kitio.aiPerplexity vs Google AI Mode
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Google AI Mode is completely free, while Perplexity is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Cited answers
- Deep Research reports
- Model choice
- File uploads
- Spaces
- Conversational search
- Query fan-out
- Multimodal questions
- Deep Search
- Follow-up questions
| Feature | Perplexity | Google AI Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources | Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $20/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Perplexity | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Google AI Mode is completely free, while Perplexity is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Free
Free
- Unlimited basic searches
- Limited Pro searches
Pro
$20/mo
- Advanced AI models
- More Pro searches and research
- File uploads
Max
$200/mo
- Highest usage limits
- Early access to new features
Enterprise Pro
$40/mo
- Per seat
- Admin and security controls
- 500 Computer credits/mo
Enterprise Max
$325/mo
- Per seat
- 15,000 Computer credits/mo
- Highest limits
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Perplexity
- Every answer shows sources
- Fast and current
- Choice of top models
- Citations sometimes don't support claims
- Best features need Pro
Google AI Mode
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
- Fewer citations than research tools
- Features vary by country
Which one should you choose?
Choose Perplexity if you want:
- Every answer shows sources
- Fast and current
- Choice of top models
Watch out: citations sometimes don't support claims.
Choose Google AI Mode if you want:
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
Watch out: fewer citations than research tools.
Perplexity vs Google AI Mode FAQ
What is the difference between Perplexity and Google AI Mode?
Perplexity: AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources. Google AI Mode: Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search. Both are research & search tools.
Is Perplexity or Google AI Mode cheaper?
Google AI Mode is completely free, while Perplexity is freemium.
Do Perplexity and Google AI Mode have free plans?
Perplexity: Yes. Google AI Mode: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Perplexity?
Perplexity is made by Perplexity, based in United States.
Who makes Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is made by Google, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Perplexity or Google AI Mode?
Choose Perplexity if you value every answer shows sources and fast and current. Choose Google AI Mode if you value free and widely available and draws on google's index.