Side-by-side comparison
Grok vs Perplexity
Plans, free tiers and API access for Grok and Perplexity, from each vendor's own pages. Last checked Oct 5, 2026.
The short answer
- Perplexity has the lower entry price at $20/mo, against $30/mo for Grok.
- Both Grok and Perplexity have an ongoing free plan.
Pricing and features
- SuperGrok$30/mo
- Pro$20/mo
- Max$200/mo
How to choose
Perplexity is priced across two paid levels: Pro at $20 per month ($16.67 billed annually) and Max at $200 per month ($167 billed annually). Grok has one priced plan, SuperGrok, at $30 per month, or $25 per month billed annually, with per-plan limits not confirmed. Free tiers differ in shape: Perplexity gives standard search and a limited number of Pro searches, while Grok gives limited daily queries on base models. Perplexity is built for cited answers grounded in the web, aimed at researchers. Grok is pitched on live web and X data. Both API options are separate, pay as you go, with Perplexity using credits and xAI using token pricing.
- Grok: You want live web and X data in an assistant and accept a $30 monthly price, or $25 per month on an annual plan.
- Perplexity: You want citations alongside web answers for research, and a $20 starting price that falls to $16.67 monthly with annual billing.
- Either: You are happy with a free tier for light use and do not need a paid plan yet.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, Grok or Perplexity?
Perplexity has the lower starting price ($20/mo versus $30/mo). Compare plans before choosing, since limits differ.
Is Grok free?
Free plan. Limited daily queries on base Grok models
Is Perplexity free?
Free plan. Free plan with standard search and a limited number of Pro searches