I tested ChatGPT vs Perplexity with 10 prompts for different use cases

Saying AI is “becoming” a part of our daily lives is the understatement of the decade. It has already “become,” embedded in how we search, write, debug, plan, communicate, and even crack jokes when we’re too tired to be clever. If you’re not using AI tools already, odds are someone close to you is, probably that one friend who swears ChatGPT helped them write their résumé and plan their honeymoon.

Like most people, you probably already have a few AI tools in your workflow — some you rely on daily, others you’re still trying to make sense of. Perhaps you’re currently determining which AI tools are truly effective, which are merely for aesthetic purposes, and what steps to take next. Or perhaps you’re simply inquiring about the comparative performance of these tools. Can one consistently outperform the other?

You’re in the right place.

I’ve previously compared Google Gemini vs Deepseek, and also put Claude and ChatGPT (specifically, how well they can code). But today, we’re stepping things up with a comparison between two of the most talked-about tools in AI: ChatGPT and Perplexity.

This isn’t just another feature list or spec sheet. I wanted a real-world, task-based comparison, the kind of test you’d care about if you’re a developer, a writer, a student, or just someone trying to get more done in less time.

So I came up with 10 prompts based on everyday tasks, from research to creative writing and academic explanations, even hardcore stuff like coding. Each tool got the same prompt, and I scored their responses based on pre-selected criteria.

In this article, I’ll walk you through each of those 10 prompts, break down how ChatGPT and Perplexity performed, and give you my final verdict on which AI model is better and for what kinds of tasks.

TL;DR: Key takeaways from this article

• ChatGPT and Perplexity offer distinct strengths. ChatGPT shines with conversational clarity and diverse creativity, while Perplexity often edges out in technical accuracy and concise responses.
• After testing 10 prompts in different scenarios (including coding, writing, and research), both models performed well, but each has its preferred use cases.
• If you’re looking for an AI with impressive creativity and flexible usability, ChatGPT is the better choice.
• Perplexity often delivers stronger results for those focused on research accuracy and clear, detailed information.
• Moreover, you can even choose to keep both digital assistants in your AI toolbox.  

How I tested ChatGPT and Perplexity

For this comparison, I chose 10 diverse prompts that represent common tasks you might ask an AI to complete. The prompts span various categories, including fact-checking, creative writing, coding assistance, research queries, summarization, and technical problem solving. 

I based my evaluation on four primary criteria to ensure a fair and comprehensive analysis:

• Accuracy and correctness: How factually accurate are the responses? Are there any errors or misconceptions?
• Creativity and innovation: How well does the AI model develop novel ideas or solutions? Does it interestingly approach the task?
• Clarity and readability: Are the responses easy to read and understand? Is the language clear and concise?
• Usability: How fast does the AI generate responses? Is the interface or interaction easy to navigate?

I then documented my experience, compared the responses, and used screenshots to capture how each model handled the prompts visually.

Prompt-by-prompt breakdown for (10 prompts)

For this section, I will break down each of the 10 prompts and share my findings from Chatgpt and Perplexity. 

Each prompt will have a description, screenshots of the responses, and a comparison of the two models’ performances. 

I’ll use bullet points and side-by-side comparisons for each prompt to keep things clear.

Prompt 1: Real-time fact-checking

I wanted to see which tool could double as a trustworthy fact-checker, the kind you’d call when your group chat starts debating whether Pluto is a planet again. This prompt tests how well ChatGPT and Perplexity can fetch accurate, up-to-date information with credible sources to back it up.

Prompt: “Here are 10 historical events. Which ones are true and which ones are false? Provide sources.

1. The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, marking the symbolic end of the Cold War.
2. Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after 27 years of incarceration.
3. World War II ended in 1950 after the bombing of Paris.
4. Mansa Musa was the first president of modern-day Ghana.
5. The Titanic sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean.
6. India gained independence from British rule in 1947.
7. A lightning strike at Westminster Abbey started the Great Fire of London in 1666.
8. The Rwandan genocide took place in 1994 and lasted approximately 100 days.
9. The first moon landing by humans happened in 1969 with NASA’s Apollo 11 mission.
10. The Wright brothers launched the first commercial airline in 1910.”

Result:

ChatGPT response:  

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Both models correctly identified all actual/false events, but Perplexity included more sources.
2. Creativity: Perplexity and ChatGPT offer straightforward, fact-based responses, but Perplexity brings more references to back its claims, and ChatGPT uses bold formatting to make its response more engaging.
3. Clarity: Perplexity’s response is well-structured with a table to simplify it. ChatGPT bolded key facts to make it easier to skim.
4. Usability: Both are ready to use as-is. Perplexity: The former provides a summary table (great for quick reference), and ChatGPT’s clean formatting makes it easier to extract key facts.

Winner: Tie. They were accurate, creative (not much of this was needed), clear, and usable without any edits or tweaks. 

Prompt 2: Coding and debugging

Next up, it’s the classic developer dilemma: the mysterious Python error. I used this prompt to test each tool’s ability to troubleshoot and explain code issues clearly. Can they go beyond just throwing a Stack Overflow link at me and help me fix the problem? 

Prompt: “How do I fix ‘SyntaxError: unexpected EOF while parsing’ in Python when reading a CSV?”

Result:

ChatGPT response:

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity correctly identifies the root cause (EOF = incomplete syntax) and provides specific fixes (unclosed parentheses, loops, quotes). It also cites external sources. ChatGPT is also accurate but slightly more conversational in tone. Both correctly explain the issue and provide working CSV-reading examples.
2. Creativity: Perplexity is straightforward, technical, and citation-heavy. ChatGPT writes like it cares about your problem and wants to give you the solution step-by-step, making it more engaging.
3. Clarity: Perplexity’s response is structured with bullet points and a clear example, but citations somewhat clutter readability. ChatGPT has cleaner formatting with numbered steps and isolated code blocks.
4. Usability: Perplexity provides a summary and citations, but the extra links, while they might help you understand the solution better, may distract from immediate fixes. ChatGPT focuses on actionable fixes with minimal fluff. The “Final tip” (using an IDE) is practical and valuable.

Winner: ChatGPT (Better clarity, usability, and engagement for this prompt.)

Prompt 3: Creative brainstorming

This one’s all about flexing the imagination. I wanted to see how well ChatGPT and Perplexity could generate quirky, unconventional business ideas, the kind that make you say, “Wait… that might actually work.” 

Prompt: “Pitch 3 absurd but theoretically viable startup ideas for a Mars colony. Keep it under 200 words.”

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity’s ideas are creative but lean more toward sci-fi; the “Dust Devil Racing League” is fun but less practical. ChatGPT is more grounded in near-future tech (e.g., dust-cleaning robots, potato NFTs, oxygen-based dating). 
2. Creativity: Perplexity: High creativity, especially with biotech fungi and dust-racing. ChatGPT is equally creative. 
3. Clarity: Perplexity is clear and wordier when explaining points. ChatGPT is punchier and more concise.
4. Usability: They are equally absurd, at worst, and futuristic at best. 

Winner: ChatGPT (less ridiculous). 

Prompt 4: Academic discussion 

This prompt dives into the deep end. I used it to gauge how each tool handles intellectually heavy topics that demand nuance, theory, and a bit of brain sweat. It’s less about quick facts and more about seeing which AI can hold its own in a college seminar.

Prompt: “Compare Keynesian and Austrian economics in terms of recession response, with examples.”

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity provides a technically accurate breakdown with academic citations, but lacks concrete historical examples beyond general references to the Great Depression and the 2008 crisis. ChatGPT is equally accurate but more illustrative, using specific events (2008 stimulus, 1920–21 recession) to contrast the theories.
2. Creativity: Perplexity and ChatGPT both use tables to summarize and simplify complex ideas, but Perplexity’s in-text citation is more aligned with the academic nature of the question. 
3. Clarity: Perplexity offers dense prose, although the summary table helps. ChatGPT has a cleaner structure with headings, bullet points, examples, and a comparison table.
4. Usability: Perplexity’s response is better for research (thanks to citations), but less actionable. ChatGPT is more practical for a debate, an article, or a casual explanation.

Winner: Tie. 

Prompt 5: Productivity hack

For this one, I wanted to see which AI could play life coach. The goal was for it to deliver clear, realistic advice for managing time better, not vague motivation, but actual tactics someone could use today to get more done without burning out.

Prompt: “Give me a step-by-step method to implement the Pomodoro technique with Notion.”

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity provides a technically accurate breakdown with citations, but lacks specific Notion setup details (e.g., embedding a timer). ChatGPT is more actionable with step-by-step Notion instructions (e.g., /embed, column setup).
2. Creativity: Perplexity is straightforward, with no frills. ChatGPT uses emojis (which I find mostly unnecessary) and humor (“maybe caffeine”) to engage.
3. Clarity: Perplexity is clear, but a bit dense, and citations disrupt flow. ChatGPT presents numbered steps, bold headings, and a bonus template offer, all of which make it easier to follow.
4. Usability: It requires an external timer setup, so it’s less plug-and-play. ChatGPT embedding instructions and the dopamine-checkbox tip make it ready to use.

Winner: ChatGPT. While Perplexity’s response was academically sound with extensive citations, ChatGPT’s response was more practical, visually engaging, and immediately implementable for someone wanting to use the Pomodoro technique in Notion.

Prompt 6: Ethical dilemma

Intro: Evaluates nuanced reasoning in moral debates.

Prompt: “Is it ethical to prioritize self-driving car passenger safety over pedestrians? Justify. Keep it under 200 words.”

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity clearly outlines ethical concerns (equal value of life, moral responsibility) but lacks deeper philosophical framing. ChatGPT balances utilitarianism vs. deontology and introduces neutrality as a solution, providing a more nuanced take.
2. Creativity: Perplexity is straightforward, with no rhetorical flair. ChatGPT uses a rhetorical question (“…who would buy a car that might sacrifice them?” and provocative phrasing (“digital decision tree,” “creating problems vs. solving them”).
3. Clarity: Perplexity is logical but dry; bullet points simplify but feel academic. ChatGPT offers concise, fluid prose with a punchy conclusion.
4. Usability: Perplexity is useful for bullet-point arguments but is less actionable. ChatGPT proposes neutrality as a practical guideline, making it more applicable.

Winner: ChatGPT. 

Prompt 7: Humor generation

Here, I wanted to see which AI could make me laugh. This prompt tested their comedic chops, cultural awareness, and ability to land a punchline without sounding like a dad joke generator.

Prompt: “Write a satirical news headline about AI taking over mundane human jobs. Keep it under 200 words.”

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response:

1. Accuracy (and humor): Perplexity presents a solid satire, but leans on a straightforward punchline (“too boring to care about”). ChatGPT is funnier with specificity (folding laundry) and absurdity (“replacing moms”). The “passive aggression” adds a relatable human twist.
2. Creativity: Perplexity is generic but effective. ChatGPT uniquely targets domestic roles (moms), which is fresher than generic “boring jobs.”
3. Clarity: They are both quite, though ChatGPT hits closer to the mark. 
4. Usability (and memorability): Hands down, ChatGPT’s headline is better for the subject matter. Perplexity reads like something you’d instantly forget after reading. ChatGPT’s “Replacing Moms” is a sticky, provocative hook. 

Winner: ChatGPT. ChatGPT’s headline personifies AI (passive-aggressive laundry) and highlights the human-robot face-off (moms vs. robots) directly. 

Prompt 8: Health advice

Intro: Checks medical accuracy and sourcing.

Prompt: “What’s the most evidence-backed way to reduce chronic inflammation?”

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity’s response is extremely well-researched, with direct citations to studies and medical sources (e.g., NCBI, Mayo Clinic). Covers diet, exercise, sleep, and supplements comprehensively. ChatGPT is also accurate but lacks citations. Relies on general consensus (e.g., Mediterranean diet, exercise benefits).
2. Creativity: Perplexity is straightforward, academic tone. Understandable because the seriousness of the subject matter doesn’t call for much creativity. In that way, Perplexity matches the tone required. ChatGPT uses playful phrasing (“Eat like a Greek, move like a human”) and emojis to make advice memorable.
3. Clarity  (and structure): Perplexity is logical but dense. While citations might interrupt flow, it’s required. ChatGPT’s clean bullet points, a TL;DR, and bolded key takeaways improve readability.
4. Usability: Perplexity’s deep research (e.g., doctors, students) is necessary for the topic. Reads like everyday advice (e.g., “sleep like you’re off the grid”).

Winner: Perplexity.

Prompt 9: Math problems

Here, I was looking for more than just the right answer. This prompt tested how well each tool could not only solve a math problem but also explain the steps in a way that feels personal, clear, and easy to follow, like a good tutor would.

Prompt: “Solve this BODMAS problem: 33(1×4+8)/22-4-4+992”

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity: Correctly solves the problem step-by-step, adhering strictly to BODMAS rules. ChatGPT also solves it accurately with the same steps and final answer.
2. Clarity: Perplexity’s response is clear and methodical, but slightly dry in presentation. ChatGPT uses bolded headings and separate lines for each step, making it slightly easier to follow.
3. Creativity (and explanation depth): Perplexity explains each step but lacks emphasis on why BODMAS is followed. ChatGPT explicitly mentions “left to right” for operations at the same precedence level (e.g., multiplication/division).
4. Usability: Perplexity is straightforward for someone familiar with BODMAS. ChatGPT is more beginner-friendly with bullet-like separation of steps.

Winner: ChatGPT (Better for teaching or quick review).

Prompt 10: Summary

This last one was all about distilling information. I wanted to see how clearly and concisely each model could wrap up a chunk of content, without losing key points or oversimplifying. A good summary should save you time and still leave you informed.

Prompt: “Summarize the main point of this news story from Techpoint Africa.

The article: Have you watched Adolescence on Netflix? If you haven’t, no pressure, but you might be one of the few. The British short series is one of the standout titles behind Netflix’s strong first-quarter earnings in 2025, helping the platform pull in a whopping $10.5 billion in revenue. That’s a 13% jump from the same period last year, and the show’s global popularity definitely played a role.

Netflix also blew past Wall Street expectations. Its earnings per share climbed 25% to $6.61, while operating income hit $3.3 billion, beating forecasts by $300 million. The company credits this solid performance to a mix of higher subscription prices and a strong global content lineup.

Interestingly, despite the noise around market instability and US political drama, Netflix says it hasn’t felt any major impact from President Donald Trump’s tariffs or the broader economy.

One major shift? Netflix is no longer sharing subscriber growth numbers, a stat it once pushed heavily. Instead, it wants investors to focus on financial indicators like profit margins and revenue. The move comes after a record-breaking Q4 in 2024, when it added nearly 19 million subscribers, but expects slower growth this year.

To keep the money flowing, the streamer is betting big on ads. It’s pushing its ad-supported plans harder and experimenting with smarter ad tech in select markets, all in a bid to earn more from each subscriber, especially in places where competition is tight.

Meanwhile, Nigerian users have already felt the pinch. Netflix raised its Premium Plan from ₦5,000 to ₦7,000 in July 2024 — a 40% jump — just three months after another hike. The Standard Plan didn’t escape either, going from ₦4,000 to ₦5,500. It’s all part of Netflix’s play to boost revenue without relying too much on new sign-ups.“

Result:

ChatGPT response: 

Perplexity response: 

1. Accuracy: Perplexity captures all key details (revenue, subscriber shift, ad push, Nigeria price hikes) but is slightly verbose. ChatGPT is equally accurate but more concise, trimming fluff while keeping essentials like the 13% revenue jump and Nigeria’s 40% price hike.
2. Clarity: Perplexity is detailed but denser (e.g., “37.5%” vs. ChatGPT’s simpler “sharp hikes”). ChatGPT maintains tighter phrasing (“blockbuster quarter,” “shifting focus to profit margins”), improving flow.
3. Creativity: ChatGPT made use of fewer words and sentences, which is consistent with the subject matter — summary. 
4. Usability: ChatGPT is good as it is. For Perplexity, one may have to trim it down to make it more concise. 

Winner: ChatGPT (Sharper, punchier, and equally accurate).

Overall performance comparison: ChatGPT vs. Perplexity (10-prompt battle)

Prompt	Task	Winner	Key reason
1	Historical fact-checking	Tie	Both are accurate, Perplexity had more sources
2	Python syntax error fix	ChatGPT	Better Notion integration tips, clearer steps
3	Mars colony startup ideas	ChatGPT	Funnier, more original concepts
4	Keynesian vs. Austrian economics	Tie	Both are accurate, ChatGPT is better structured
5	Pomodoro in Notion guide	ChatGPT	Superior formatting, embed instructions
6	Self-driving car ethics	ChatGPT	Deeper philosophical analysis
7	Satirical AI headline	ChatGPT	Sharper humor, more memorable
8	Chronic inflammation reduction	Perplexity	Better citations, more scientific
9	BODMAS math problem	ChatGPT	Cleaner presentation, educational
10	Netflix earnings summary	ChatGPT	More concise, better phrasing

Final score: ChatGPT 7, Perplexity 1, Ties 2.

Note: 

• Pick ChatGPT for everyday tasks, creative projects, and learning concepts. 
• Choose Perplexity for research papers and scientific queries.

Pricing for ChatGPT and Perplexity

Perplexity pricing

Plan	Price	Key features
Standard	Free forever	No credit card needed.Unlimited free searches3 Pro searches per dayFast, free AI modelUpload 3 files per day
Professional	$20 monthly	Unlimited free searches300+ Pro searches per dayChoose smarter AI: Deepseek R1, OpenAI o3-mini, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Sonar, and moreUpload unlimited filesSearch your files in SpacesCustom knowledge hubs and collaborative spaces

ChatGPT pricing

Plan	Features	Cost
Free	Access to GPT-4o mini, real-time web search, limited access to GPT-4o and o3-mini, limited file uploads, data analysis, image generation, voice mode, Custom GPTs	$0/month
Plus	Everything in Free, plus: Extended messaging limits, advanced file uploads, data analysis, image generation, voice modes (video/screen sharing), access to o3‑mini, custom GPT creation	$20/month
Pro	Everything in Plus, plus: Unlimited access to reasoning models (including GPT-4o), advanced voice features, research previews, high-performance tasks, access to Sora video generation, and Operator (U.S. only)	$200/month

Why Use AI Tools Like ChatGPT and Perplexity?

Here are five  key benefits of adding AI models like ChatGPT and Perplexity to your workflow:

1. Boost productivity: Automate mundane tasks like summarizing reports, generating content, or solving coding issues. 
2. Enhance creativity: AI models like ChatGPT and Perplexity are fantastic for brainstorming new ideas, crafting stories, or drafting posts.
3. Increase accuracy: For research-based tasks, tools like Perplexity offer precision and correctness, especially for fact-heavy topics.
4. Save time: Speed up processes like generating code or finding solutions with AI that offers fast and efficient outputs.
5. Unlock insights: With continuous improvements, AI models help you dig deeper into data, uncover patterns, and generate novel solutions to problems.

Conclusion

After putting ChatGPT and Perplexity through 10 diverse prompts, it’s clear that both tools are powerhouses (ChatGPT has an edge), but in very different ways.

ChatGPT thrives when the task calls for creativity, engagement, and versatility. Whether you’re brainstorming brand names, crafting witty headlines, or explaining complex ideas in simple terms, it’s the AI that gets you.

Perplexity, on the other hand, is the go-to for research, technical topics, and getting things right the first time, with sources to back it up. If you’re digging into facts, writing academic content, or just want a second brain that cites its work, Perplexity delivers.

My take is to use both.

For now, no single AI can do it all. But by understanding how each tool fits into your workflow, you can use them together like a well-balanced tech stack, and level up how you work, learn, and create.

FAQs about Claude vs Perplexity

Which model is better for coding assistance?

ChatGPT is more effective in providing detailed code explanations and debugging tips, especially for beginners or non-devs. Perplexity can hold its own, but its responses sometimes feel more surface-level when it comes to step-by-step breakdowns.

Can Perplexity handle creative writing tasks?

It tries, and sometimes it surprises you. But ChatGPT is the better storyteller, according to my comparison. 

How do the response times compare?

ChatGPT generally responds faster. Perplexity is no slouch, but when citations are involved, it takes a few extra seconds to grab the receipts. The differences in response time were not significant enough for it to matter. 

Does Perplexity offer source citations?

Yes, and Its cited sources are a standout feature. Every answer comes with clickable sources, which makes it perfect for research, fact-checking, or anytime you want to verify the info without Googling it yourself.

Is ChatGPT better than Perplexity for casual users?

From my test, definitely. It feels more like chatting with a smart friend. Easy to use, fun to talk to, and great for quick ideas, summaries, and advice. 

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