Perplexity vs Scite
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Perplexity starts at $20/mo and Scite starts at $20/mo. 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
- Smart Citations
- AI research assistant
- Reference check
- Citation alerts
- Browser extension
| Feature | Perplexity | Scite |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources | See how papers are cited and get AI answers backed by citations |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No, 7-day trial |
| Made by | Perplexity | Research Solutions |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Perplexity starts at $20/mo and Scite starts at $20/mo. 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
3 plans
Basic
$20/mo
- Full Assistant and Search access
- 250 MCP credits / month
- Collections up to 1,000 papers
- Citation alerts and dashboards
Pro
$50/mo
- Per seat
- API access
- 2,500 MCP credits / month
- Patent, clinical trial and grant data
Enterprise
Custom
- Unlimited users, pooled usage
- SSO, IP or domain access
- Collections up to 50,000 papers
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
Scite
- Shows if findings were disputed
- Draws on full-text articles
- Good for checking references
- Full features are paid
- Classification is not always right
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 Scite if you want:
- Shows if findings were disputed
- Draws on full-text articles
- Good for checking references
Watch out: full features are paid.
Perplexity vs Scite FAQ
What is the difference between Perplexity and Scite?
Perplexity: AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources. Scite: See how papers are cited and get AI answers backed by citations. Both are research & search tools.
Is Perplexity or Scite cheaper?
Perplexity starts at $20/mo and Scite starts at $20/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Perplexity and Scite have free plans?
Perplexity: Yes. Scite: No, 7-day trial.
Who makes Perplexity?
Perplexity is made by Perplexity, based in United States.
Who makes Scite?
Scite is made by Research Solutions, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Perplexity or Scite?
Choose Perplexity if you value every answer shows sources and fast and current. Choose Scite if you value shows if findings were disputed and draws on full-text articles.