Perplexity AI has become one of the most popular AI platforms in recent times for its source-backed results.
The more users are joining this AI platform, the more their curiosity about its different versions have been increasing.
Perplexity AI presents both free and paid versions, which suit different user requirements and provide the best results possible.
In this growing era of artificial intelligence, Perplexity AI is one of the AI platforms gaining rapid popularity. This AI platform is gaining traction as a leading conversational AI platform, primarily because of its real-time, web-grounded responses with authentic source citations. Proper source citation gains user trust.
For developers and AI enthusiasts who are willing to integrate Perplexity’s powerful models into their own apps, tools, or workflows, the Perplexity AI API provides a flexible choice. Therefore, whether one is looking for a free version or wants to go for a more trusted Pro subscription, here’s how things work.
Generally, users go for free use, but for those who want a direct and reliable way to use the Perplexity AI API, choosing a Pro Plan is the most reliable method. The most direct and reliable way to use the Perplexity AI API is by subscribing to a Perplexity Pro plan. Below are the steps to get started:
Upgrade to Pro and Generate Your API Key: The first step includes creating a Perplexity AI account and upgrading it to a Pro subscription. This method requires users to register a credit card or PayPal account. Once the payment is done, the subscription is confirmed. Now, go to the API Settings and generate a new API key. Perplexity will generate a 12-14 character alphanumeric key. Treat it like a password and don’t share it publicly. This key will authenticate users’ API requests.
Choose the Right Model for Your Use Case: Perplexity has different models to suit different user tastes. For example, Online Search Models are great for answers that require real-time web information. Offline Chat Models offer conversational AI responses. Finally, Deep Research Models provide users with research-oriented answers. So, one must select a model based on what they are looking for.
Making Your First API Call: One can interact with Perplexity using different programming languages. Here’s how to interact with it with Curl:
-X POST <https://api.perplexity.ai/chat/completions> \\\\
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_PERPLEXITY_API_KEY" \\\\
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \\\\
-d '{
"model": "sonar-medium-online",
"messages": [
{
"role": "system",
"content": "Be precise and concise."
},
{
"role": "user",
"content": "What are the main benefits of using the Perplexity AI API?"
}
],
"max_tokens": 500,
"temperature": 0.7
}'
Similarly, one can interact with the Perplexity AI API using Python. Now, it’s time to check the free method of using the AI tool.
The pro subscription is great for sure, but the main problem is it doesn’t suit everyone. So, for those who aren’t ready to pay for the subscription, here are the ways to use this AI tool for free:
Register for Free and Get API Key: The method is straightforward. Visit the official Perplexity API website and navigate to the registration page. Now, create an account using an email address and set up a password. Now, log in to the account and go to the API Key section to generate the key. This comes with terms and conditions. The most important part is that this API Key has limitations.
Use Third-Party API Gateways like OpenRouter: The next method one can go for is third-party platforms like OpenRouter. This platform works as an aggregator to provide access to multiple LLM models, including Perplexity AI. Therefore, using OpenRouter, one can access Perplexity models with a single API key. However, OpenRouter charges based on the services it provides.
Referral Programs and Promotional Offers: The final way to access Perplexity AI API for free is through promotional offers. This AI platform often collaborates with renowned brands like Samsung and Xfinity to offer free Pro subscriptions through promotions and referral campaigns. Sometimes, there are free Student Access or limited-time Pro trials to attract users.
Perplexity AI’s increasing popularity brings more users to try different models of this AI platform. Whether one has a Pro subscription or free, third-party access, Perplexity AI has numerous powerful toolsets to offer to developers and students to improve their skills.
Whether one will take the subscription or not depends on the requirement. If the task requires advanced models, subscription models will suit it best. On the contrary, for students and developers with budget issues, free access through third-party platforms will solve troubles. Whichever method one chooses, it’s important to note the use limit to get a smooth experience.
1. State the main differences between the free and Pro versions of Perplexity AI?
Ans: The Pro version offers more searches, advanced AI models, file uploads, and extra features not available in the free version.
2. How many searches can I perform daily on the free version of Perplexity AI?
Ans: The free version has a limited number of daily searches, around 100 queries every day. One must wait or upgrade if they reach the cap.
3. What additional features do I get with a Pro subscription?
Ans: Pro users get image generation, file analysis, API credits, and the ability to choose between multiple AI models.
4. Is the free version of Perplexity AI sufficient for academic or professional research?
Ans: The free version is good for basic queries, but Pro is recommended for in-depth academic or professional research.
5. How much does Perplexity Pro cost? What’s the renewal policies?
Ans: Perplexity Pro usually costs around US$20 per month with no hidden fees. However users should check for auto-renewal terms.