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Compare the details that matter to your task. Unknown information is shown openly; always verify current pricing and access with the provider.
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| What matters | ✨ Google Gemini | 🔮 Perplexity |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Google's AI assistant for writing, planning, research and multimodal tasks. Free with a Google Account; paid Google AI plans start at $4.99 a month. | AI search and research assistant that returns source-linked answers, with free and paid research options. |
| Best for | Everyday writing, planning, and multimodal assistance | Source-linked web research and questions |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Free-plan limits | Free is $0 with a Google Account. Since 9 October 2026 free users start on Auto, where most prompts use Flash-Lite and harder ones may go to Flash or Pro. Google publishes no number of free prompts: limits depend on prompt complexity, models, features and chat length, and refresh every 5 hours up to a weekly limit. Plus is listed at 2x Free usage ($4.99/month), Pro at 4x ($19.99/month) and Ultra from $99.99/month. Limits may change without notice. | Standard (free): 3 Pro Searches per day, 1 research query per month, practically unlimited basic searches, limited file uploads; no advanced AI models, file/app creation, image generation or Comet Assistant queries. API is pay-as-you-go with no complimentary credits. |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Key capabilities | Writing assistance Planning and brainstorming Multimodal questions Google AI subscription upgrades | Source-linked answers Web search Research tools Model choice on eligible plans |
| Strengths | A real free plan with image generation and editing, Deep Research, Gemini Live, Canvas and Gems Conversational revisions let you state what should change next Paid plans bundle storage and Google app features, with clear multiples of the free usage | Source-linked answers make the verification trail easier to inspect. |
| Limitations | Since 9 October 2026 free users mostly get the Flash-Lite model; harder prompts may go to Flash or Pro Google publishes no number of free prompts; limits are compute-based and can change without notice Image availability and controls depend on the current account; identity fidelity is not guaranteed | Standard is free with basic access and limited advanced usage. Paid plans increase research and model allowances; API usage is billed separately. Citations are starting points: a real URL can still support a different claim. |
| No signup required | Not verified | Not verified |
| No credit card required | Not verified | Not verified |
| Open source | Not verified | Not verified |
| Free trial | Not verified | Not verified |
| Access details reviewed | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-06 |
| Official pricing / source | Check pricingAccess source | Check pricingAccess source |
| Next step | Explore Google Gemini | Explore Perplexity |