kitio.aiPerplexity vs STORM
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. STORM 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
- Multi-perspective research
- Cited long-form articles
- Co-STORM collaboration
- Open-source code
- Custom corpus grounding
| Feature | Perplexity | STORM |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources | Stanford research system that writes Wikipedia-style cited articles |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $20/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Perplexity | Stanford OVAL |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
STORM 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
STORM
- Free to use
- Well-structured overviews
- Open research project
- Academic project, not a product
- Slower than chat tools
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 STORM if you want:
- Free to use
- Well-structured overviews
- Open research project
Watch out: academic project, not a product.
Perplexity vs STORM FAQ
What is the difference between Perplexity and STORM?
Perplexity: AI answer engine that searches the web and cites its sources. STORM: Stanford research system that writes Wikipedia-style cited articles. Both are research & search tools.
Is Perplexity or STORM cheaper?
STORM is completely free, while Perplexity is freemium.
Do Perplexity and STORM have free plans?
Perplexity: Yes. STORM: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Perplexity?
Perplexity is made by Perplexity, based in United States.
Who makes STORM?
STORM is made by Stanford OVAL, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Perplexity or STORM?
Choose Perplexity if you value every answer shows sources and fast and current. Choose STORM if you value free to use and well-structured overviews.