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Tuesday, 28 July 2026

🧰 The AI Toolbox #2: Perplexity AI – Could This Be Better Than Google?

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Label: AI Toolbox

When most people think of AI, they think of ChatGPT.

But there’s another AI tool that’s quietly gaining a reputation for doing something many of us do every day—searching for information.

It’s called Perplexity AI.

Some people even describe it as “Google with an AI brain.”

So, is it really that good?

Let’s find out.


⭐ Quick Verdict

Best for: Research, fact-finding and learning.

Free version: Yes.

Beginner friendly: Yes.

Would I recommend it? Definitely worth trying.


What is Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI is an AI-powered search and research assistant.

Instead of giving you a long list of websites like a traditional search engine, it tries to answer your question directly while showing the sources it used.

That means you can often see where the information came from, making it easier to check the facts yourself.


Why was it created?

Searching the internet can be frustrating.

You type a question into a search engine, open five or six websites, close half of them because they’re full of adverts, and still don’t have the answer you need.

Perplexity AI was designed to reduce that frustration.

Its goal is to help people find reliable information more quickly by combining AI-generated answers with links to supporting sources.


How is it different from ChatGPT?

This is where things get interesting.

ChatGPT feels like having a conversation with a knowledgeable assistant.

Perplexity AI feels more like working with a research librarian who not only answers your question but also points you towards the books and articles it used.

If your main goal is researching a topic or checking facts, Perplexity has a real advantage.

If you want help writing, brainstorming ideas or creating content, ChatGPT is usually the stronger choice.

Personally, I think they complement each other rather than compete with each other.


What impressed me?

✔ It provides source links.

✔ It summarises information clearly.

✔ It’s easy to use.

✔ It’s excellent for researching unfamiliar topics.

✔ It helps reduce the time spent opening multiple websites.


Where does it fall short?

No AI tool is perfect.

Perplexity can occasionally miss important context or summarise information too briefly.

Like every AI assistant, it can also make mistakes, so it’s still important to verify important information yourself.


Who should use Perplexity AI?

I think it’s particularly useful for:

  • Students researching assignments.
  • Bloggers looking for reliable background information.
  • Small business owners researching competitors or markets.
  • Job seekers learning about companies before interviews.
  • Anyone who enjoys learning something new.


Can it help you make money?

Indirectly, yes.

Perplexity won’t make money for you.

However, it can save hours of research, helping freelancers, writers, marketers and business owners work more efficiently.

Time saved is often money earned.


The Striv Verdict

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5

Ease of use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Research: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Money-making potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Would I use it again? Absolutely.


Chet’s Corner

One thing I’m learning on my AI journey is that no single AI tool does everything perfectly.

ChatGPT helps me write, brainstorm ideas and organise my thoughts.

Perplexity AI helps me research topics and understand where information comes from.

For me, it’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about knowing when to use each one.

That’s what this series is all about.


Final Thoughts

Perplexity AI may not be as famous as ChatGPT, but it deserves attention.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to ask questions, learn new things and understand where information comes from, it’s well worth adding to your AI toolbox.

Next week in The AI Toolbox, I’ll be reviewing another AI tool to help you decide whether it’s worth your time.


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