Curious about the connection between Perplexity AI and OpenAI's ChatGPT? This article breaks down does Perplexity uses ChatGPT, the technology stack behind it, and how it compares with other AI tools. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or researching the best AI assistant for search, this deep dive will clarify everything.
Does Perplexity Use ChatGPT? A Quick Overview
If you've ever used Perplexity AI and wondered, "Does Perplexity use ChatGPT under the hood?" — you're not alone. The short answer is: yes, but not exclusively. Perplexity AI leverages models developed by OpenAI, including various versions of ChatGPT like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4. However, it also integrates other large language models (LLMs) such as Claude by Anthropic and Mixtral, depending on the user's settings or subscription level.
? TL;DR: Yes, Perplexity AI does use ChatGPT, but it also supports Claude and other LLMs through its "Pro Search" feature.
How Perplexity AI Uses ChatGPT: Technical Breakdown
Perplexity AI integrates OpenAI's ChatGPT (primarily GPT-3.5 and GPT-4-turbo) through its Pro plan or when you choose the default model. The platform is not built on ChatGPT alone—it’s an AI-powered search and question-answering assistant that enhances answers with cited sources. Here's how the integration works:
LLM Backend: Perplexity AI sends your query to an LLM such as ChatGPT or Claude
Search Layer: It queries the web to gather contextually relevant information
Answer Generator: The LLM processes this data and generates a human-like, source-cited response
Not Just ChatGPT: Other LLMs Used by Perplexity
While many users associate Perplexity AI with OpenAI, the platform has expanded to support multiple LLMs, especially for users on its Pro tier. These include:
Claude 3 Opus and Sonnet (by Anthropic)
Mixtral (by Mistral AI)
Command R+ (by Cohere)
?? Partnered APIs
Perplexity AI partners with OpenAI to access ChatGPT via licensed API use, primarily GPT-4-turbo.
?? Web-Enhanced Responses
Unlike ChatGPT’s default mode, Perplexity augments answers using live web data with real-time citations.
Why Use Perplexity Instead of ChatGPT Directly?
Although ChatGPT is powerful on its own, Perplexity AI offers unique advantages that appeal to users who need accurate, up-to-date, and verifiable answers. These include:
Source Citations: Every answer comes with clickable references
No Hallucinations (Mostly): Perplexity reduces AI hallucinations through web-verified facts
Pro Search: Allows users to pick between ChatGPT, Claude, and other models
Comparing Perplexity vs ChatGPT: Core Differences
| Feature | Perplexity AI | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| LLM Used | ChatGPT, Claude, Mixtral, etc. | OpenAI's GPT-4/GPT-3.5 only |
| Web Access | Real-time web browsing | Only in Pro (with browsing enabled) |
| Source Citations | Yes, automatic with every answer | No (unless plugins or manual citation) |
| Free Usage | Yes, with limitations | Yes, the basic version is free |
How to Check Which Model Perplexity Is Using
In the Pro Search mode of Perplexity AI, users can see a dropdown model selector where they can pick ChatGPT, Claude, or others. If you're on the free tier, Perplexity typically defaults to GPT-3.5.
Tip for Users
Look for the model tag like Powered by GPT-4 or Using Claude 3 at the top of the chat interface. This lets you confirm if Perplexity is currently using ChatGPT to answer your query.
Industry Reactions and User Feedback
"Perplexity feels like a Google-ChatGPT hybrid — it gives me the source and the summary at once!"
– Tech Blogger @NerdyResearch
@LLMWatch: "Want ChatGPT with footnotes? Perplexity AI is your best bet."
Final Thoughts: Is Perplexity AI Just ChatGPT in Disguise?
Not quite. Perplexity AI *does use ChatGPT*, but it’s more than just a ChatGPT shell. It's a multi-model AI research assistant designed for transparency, citation, and real-time search integration. For users who value up-to-date answers with source verification, it offers a more research-driven experience than ChatGPT alone.
Key Takeaways
? Perplexity AI uses OpenAI's ChatGPT (GPT-4-turbo) among other models
? It also supports Claude, Mixtral, and Command R+ for flexible LLM use
? Ideal for research tasks requiring sources and real-time info
? Great free option with Pro upgrades for multi-model access
Learn more about Perplexity AI