kitio.aiPerplexity vs Kagi Search
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Kagi Search has the lower starting price: about $5 a month, against $20 for Perplexity.
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
- Ad-free search
- Quick Answer summaries
- Kagi Assistant
- Domain ranking controls
- Search lenses
| Feature | Perplexity | Kagi Search |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources | Ad-free paid search engine with an AI assistant and quick answers |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Perplexity | Kagi |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Kagi Search has the lower starting price: about $5 a month, against $20 for Perplexity.
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
4 plans
Trial
Free
- 100 searches to try
Starter
$5/mo
- 300 searches per month
- Ad-free private search
Professional
$10/mo
- Unlimited searches
Ultimate
$25/mo
- Unlimited searches
- Kagi Assistant with premium models
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
Kagi Search
- No ads or tracking
- Customizable results
- Access to many AI models
- Paid for regular use
- Smaller index partners than Google
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 Kagi Search if you want:
- No ads or tracking
- Customizable results
- Access to many AI models
Watch out: paid for regular use.
Perplexity vs Kagi Search FAQ
What is the difference between Perplexity and Kagi Search?
Perplexity: AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources. Kagi Search: Ad-free paid search engine with an AI assistant and quick answers. Both are research & search tools.
Is Perplexity or Kagi Search cheaper?
Kagi Search has the lower starting price: about $5 a month, against $20 for Perplexity.
Do Perplexity and Kagi Search have free plans?
Perplexity: Yes. Kagi Search: Yes.
Who makes Perplexity?
Perplexity is made by Perplexity, based in United States.
Who makes Kagi Search?
Kagi Search is made by Kagi, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Perplexity or Kagi Search?
Choose Perplexity if you value every answer shows sources and fast and current. Choose Kagi Search if you value no ads or tracking and customizable results.