Perplexity vs Research Studio
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Perplexity starts at $20/mo and Research Studio starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
- Persona widget
- Jobs to be Done widget
- Transcription in 99+ languages
- Support for 8+ file formats
- Drag-and-drop canvas
| Feature | Perplexity | Research Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources | AI analysis workspace for UX research data |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $20/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Perplexity | Research Studio |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Perplexity starts at $20/mo and Research Studio starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
Research Studio
- No prompt writing needed
- Handles audio, video and documents
- Free to start
- Pricing not shown on the homepage
- Focused on UX research only
- Few integrations listed
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 Research Studio if you want:
- No prompt writing needed
- Handles audio, video and documents
- Free to start
Watch out: pricing not shown on the homepage.
Perplexity vs Research Studio FAQ
What is the difference between Perplexity and Research Studio?
Perplexity: AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources. Research Studio: AI analysis workspace for UX research data. Both are research & search tools.
Is Perplexity or Research Studio cheaper?
Perplexity starts at $20/mo and Research Studio starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Perplexity and Research Studio have free plans?
Perplexity: Yes. Research Studio: Yes.
Who makes Perplexity?
Perplexity is made by Perplexity, based in United States.
Who makes Research Studio?
Research Studio is made by Research Studio.
Which should I choose, Perplexity or Research Studio?
Choose Perplexity if you value every answer shows sources and fast and current. Choose Research Studio if you value no prompt writing needed and handles audio, video and documents.