The landscape of AI-powered research just became even more competitive with the launch of Perplexity’s Deep Research. Previously, OpenAI and Google Gemini were leading the way in this space, and now Perplexity has joined the ranks. What does this mean for users? Those who leverage these technologies effectively will find their work becoming faster, more accurate, and more efficient than those who don’t. Let’s explore Perplexity Deep Research and see how it stacks up against OpenAI and Gemini!
Table of contents
What is Perplexity Deep Research?
Deep Research is an advanced AI-driven tool that, upon receiving a user’s query, executes numerous searches, reviews a vast array of sources, and synthesizes the gathered information into a coherent and detailed report. This process, which typically completes in under three minutes, emulates the meticulous approach of a human researcher, thereby expediting tasks that would otherwise require extensive manual effort.
Cost of Perplexity Deep Research
In line with its mission to democratize access to powerful research tools, Perplexity AI offers Deep Research free of charge. Non-subscribers can utilize the tool for up to five queries daily, while Pro subscribers ($20 / month) benefit from an expanded limit of 500 queries per day. Currently accessible via the web, Deep Research is slated for imminent release on iOS, Android, and Mac platforms.
How Does It Work?
Deep Research enhances Perplexity’s existing capabilities by dedicating approximately 2-4 minutes to perform tasks that would take human experts several hours. The process involves:
- Iterative Research and Reasoning: The tool conducts multiple searches, evaluates documents, and refines its research strategy as it delves deeper into the subject matter, mirroring the iterative process of human inquiry.
- Comprehensive Report Generation: After thoroughly assessing the source materials, Deep Research compiles a clear and detailed report, which users can export as a PDF or share as a Perplexity Page.
Also Read: OpenAI vs Google: Who Does Deep Research Better?
Perplexity Deep Research vs Competitors
Deep Research has demonstrated impressive performance metrics, achieving a 21.1% accuracy score on Humanity’s Last Exam – a comprehensive benchmark comprising over 3,000 questions across more than 100 subjects. This score surpasses those of several leading models, including Gemini Thinking and DeepSeek-R1.
How to Access?
To experience Deep Research, users can visit perplexity.ai and select “Deep Research” from the mode options in the search box. This intuitive interface allows users to seamlessly integrate advanced research capabilities into their workflow.
Perplexity AI’s Deep Research stands poised to redefine the landscape of AI-assisted research, offering users an efficient and accessible means to obtain expert-level insights across a multitude of topics.
Perplexity vs OpenAI vs Google
| Feature | Perplexity Deep Research | OpenAI Deep Research | Google Gemini Deep Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | February 2025 | February 2, 2025 | December 11, 2024 |
| Pricing | Free with limited queries; $20/month for Pro with 500 daily queries | $200/month for 100 queries | $20/month (Gemini Advanced) |
| Processing Time | Under 3 minutes per task | 5–30 minutes per query | Typically under 15 minutes |
| Accuracy (Humanity’s Last Exam) | 20.5% | Higher than 20.5% | 6.2% |
| Availability | Web; upcoming on iOS, Android, Mac | U.S. only; expanding soon | Global via Gemini web app (English-only) |
Comparing with a Prompt
Prompt: “Help me find iOS and android adoption rates, % who want to learn another language, and change in mobile penetration, over the past 5 years, for top 10 developed and top 10 developing countries by GDP. Lay this info out in a formatted report, a table on metrics, and include recommendations on markets to target for a new translation app from ChatGPT, focusing on markets ChatGPT could better expand into.”
Perplexity Deep Research
OpenAI Deep Research
Google Gemini Deep Research
Observation
| Parameter | Perplexity Deep Research | Gemini Deep Research | OpenAI Deep Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Methodology |
– Executes multiple searches quickly. – Conducts basic source analysis. – Recognizes the need for metrics like mobile penetration and language learning interest, but data is incomplete. |
– Systematic and thorough. – Provides a detailed “Research Methodology” section with source citations. – Begins with a plan that becomes somewhat static as research progresses. |
– Highly iterative and dynamic. – Uses live data extraction, cross‑checking, and annotations. – Transparent, real‑time research process that adapts throughout the analysis. |
| Research Time | ~3 minutes | ~6 minutes | ~11 minutes |
| Depth of Analysis |
– Offers preliminary insights. – Lacks complete data on key metrics, limiting overall depth. |
– Provides an in‑depth analysis with extensive resource review. – Delivers well‑structured narrative and detailed summary tables. |
– Delivers very deep, comprehensive analysis. – Includes trend analysis, visualizations, and strategic recommendations with layered insights. |
| Interface & Visual Features |
– Straightforward text‑based report with formatted tables. – Minimal interactive visuals. |
– Well‑formatted written report with structured headings and summary tables. – Static interface without real‑time interactivity. |
– Dynamic interface featuring interactive charts, graphs, and real‑time updates. – Offers live visual feedback during the research process. |
| Tools & Supporting Features |
– Uses basic report generation tools. – Lacks advanced integrated visual or annotation tools. |
– Leverages robust web search and document synthesis tools. – Provides comprehensive citations and supporting data references. |
– Integrates advanced charting, annotation, and live data extraction tools. – Offers enhanced transparency through real‑time updates and detailed source verification. |
| Output Structure & Clarity |
– Organized report with clearly divided sections and tables. – However, missing key data points (e.g., mobile penetration changes and language learning interest) reduce overall clarity. |
– Clearly organized report with explicit figures, structured sections, and detailed citations. – Enables easy review and cross‑verification of data sources. |
– Multi‑layered, well‑structured output that follows a logical flow from data extraction to insights. – Includes direct citations, dynamic visual elements, and clear strategic recommendations. |
| Recommended Use Case | Ideal for quick, preliminary analyses when rapid turnaround is a priority, though not ideal for comprehensive market analysis due to incomplete data on certain metrics. | Ideal for strategic planning that requires a detailed static report with clear methodology and comprehensive data citation for informed decision‑making. | Ideal for decision‑makers and analysts who need a highly comprehensive, transparent, and dynamic research process, with in‑depth analysis and strategic insights despite a longer research time. |
Verdict
While Perplexity offers a fast turnaround, its report is incomplete on key metrics. Gemini provides a well-organized and thorough static report, but OpenAI’s Deep Research is preferred for its comprehensive, transparent, and dynamic approach that delivers in‑depth insights and strategic recommendations, making it best suited for critical decision‑making.
Also Read: Build a Deep Research Agent: $1 Alternative to $200 OpenAI’s Tool
End Note
The launch of Deep Research signals a significant shift in how research can be conducted, democratizing access to powerful research tools and potentially transforming various industries that rely on in-depth analysis and research. This development represents a notable advancement in AI-assisted research capabilities, making professional-grade research tools accessible to a broader audience while maintaining high standards of accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Stay updated with the latest happenings of the AI world with Analytics Vidhya News!
Hello, I am Nitika, a tech-savvy Content Creator and Marketer. Creativity and learning new things come naturally to me. I have expertise in creating result-driven content strategies. I am well versed in SEO Management, Keyword Operations, Web Content Writing, Communication, Content Strategy, Editing, and Writing.
Free Courses
