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 different to Google. But, in apply, it typically appears like a chatbot, delivering solutions straight, albeit with a robust analysis spine.

I’ve been utilizing it because it first launched in late 2022, proper across the time ChatGPT exploded onto the scene. Evidently, I discovered myself continuously switching between the 2, testing concepts, writing drafts, and digging into analysis. And whereas they appear to serve completely 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 whenever you’re deep within the circulate of labor.

And right here’s what occurred, all with G2 knowledge 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, knowledge evaluation, video technology, and fast, citation-rich analysis. In G2 scores, ChatGPT leads in total satisfaction and creativity, whereas Perplexity scores barely greater in content material accuracy. Backside line: select ChatGPT for versatility and structured output, Perplexity for pace, depth, and analysis precision.

Observe: Each OpenAI and Perplexity AI often 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 function: From what I’ve seen, ChatGPT is clearly designed as a general-purpose AI chatbot — artistic, conversational, and customizable. Perplexity, then again, positions itself as an “reply engine” constructed for quick, correct, and sourced responses. It feels extra like a sensible, AI-powered different to Google than a basic chatbot.
• Interface expertise: ChatGPT appears 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 features), and built-in instruments like searching and picture technology, it creates a versatile house for creativity and problem-solving. Perplexity, then again, leans into its identification as a search-first software. Its interface resembles a analysis engine with a chat overlay optimized for quick, citation-rich responses. It additionally consists of options like Uncover for trending subjects and Areas to save lots of solutions, set up 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 a wide range 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 better flexibility and management.
• Quotation-first vs. chat-first: Perplexity at all times reveals sources. Citations are constructed into each reply. With ChatGPT, you’ll solely get sources when utilizing the net searching software (and even then, they’re much less outstanding.)
  
• Reminiscence and continuity: ChatGPT helps reminiscence throughout periods, which suggests it might probably bear in mind preferences, previous prompts, or context I’ve shared (tremendous helpful for ongoing workflows). Perplexity doesn’t have long-term reminiscence, not less than from what I’ve noticed. So, every session typically begins contemporary.

Perplexity and ChatGPT: The similarities

Regardless of the branding and options, they nonetheless have quite a bit in frequent with regards to getting stuff completed.

• Textual content technology: Each instruments are nice at producing clear, human-like responses to questions, prompts, and inventive 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 options. I’ve used each for every part 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 once I need quick solutions with out typing.
• Video Era: Each platforms now provide video technology capabilities, Perplexity by way of Veo 3, and ChatGPT by way of Sora. Whereas every takes a unique method in model and accessibility, each can remodel textual content prompts into brief movies, ranging in high quality from real looking scenes to extra narrative-driven storytelling.
• Multimodal capabilities: Every platform helps multimodal enter in numerous methods. ChatGPT lets me add photographs and have the mannequin describe, analyze, or interpret them. Perplexity isn’t natively constructed for picture technology, however it might probably extract insights from net visible content material and generate photographs 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 without spending a dime customers and as much as 4 information without delay. ChatGPT helps codecs like DOCX, PDF, TXT, PPTX, CSV, and XLSX (as much as 512MB every), with free customers once more restricted to a few uploads day by day.
• Net 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 provide a Deep Analysis function that pulls from a number of net sources to generate structured, in-depth studies. I’ve discovered it nice for tackling advanced subjects or multi-layered questions.
• Momentary chats and sharing: Each instruments assist momentary periods and make sharing straightforward. I typically share Perplexity threads by downloading them as PDFs or textual content information, whereas ChatGPT gives 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 may create a writing assistant that remembers my most popular model in a customized GPT, or a Perplexity Area targeted on monitoring inventory market information with particular sources. Each platforms make it straightforward 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 apply? Right here’s how I put them to the check.

Disclaimer: AI responses could fluctuate based mostly 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 overview 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 data 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

Straight away, I observed a distinction in how they approached the duty. Perplexity saved issues clear and direct. Its bullets have been brief, 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 overview knowledge, which was spectacular however went a bit overboard for a good abstract. It felt extra like a mini editorial than a TL; DR.

Whereas each have 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’d 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 recognized 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 fairly complete single immediate, asking for product descriptions, catchy taglines, social media posts for various platforms, e-mail topic traces to attract individuals in, and even a brief script for a video advert. Principally, the entire 9 yards of a advertising marketing campaign!

Each ChatGPT and Perplexity dealt with it very well. The outputs have been polished, different, and genuinely usable. Apparently, the concepts they got here up with have been fairly comparable throughout each instruments, which made the comparability really feel even fairer.

Perplexity’s output was sturdy. Its tone shifted properly between platforms — playful on Instagram, simple 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 preferred that it didn’t want a lot tweaking. I particularly appreciated how naturally it dealt with completely different codecs with out shedding 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 provided 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 completely different traits. The tone throughout codecs was constant, and I didn’t spot any weaknesses in its method.

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 may 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 process

Perplexity’s take was additionally sturdy. It constructed a unique form 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 strong nearer. It leaned barely extra summary, however I preferred 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 total? One other sturdy 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 with regards 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 software did precisely what it promised — no hiccups. Whilst a non-dev, I may perceive what the code was doing, and the general setup regarded polished sufficient to drop right into a newbie venture or a fast demo. I preferred that it had styled the UI additionally higher with the lock emoji and colourful buttons.

ChatGPT’s password generator

Perplexity, then again, produced a largely purposeful model, however the clipboard copy didn’t work. Which may appear to be a small element, nevertheless 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 just a little 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 may deal with one thing grounded and real looking: a inventory photograph of a small enterprise proprietor. It’s the form 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 value noting that Perplexity lets solely Professional customers generate photographs 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 the perfect total interpretation. The setting regarded like a comfy boutique, full with a mixture of merchandise — garments, equipment, and a heat, trendy vibe. It checked many of the packing containers in a balanced, visually clear approach.  

And given all of the current buzz round GPT-4o’s picture technology capabilities, with the ability to create every part from Ghibli-style artwork to ultra-realistic photographs, it actually delivered right here. The picture regarded 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 by way of the interface to truly discover the choice because it wasn’t entrance and middle like in ChatGPT. However as soon as I obtained there, the outcomes have been strong. The model generated by way of Flux leaned into the ambiance greater than element. It didn’t cowl each facet of the immediate, nevertheless it obtained 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 severe artisanal store vibes. Think twice stacked materials, stitching instruments, and a workspace that feels curated and genuine. If I have been selling a craft-focused small enterprise, this might be the one I’d attain for.

Picture generated with Perplexity

So, which software was higher? Truthfully, it will depend on what you’re prioritizing. ChatGPT was the perfect all-rounder, Flux delivered on vibe, and DALL·E 3 on product specificity. Totally different flavors, all spectacular — however ChatGPT positively 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 an alternative of a easy image, I gave them two distinct varieties of visuals: an infographic about AI adoption and a handwritten poem. And truthfully? Each instruments did surprisingly properly.

Perplexity provided clear summaries for each photographs, highlighting key traits within the infographic and decoding the poem’s visible parts with ease. It pulled out crucial percentages, provided insights about design decisions, and interpreted the poem with emotional nuance. No main pink flags there!

Perplexity’s response to my picture evaluation immediate

ChatGPT additionally did a strong. Nevertheless it 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 a brilliant 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 have been pretty evenly matched. I didn’t discover both lacking any vital observations or misinterpreting something. Each instruments demonstrated sturdy comprehension and interpretation expertise.

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

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

Winner: ChatGPT

7. File evaluation

For this process, 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 just a little above phrase rely however nonetheless not as a lot as Perplexity. 

ChatGPT’s response to the file evaluation process

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

Perplexity’s response to the file evaluation process

Winner? Discounting the phrase rely concern, 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. Information evaluation 

Information evaluation was subsequent. I supplied each with a CSV of U.S. ChatGPT search curiosity by subregion to see who may 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 form of element I didn’t get from ChatGPT, Gemini, and even DeepSeek. We’re speaking about statistical abstract with imply, median, and normal deviation, together with considerate observations underneath regional patterns.

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

Perplexity’s response to the info evaluation immediate

ChatGPT did positive — clear, readable, and correct. If I needed a fast scan, positive, 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 supply a 10-second scene of a younger girl in a pink 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 have been obvious. 

ChatGPT’s output on Sora, its video technology mannequin, was high-resolution and clean, nevertheless it lacked a robust sense of movement from the practice, and key immediate particulars just like the seen determine within the window and dramatic heat–chilly lighting distinction have 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 lady’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 provided technical polish, Perplexity’s model matched the immediate with better accuracy and required no post-processing — making it the stronger alternative for this process.

Winner: Perplexity

10. Actual-time net search

Within the subsequent process, I used to be curious to see how properly Perplexity and ChatGPT may 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 have been the tales contemporary (all dated throughout the previous few days), however the summaries have been concise, structured, and filled with context.

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

Perplexity, then again, took a extra analytical method. 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 packages. These have been positively insightful and sourced from credible publications like Nature, however they weren’t as “news-now” as what I obtained from ChatGPT. Some headlines felt extra like current analysis findings or product commentary than hot-off-the-press updates.

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

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

Winner: ChatGPT

AI assistants like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini observe real-time developments and spot traits, but additionally typically hallucinate within the course of. Take a look at our information on find out how to deal with AI hallucinations whereas utilizing it for analysis.

11. Deep analysis process

The ultimate process I designed was centered round what I consider is a very pivotal functionality for AI chatbots: deep analysis. The promise of those instruments to deal with advanced analysis questions and effectively analyze huge quantities of data is extremely thrilling.

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

Perplexity responded rapidly and packed its evaluation with up-to-date knowledge — 49 sources in whole. It nailed the numbers, cited current case research, and delivered a clear abstract with sturdy monetary context. The insights round tech hubs and valuation traits have been particularly sharp. That mentioned, it was extra of a straight knowledge 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, nevertheless 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 knowledge, 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 buyers.

ChatGPT’s Deep Analysis asking questions earlier than beginning

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

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

You’ll find each analysis studies 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 options information. Test it out!

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