I Ran 11 Prompts to See Who Wins

Everybody’s evaluating AI chatbots — however what occurs when one in every of them just isn’t a chatbot in any respect? 

That’s what instantly intrigued me about Perplexity AI. It manufacturers itself as an ‘AI-powered reply engine’ — a citation-rich, clever various to Google. But, in follow, it usually seems like a chatbot, delivering solutions immediately, albeit with a powerful analysis spine.

I’ve been utilizing it because it first launched in late 2022, proper across the time ChatGPT exploded onto the scene. For sure, I discovered myself continuously switching between the 2, testing concepts, writing drafts, and digging into analysis. And whereas they appear to serve totally different functions on paper, in actuality, there’s quite a lot of overlap.

So I lastly did it: Perplexity vs ChatGPT, face to face. Similar prompts. Similar duties. Similar expectations. From fact-checking to content material creation, I needed to see which one really delivers extra worth while you’re deep within the stream of labor.

And right here’s what occurred, all with G2 information to again it up.

TL;DR: ChatGPT proved probably the most constant all-rounder, excelling in artistic writing, coding, picture technology, and real-time information. Perplexity shone in summarization, information evaluation, video technology, and fast, citation-rich analysis. In G2 scores, ChatGPT leads in general satisfaction and creativity, whereas Perplexity scores barely larger in content material accuracy. Backside line: select ChatGPT for versatility and structured output, Perplexity for pace, depth, and analysis precision.

Be aware: Each OpenAI and Perplexity AI steadily roll out new updates to those AI chatbots. The main points under mirror probably the most present capabilities as of August 2025 however could change over time.

• Positioning and goal: From what I’ve seen, ChatGPT is clearly designed as a general-purpose AI chatbot — artistic, conversational, and customizable. Perplexity, alternatively, positions itself as an “reply engine” constructed for quick, correct, and sourced responses. It feels extra like a sensible, AI-powered various to Google than a basic chatbot.
• Interface expertise: ChatGPT seems like a chat app at its core. It’s extremely succesful and designed for longer, multi-turn conversations. With chat historical past, customized GPTs (tailor-made utilizing directions, information, or capabilities), and built-in instruments like looking and picture technology, it creates a versatile area for creativity and problem-solving. Perplexity, alternatively, leans into its id as a search-first device. Its interface resembles a analysis engine with a chat overlay optimized for quick, citation-rich responses. It additionally contains options like Uncover for trending matters and Areas to save lots of solutions, manage analysis, or construct light-weight customized AI assistants.
• AI fashions and processing energy: ChatGPT runs on OpenAI’s GPT fashions, whereas Perplexity stands out for providing quite a lot of LLMs from a number of suppliers, together with Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o, Gemini Flash, and extra. It additionally options its personal fashions like Sonar and R1 1776, giving customers larger flexibility and management.
• Quotation-first vs. chat-first: Perplexity all the time reveals sources. Citations are constructed into each reply. With ChatGPT, you’ll solely get sources when utilizing the net looking device (and even then, they’re much less distinguished.)
  
• Reminiscence and continuity: ChatGPT helps reminiscence throughout periods, which implies it could keep in mind preferences, previous prompts, or context I’ve shared (tremendous helpful for ongoing workflows). Perplexity doesn’t have long-term reminiscence, at the very least from what I’ve noticed. So, every session usually begins contemporary.

Perplexity and ChatGPT: The similarities

Regardless of the branding and options, they nonetheless have rather a lot in widespread relating to getting stuff performed.

• Textual content technology: Each instruments are nice at producing clear, human-like responses to questions, prompts, and artistic duties. Whether or not I’m summarizing an article, drafting a weblog intro, or rephrasing one thing for tone, each ChatGPT and Perplexity ship coherent, context-aware output.
• Coding: Whereas ChatGPT has the sting for extra superior dev duties, Perplexity nonetheless holds its personal for fast code explanations, syntax assist, and debugging solutions. I’ve used each for all the things from primary HTML and Python snippets to exploring new frameworks.
• Voice interactions: Each platforms now assist voice chats. I’ve used ChatGPT’s voice mode for informal conversations or fast prompts on the go, and Perplexity just lately rolled out voice capabilities, too. It’s nice after I need quick solutions with out typing.
• Video Era: Each platforms now supply video technology capabilities, Perplexity via Veo 3, and ChatGPT via Sora. Whereas every takes a unique strategy in type and accessibility, each can remodel textual content prompts into quick movies, ranging in high quality from practical scenes to extra narrative-driven storytelling.
• Multimodal capabilities: Every platform helps multimodal enter in numerous methods. ChatGPT lets me add photos and have the mannequin describe, analyze, or interpret them. Perplexity isn’t natively constructed for picture technology, however it could extract insights from net visible content material and generate photos with the paid plan.
• File evaluation: Each instruments allow you to add information, like PDFs, docs, or decks, for summarization and Q&A. I’ve used them to extract key insights from dense analysis papers in seconds. Perplexity helps plain textual content, code, PDFs, and pictures as much as 25MB, with 3 uploads per day at no cost customers and as much as 4 information directly. ChatGPT helps codecs like DOCX, PDF, TXT, PPTX, CSV, and XLSX (as much as 512MB every), with free customers once more restricted to 3 uploads day by day.
• Internet search and deep analysis: Each ChatGPT (through SearchGPT) and Perplexity present real-time net entry, however their kinds differ—ChatGPT summarizes, whereas Perplexity highlights sources and citations by default. Each additionally supply a Deep Analysis characteristic that pulls from a number of net sources to generate structured, in-depth reviews. I’ve discovered it nice for tackling advanced matters or multi-layered questions.
• Non permanent chats and sharing: Each instruments assist momentary periods and make sharing simple. I usually share Perplexity threads by downloading them as PDFs or textual content information, whereas ChatGPT affords shareable chat hyperlinks.
• Customized AI assistants:  Whereas ChatGPT has “customized GPTs” and Perplexity has “Areas,” each let me construct purpose-specific AI instruments. For instance, I might create a writing assistant that remembers my most well-liked type in a customized GPT, or a Perplexity Area centered on monitoring inventory market information with particular sources. Each platforms make it simple to customise how the AI responds and remembers context (inside that session).

Evaluating specs is one factor. However how do Perplexity and ChatGPT maintain up in follow? Right here’s how I put them to the check.

Disclaimer: AI responses could differ primarily based on phrasing, session historical past, and system updates for a similar prompts. These outcomes mirror the fashions’ capabilities on the time of testing. Additionally, this evaluate is a person opinion and doesn’t mirror G2’s place in regards to the talked about software program’s likes and dislikes.

The primary problem concerned summarizing. I instructed each ChatGPT and Perplexity to extract the important thing info from a G2 article detailing the rising adoption of Canva by non-designers, presenting it in precisely three bullet factors and underneath 50 phrases.

Perplexity’s response to the summarization immediate

Immediately, I seen a distinction in how they approached the duty. Perplexity saved issues clear and direct. Its bullets had been quick, skimmable, and stayed true to the transient.

ChatGPT’s response to the summarization immediate

ChatGPT, in the meantime, added extra element and depth, even bringing in G2 evaluate information, which was spectacular however went a bit overboard for a decent abstract. It felt extra like a mini editorial than a TL; DR.

Whereas each had been correct, Perplexity’s model was simpler to make use of at a look. So if I wanted one thing polished for a write-up, I would lean on ChatGPT. However for fast, high-impact summaries, particularly underneath phrase limits, Perplexity did a greater job.

Winner: Perplexity

2. Content material creation

Transferring on to AI content material creation, a identified energy, I needed to see how Perplexity and ChatGPT would carry out underneath the stress of a full advertising push.

So, I gave them each a reasonably complete single immediate, asking for product descriptions, catchy taglines, social media posts for various platforms, e-mail topic traces to attract folks in, and even a brief script for a video advert. Mainly, the entire 9 yards of a advertising marketing campaign!

Each ChatGPT and Perplexity dealt with it rather well. The outputs had been polished, diverse, and genuinely usable. Curiously, the concepts they got here up with had been fairly related throughout each instruments, which made the comparability really feel even fairer.

Perplexity’s output was robust. Its tone shifted properly between platforms — playful on Instagram, easy on e-mail, and visible on video. 

Perplexity’s response to content material creation immediate

I discovered its tagline punchier than ChatGPT’s. Its copy didn’t really feel templated, and I favored that it didn’t want a lot tweaking. I particularly appreciated how naturally it dealt with totally different codecs with out dropping model voice.

Perplexity’s response to content material creation immediate

ChatGPT made the content material really feel able to drop right into a model doc or marketing campaign deck. It additionally supplied extra hashtag choices for social media posts, which is useful in the event you’re attempting to cowl a number of angles or faucet into totally different traits. The tone throughout codecs was constant, and I didn’t spot any weaknesses in its strategy.

ChatGPT’s response to content material creation immediate

Backside line: each instruments carried out impressively right here. I didn’t really feel like both one lagged. If I had to decide on, I’d say it’s a tie; ChatGPT wins on construction and extras (like hashtag protection), whereas Perplexity stands out for its fluid tone and plug-and-play readiness.

Winner: Break up verdict.

3. Inventive writing

I actually needed to see how properly these instruments might break free from formulaic outputs and really inform a narrative with temper, pacing, and a twist. I gave each ChatGPT and Perplexity a sci-fi immediate with just a few must-have parts: a mysterious sign, a sentient AI, and a reality-bending reveal — all inside 300 phrases.

Proper off the bat, ChatGPT stood out for together with a title, “Whispers of the Wanderer,” which immediately set the tone. Its story had ambiance, pressure, and a cinematic really feel. The pacing was tight, the language vivid (particularly these descriptions of the nebula and the glitching hologram), and the ending twist, “You’re the sign, ”landed completely.

ChatGPT’s story “Whispers of Wanderer” for the artistic writing job

Perplexity’s take was additionally robust. It constructed a unique type of temper, which was extra philosophical and virtually dreamlike. The narrative had a softer tone however nonetheless hit the important thing parts. The ultimate line, “Actuality just isn’t what you see, however what you might be allowed to see,” was a robust nearer. It leaned barely extra summary, however I favored that it took a unique stylistic route than ChatGPT’s model.

Perplexity’s response to my artistic writing immediate

Each tales had depth and strong character voice and used the weather I requested for. So general? One other robust displaying from each. 

Winner: Break up

4. Coding  

Full disclosure: I’m not a developer. However I do know that coding is a serious benchmark for AI efficiency, particularly relating to real-world use. For this check, I requested each ChatGPT and Perplexity to construct a easy password generator utilizing HTML and JavaScript. I needed to get a working resolution with clear code and a user-friendly interface.

And this spherical? ChatGPT swept it. The code it generated labored completely on the primary attempt. The interface was clear and intuitive, and the device did precisely what it promised — no hiccups. At the same time as a non-dev, I might perceive what the code was doing, and the general setup seemed polished sufficient to drop right into a newbie challenge or a fast demo. I favored that it had styled the UI additionally higher with the lock emoji and colourful buttons.

ChatGPT’s password generator

Perplexity, alternatively, produced a largely useful model, however the clipboard copy didn’t work. That may seem to be a small element, however it made the entire expertise really feel much less full. The UI additionally wasn’t fairly as refined. It did the job, however lacked the little touches that made ChatGPT’s model really feel extra usable and polished.

Perplexity’s password generator

Winner: ChatGPT

5. Picture technology

Subsequent, I needed to check one thing a little bit extra visible — picture technology. We’ve all seen AI-generated artwork floating round on-line, however I used to be curious to see how properly these instruments might deal with one thing grounded and practical: a inventory picture of a small enterprise proprietor. It’s the type of picture entrepreneurs, content material creators, and small groups continuously want. However producing one that truly appears plausible? That’s an actual problem.

It’s price noting that Perplexity lets solely Professional customers generate photos as a part of their workflow, and I attempted it with each Flux and DALL·E 3 on the platform. 

ChatGPT, utilizing GPT-4o, gave me what felt like one of the best general interpretation. The setting seemed like a comfortable boutique, full with a mixture of merchandise — garments, equipment, and a heat, fashionable vibe. It checked many of the containers in a balanced, visually clear method.  

And given all of the latest buzz round GPT-4o’s picture technology capabilities, with the ability to create all the things from Ghibli-style artwork to ultra-realistic photographs, it actually delivered right here. The picture seemed polished, pure, and really usable for real-world content material.

Picture generated with ChatGPT

Perplexity’s picture technology expertise was a bit much less intuitive. I needed to dig via the interface to truly discover the choice because it wasn’t entrance and heart like in ChatGPT. However as soon as I acquired there, the outcomes had been strong. The model generated via Flux leaned into the ambiance greater than element. It didn’t cowl each facet of the immediate, however it acquired the comfortable, inviting temper proper. If ambiance was the objective, this was a win.

The DALL·E 3 model from Perplexity was probably the most product-specific. It zoomed in on the handmade and textile angle, giving off critical artisanal store vibes. Think twice stacked materials, stitching instruments, and a workspace that feels curated and genuine. If I had been selling a craft-focused small enterprise, this could be the one I’d attain for.

Picture generated with Perplexity

So, which device was higher? Actually, it relies on what you’re prioritizing. ChatGPT was one of the best all-rounder, Flux delivered on vibe, and DALL·E 3 on product specificity. Completely different flavors, all spectacular — however ChatGPT undoubtedly felt probably the most seamless to make use of.

Winner: ChatGPT

6. Picture evaluation 

For picture evaluation, I actually needed to push Perplexity and ChatGPT a bit additional. As a substitute of a easy image, I gave them two distinct forms of visuals: an infographic about AI adoption and a handwritten poem. And actually? Each instruments did surprisingly properly.

Perplexity supplied clear summaries for each photos, highlighting key traits within the infographic and deciphering the poem’s visible parts with ease. It pulled out a very powerful percentages, supplied insights about design decisions, and interpreted the poem with emotional nuance. No main crimson flags there!

Perplexity’s response to my picture evaluation immediate

ChatGPT additionally did a strong. But it surely was far more structured than Perplexity’s with subheaders. For the handwritten poem, it went the additional mile and absolutely transcribed the poem, which I discovered tremendous useful. That little little bit of added construction made it simpler to skim.

ChatGPT’s response to my picture evaluation immediate

First, the infographic. ChatGPT gave me an excellent well-structured abstract, hitting all the important thing statistics, traits, and conclusions. It even gave me some ideas on the visible design, which was a pleasant contact.

If I needed to nitpick, the poem transcription by ChatGPT was the one standout distinction — in any other case, they had been pretty evenly matched. I didn’t discover both lacking any essential observations or misinterpreting something. Each instruments demonstrated robust comprehension and interpretation expertise.

ChatGPT transcribing my hand-written notes as a part of the picture evaluation job

So, on this spherical? It’s a detailed name. For those who’re simply on the lookout for quick, correct picture understanding, Perplexity completely holds its personal. However in the event you worth barely extra construction and that bonus degree of element like transcription, ChatGPT nudges forward.

Winner: ChatGPT

7. File evaluation

For this job, I gave each ChatGPT and Perplexity a heavy-hitter: Einstein’s 1905 paper “On the Electrodynamics of Transferring Our bodies” and requested them to summarize it in 5 bullet factors underneath 100 phrases.

ChatGPT’s response was polished, accessible, and grouped concepts like time dilation and size contraction properly. It felt user-friendly and clear with out oversimplifying. It went a little bit above phrase rely however nonetheless not as a lot as Perplexity. 

ChatGPT’s response to the file evaluation job

Perplexity’s take leaned extra tutorial, utilizing phrases like “Lorentz transformations” and “mass-energy relationship” proper up entrance. It felt like one thing a researcher would possibly write — exact, barely extra technical. It undoubtedly went a little bit over the phrase rely, too. 

Perplexity’s response to the file evaluation job

Winner? Discounting the phrase rely situation, I’d say it’s a tie. ChatGPT is nice for fast understanding. Perplexity feels extra formal. Each are wonderful at distilling advanced content material into digestible insights.

Winner: Break up verdict. 

8. Knowledge evaluation 

Knowledge evaluation was subsequent. I offered each with a CSV of U.S. ChatGPT search curiosity by subregion to see who might extract key insights.

And I’ve to say, Perplexity knocked it out of the park. It didn’t simply summarize the info; it broke it down with the type of element I didn’t get from ChatGPT, Gemini, and even DeepSeek. We’re speaking about statistical abstract with imply, median, and commonplace deviation, together with considerate observations underneath regional patterns.

The technocentric perception you see under? Tremendous precious. It made me really feel like I used to be studying the evaluation of somebody who actually acquired the info, not simply glanced at it.

Perplexity’s response to the info evaluation immediate

ChatGPT did nice — clear, readable, and correct. If I needed a fast scan, certain, it delivered. But when I used to be prepping for a gathering or writing a report, I’d lean on Perplexity for the additional depth.

ChatGPTs response to the info evaluation immediate

This one wasn’t even shut. Clear win for Perplexity.

Winner: Gemini 

9. Video technology 

I requested ChatGPT and Perplexity to provide a 10-second scene of a younger girl in a crimson coat ready at a snowy practice station, reacting as a practice approached, with heat gentle contrasting the chilly blue snow. Each delivered strong outcomes, however the variations had been obvious. 

ChatGPT’s output on Sora, its video technology mannequin, was high-resolution and easy, however it lacked a powerful sense of movement from the practice, and key immediate particulars just like the seen determine within the window and dramatic heat–chilly lighting distinction had been delicate. 

Video generated on Sora

Alternatively, Perplexity’s video technology mannequin Veo 3 nailed the transient: the practice visibly approached, an individual was seen within the window, the girl’s eyes widened in response, and the lighting distinction was pronounced. It additionally got here ready-to-use with out edits, although at a barely shorter runtime and decrease decision.

Generated video with Veo 3

Whereas ChatGPT supplied technical polish, Perplexity’s model matched the immediate with larger accuracy and required no post-processing — making it the stronger selection for this job.

Winner: Perplexity

10. Actual-time net search

Within the subsequent job, I used to be curious to see how properly Perplexity and ChatGPT might sustain with the world. I requested them to seek out and summarize the three most up-to-date AI information tales.

ChatGPT surprisingly rose to the occassion. It is actual time net search pulled well timed headlines — White Home appointing Chief AI Officers, Meta launching Llama 4, and Microsoft showcasing an upgraded Copilot at its fiftieth anniversary occasion. Not solely had been the tales contemporary (all dated inside the previous few days), however the summaries had been concise, structured, and filled with context.

ChatGPT’s response to the real-time net search job

Perplexity, alternatively, took a extra analytical strategy. It pulled in deeper industry-wide tales just like the AI Index Report, Google’s Pixel 9 Gemini AI replace, and the way AI is reshaping MBA applications. These had been undoubtedly insightful and sourced from credible publications like Nature, however they weren’t as “news-now” as what I acquired from ChatGPT. Some headlines felt extra like latest analysis findings or product commentary than hot-off-the-press updates.

ChatGPT’s response to the real-time net search job

For me, ChatGPT got here out on prime for this one. 

Winner: ChatGPT

AI assistants like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini monitor real-time developments and spot traits, but in addition typically hallucinate within the course of. Take a look at our information on how one can deal with AI hallucinations whereas utilizing it for analysis.

11. Deep analysis job

The ultimate job I designed was centered round what I imagine is a very pivotal functionality for AI chatbots: deep analysis. The promise of those instruments to sort out advanced analysis questions and effectively analyze huge quantities of knowledge is extremely thrilling.

To check this immediately, I set each Perplexity and ChatGPT the problem of exploring a present and important space: the continuing traits in SaaS consolidation.

Perplexity responded shortly and packed its evaluation with up-to-date information — 49 sources in complete. It nailed the numbers, cited latest case research, and delivered a clear abstract with robust monetary context. The insights round tech hubs and valuation traits had been particularly sharp. That mentioned, it was extra of a straight information drop — quick and correct.

Perplexity’s deep analysis capabilities

ChatGPT, in distinction, took its time. It requested me clarifying questions first, which made the expertise really feel extra collaborative. The ultimate report took about eight minutes, however it was definitely worth the wait. It pulled from 41 sources, included examples, and had a transparent strategic construction.

I did discover it leaned on older information, which was a bit irritating since I’d requested for insights from the final 3–5 years. Nonetheless, the content material was wealthy and layered, with considerate takeaways for SaaS leaders and traders.

ChatGPT’s Deep Analysis asking questions earlier than beginning

ChatGPT, alternatively, took a extra interactive strategy, asking me detailed questions on my most well-liked timeframe, geographic focus, and precedence areas earlier than continuing. In comparison with Gemini’s quicker turnaround, ChatGPT took longer to finish the duty (about eight minutes to generate your complete report).

Each instruments did rather well, however in numerous methods. Perplexity is healthier for fast, data-heavy analysis. ChatGPT takes longer however provides you one thing nearer to an government briefing.

You will discover each analysis reviews right here.

Winner: Break up verdict

ChatGPT and Perplexity aren’t the one AI chatbots on the market. I’ve examined Claude, Microsoft Copilot,  and extra to see how they stack up in my greatest ChatGPT alternate options information. Test it out!

This text was initially printed in April 2025, and has been up to date with new info.