGPT and Perplexity a heavy-hitter: Einstein’s 1905 paper “On the Electrodynamics of Transferring Our bodies” and requested them to summarize it in 5 bullet factors underneath 100 phrases.

ChatGPT’s response was polished, accessible, and grouped concepts like time dilation and size contraction properly. It felt user-friendly and clear with out oversimplifying. It went slightly above phrase rely however nonetheless not as a lot as Perplexity. 

ChatGPT’s response to the file evaluation activity

Perplexity’s take leaned extra educational, utilizing phrases like “Lorentz transformations” and “mass-energy relationship” proper up entrance. It felt like one thing a researcher may write — exact, barely extra technical. It undoubtedly went slightly over the phrase rely, too. 

Perplexity’s response to the file evaluation activity

Winner? Discounting the phrase rely problem, I’d say it’s a tie. ChatGPT is nice for fast understanding. Perplexity feels extra formal. Each are glorious at distilling complicated content material into digestible insights.

Winner: Cut up verdict. 

8. Information evaluation 

Information evaluation was subsequent. I supplied each with a CSV of U.S. ChatGPT search curiosity by subregion to see who might extract key insights.

And I’ve to say, Perplexity knocked it out of the park. It didn’t simply summarize the info; it broke it down with the form of element I didn’t get from ChatGPT, Gemini, and even DeepSeek. We’re speaking about statistical abstract with imply, median, and normal deviation, together with considerate observations underneath regional patterns.

The technocentric perception you see beneath? Tremendous precious. It made me really feel like I used to be studying the evaluation of somebody who actually obtained the info, not simply glanced at it.

Perplexity’s response to the info evaluation immediate

ChatGPT did nice — clear, readable, and correct. If I wished a fast scan, certain, it delivered. But when I used to be prepping for a gathering or writing a report, I’d lean on Perplexity for the additional depth.

ChatGPTs response to the info evaluation immediate

This one wasn’t even shut. Clear win for Perplexity.

Winner: Gemini 

9. Actual-time internet search

Within the subsequent activity, I used to be curious to see how properly Perplexity and ChatGPT might sustain with the world. I requested them to search out and summarize the three most up-to-date AI information tales.

ChatGPT surprisingly rose to the occassion. It is actual time internet search pulled well timed headlines — White Home appointing Chief AI Officers, Meta launching Llama 4, and Microsoft showcasing an upgraded Copilot at its fiftieth anniversary occasion. Not solely had been the tales recent (all dated inside the previous few days), however the summaries had been concise, structured, and stuffed with context.

ChatGPT’s response to the real-time internet search activity

Perplexity, however, took a extra analytical strategy. It pulled in deeper industry-wide tales just like the AI Index Report, Google’s Pixel 9 Gemini AI replace, and the way AI is reshaping MBA applications. These had been undoubtedly insightful and sourced from credible publications like Nature, however they weren’t as “news-now” as what I obtained from ChatGPT. Some headlines felt extra like current analysis findings or product commentary than hot-off-the-press updates.

ChatGPT’s response to the real-time internet search activity

For me, ChatGPT got here out on prime for this one. 

Winner: ChatGPT

10. Deep analysis activity

The ultimate activity I designed was centered round what I imagine is a very pivotal functionality for AI chatbots: deep analysis. The promise of those instruments to sort out complicated analysis questions and effectively analyze huge quantities of data is extremely thrilling.

To check this immediately, I set each Perplexity and ChatGPT the problem of exploring a present and vital space: the continued traits in SaaS consolidation.

Perplexity responded rapidly and packed its evaluation with up-to-date information — 49 sources in complete. It nailed the numbers, cited current case research, and delivered a clear abstract with sturdy monetary context. The insights round tech hubs and valuation traits had been particularly sharp. That mentioned, it was extra of a straight information drop — quick and correct.

Perplexity’s deep analysis capabilities

ChatGPT, in distinction, took its time. It requested me clarifying questions first, which made the expertise really feel extra collaborative. The ultimate report took about eight minutes, nevertheless it was definitely worth the wait. It pulled from 41 sources, included examples, and had a transparent strategic construction.

I did discover it leaned on older information, which was a bit irritating since I’d requested for insights from the final 3–5 years. Nonetheless, the content material was wealthy and layered, with considerate takeaways for SaaS leaders and traders.

ChatGPT’s Deep Analysis asking questions earlier than beginning

ChatGPT, however, took a extra interactive strategy, asking me detailed questions on my most well-liked timeframe, geographic focus, and precedence areas earlier than continuing. In comparison with Gemini’s sooner turnaround, ChatGPT took longer to finish the duty (about eight minutes to generate the whole report).

Each instruments did rather well, however in numerous methods. Perplexity is healthier for fast, data-heavy analysis. ChatGPT takes longer however provides you one thing nearer to an govt briefing.

Yow will discover each analysis stories right here.

Winner: Cut up verdict

ChatGPT and Perplexity aren’t the one AI chatbots on the market. I’ve examined Claude, Microsoft Copilot,  and extra to see how they stack up in my finest ChatGPT alternate options information. Test it out!