Ranked · best AI search engine
We scored 3 ai search on ease of use, value for money, performance and popularity. Perplexity leads on 4.6 out of 5; the category averages 4.3.
| # | Tool | Star score | Ease | Value | Performance | Price | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perplexity | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.6 | $20/mo | |
| 2 | Consensus | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | $12/mo | |
| 3 | You.com | ★★★★☆ 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.2 | $20/mo |
Perplexity AI · Beginner · $20/month
An answer engine that cites its sources, with Deep Research reports and focus modes for academic work.
Consensus · Intermediate · $12/month
Search engine over peer-reviewed research papers with consensus meters and study summaries.
You.com · Intermediate · $20/month
Multi-model AI search workspace where you can switch between frontier models and custom agents.