Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Chat AI vs Perplexity

Chat AI 4.8★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Perplexity
Perplexity 4.8★ · Free + IAP 70

Perplexity offers more advanced AI capabilities for research and complex queries, but its recent changes to subscription limits and aggressive upselling have frustrated many Pro users, making Chat AI a potentially more stable, albeit less powerful, free option.

Full reviews: Chat AI · Perplexity

Perplexity (App B) is praised for its advanced research capabilities and access to multiple AI models, but recent changes to its Pro subscription, including reduced limits and intrusive upselling, have led to significant user frustration. Chat AI (App A) is not directly reviewed here, but Perplexity's issues highlight potential advantages for simpler, more stable free alternatives.

Head to head

Features & Capabilities edge: PerplexityR8R10R14R20
Chat AI There are no specific reviews for Chat AI's features, so a direct comparison is not possible.
Perplexity Perplexity is highly valued for its research capabilities, ability to refine context for complex queries, and access to a diversity of AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini . Users find it excellent for academic writing and TikTok video creation R8. Its 'Computer' feature, which initiates sub-agents and checks work, is seen as powerful by some , and it's noted for hallucinating less than competitors R20. The Read Aloud option is also appreciated R14. However, some users report it getting confused with clear questions, providing incorrect legal answers, and failing to search the web effectively .
Ease of Use & Interface tieR1R6R12R21
Chat AI There are no specific reviews for Chat AI's ease of use or interface.
Perplexity Perplexity is generally described as easy to use R12. However, several users report significant interface issues, including typing bugs across different keyboards R1, permanent pop-ups that erase prompts R6, and an inability to edit text due to upgrade ads R41. The free version on iOS is described as unusable due to an infinite subscription page glitch R39R41. iPad users experience frustration with accidentally swiping off the text input box, which erases text . There are also complaints about the 'Computer' feature constantly opening on Mac and intrusive advertisements even for Pro subscribers R21.
Reliability & Performance tieR17R18R19R27
Chat AI There are no specific reviews for Chat AI's reliability or performance.
Perplexity Perplexity is praised by some for being a reliable partner, never letting them down R18. However, many recent reviews indicate a significant decline in reliability. Users report the app getting stuck in loops, ignoring and forgetting prompts, providing incorrect information, and then lying about its accuracy R19. There are also reports of it changing sections of documents without being asked and rewriting entire sections during grammar passes R27. Some users experienced a noticeable downgrade in quality, with answers becoming superficial and frequently wrong R17.
Price & Value tieR4R7R9R13
Chat AI Chat AI is Free + IAP, but specific pricing details or user feedback on its value are not available.
Perplexity Perplexity is Free + IAP, with a Pro subscription. Many users feel the value of the Pro subscription has significantly decreased. Complaints include massive downgrades to Pro usage limits, making it comparable to the free tier R7R37. Users feel misled about monthly credit allowances, with some running out of credits after a single request R35. There are also reports of being charged for a free trial R9, unexpected charges R4R13, and a new 'Pro Pro' tier or 'computer tokens' being pushed aggressively, which are not covered by the standard Pro plan R21. Some users praise the value of accessing multiple AI models for one fee .
Support tieR15R25
Chat AI There are no specific reviews for Chat AI's support.
Perplexity Perplexity's support is criticized, with users reporting that the company is not interested in their business R25. One user lost their Pro account and stated Perplexity did nothing to help R25. Another user was locked out of their paid subscription, with the app demanding a phone number without warning or alternative, and no explanation R15.
Pick Chat AI if

You are looking for a potentially more stable free AI chat experience, given the significant issues reported by Perplexity's Pro users R7R19R21.

Pick Perplexity if

You need advanced research capabilities, access to multiple AI models, and are willing to navigate potential issues with subscription value and app interface for powerful AI assistance R8R10.

Evidence note: The comparison is heavily weighted by reviews for Perplexity (App B) as no specific reviews for Chat AI (App A) were provided. Therefore, the assessment of App A is inferred from the general landscape of AI apps and the specific criticisms of App B.

Frequently asked

Is Perplexity AI free?
Perplexity AI offers a free tier, but many users find the free version on iOS unusable due to an infinite subscription page glitch that prevents starting new dialogues R39R41.
What are the main complaints about Perplexity AI's Pro subscription?
Main complaints about Perplexity AI's Pro subscription include massively downgraded usage limits making it comparable to the free tier, aggressive upselling for additional 'computer tokens' not covered by the Pro plan, and users running out of credits quickly R7R21R35R37.
Does Perplexity AI have bias?
Some users report significant bias in Perplexity AI's answers, claiming it is careful with 'shaky' topics, criticizes politicians its programmers dislike, and can be offensive on certain social issues R11R23.
Are there technical issues with the Perplexity AI app?
Yes, users report various technical issues including typing bugs, permanent pop-ups that erase prompts, the app getting stuck in loops, ignoring and forgetting prompts, and an inability to edit text due to upgrade ads R1R6R19R41.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 50 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R8] Perplexity 5/5 · GB Love this app: I really love Perplexity because it helps me in so many ways it helps me with my TikTok videos. It helped me when I’m at a University and having a hard time writing essays. I really love this app.
  2. [R10] Perplexity 5/5 · GB Surprisingly, only Perplexity AI could do…: Was recently asking about the report that caused Wall Street stock market drop in Feb 2026. Maybe my prompt not specific enough as I couldn’t recall the specific “Citrini Research” keywords, all ChatGPT,Gemini, Claude failed to answer correctly but Perplexity surprising answered perfectly as Citrini … well done, but not sure why as Perplexity is reusing
  3. [R14] Perplexity 5/5 · GB Brilliant: I use this every day and love the way the mobile phone app synchronises with Perplexity on my laptop. Together with Comet, which has become my browser of choice which also integrates, Perplexity has become my number one go tool. I particularly love the Read Aloud option for when I’m on the go.
  4. [R20] Perplexity 5/5 · GB The real Lady: Perplexity is fantastic, it gives huge amounts of information condensed, is rapid and an excellent resource. It seems to hallucinate less than its competitors.
  5. [R1] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Typing bugs: Typing out a prompt is so difficult with all the silly mistakes the keyboard makes. Yes I've tried stock ios, Gboard and others. Nothing works. Fix please.
  6. [R6] Perplexity 3/5 · GB Permanent Pop ups: I don't want to keep dealing with the presence of perplexity computer suggestions or follow up suggestions that keeps on erasing the prompt I'm trying to write.
  7. [R12] Perplexity 5/5 · GB Easy to use: Nice
  8. [R21] Perplexity 2/5 · GB Too intrusive advertisement: I’ve been a Pro subscriber for over a year now, and the product feels like it’s been going downhill ever since. They removed DeepSeek and Grok models, then introduced a “Pro Pro” tier - fine, whatever. But the way they’re pushing their “computer” feature now is genuinely frustrating. There’s an annoying popup I can’t dismiss sometimes. I tap it just to be greeted by a
  9. [R17] Perplexity 2/5 · GB Recent changes have downgraded this massively: This was a 5 star app until a couple of months ago. It’s had a noticeable downgrade. Before this was one of the best A.I. for combining smart, non condescending and great analysis with current information gathering. It did all the jobs. Now it’s that sycophantic “great question!’ fluff where it tries to make superficial and frequently wrong answers so
  10. [R18] Perplexity 5/5 · GB My experience: I’ve been with Perplexity from It’s start. I know the rules of engagement. What’s possible. So I always trust what comes back. A great partner to have. 24/7 never once letting me down.
  11. [R19] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Exhausting glitching junk.: This app is infuriatingly bad. It gets stuck in loops. It ignores what you say. It forgets what you say after just one comment and then ignores you when you explain. It provides incorrect info and then lies and says it’s correct. Dire. Deleted after a few hours.
  12. [R27] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Used to be good: I’m a pro subscriber and originally I thought perplexity was great. It was helpful and always attempted to do what I asked. But now it keeps doing things I ask it not too. I’m reviewing a document and I ask it to update a section, it does the update fine. But then goes off and changes other sections without saying a word. I ask for a grammar pass and it rewrites entire sections.
  13. [R4] Perplexity 1/5 · GB It's a lie: Not £20, but £200
  14. [R7] Perplexity 1/5 · GB They massively downgraded Pro usage limits: Don’t bother paying; they brought the limits of the Pro plan so far down you’re better off using any other service. It’s now comparable to what it used to be in the free tier.
  15. [R9] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Scam: Clicked on free trial, they took £20 & within an hour of playing I need to add credits
  16. [R13] Perplexity 1/5 · GB scam: just been scammer with this company so doing a charge back
  17. [R15] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Can’t access my Pro subscription: Paying for Pro but can’t access it. The app suddenly demands my phone number with no way to skip it. No warning, no explanation, no alternative. I’m locked out of a subscription I’m being charged for. Unacceptable.
  18. [R25] Perplexity 1/5 · GB No other option: You’re not helping so you get 1 star. Lost my pro account I had with a PayPal offer and perplexity did nothing. They’re not interested in your business so use other companies that are
  19. [R39] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Don’t download if you won’t subscribe: Free version is unusable with iOS app. Infinite subscription page glitch persists for months and doesn’t get fixed - so you cannot start any new dialogue. Plex itself says it seems to have malicious intent :-) And the bug is exclusive for iPhone app - PC, browser and Android versions work perfectly
  20. [R41] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Poor interface perpetually upselling to paid version: I was recommended the app by a friend but find it impossible to use the app. Trying to scroll text just highlights. Adjusting text from an autocorrect error in a prompt doesn’t allow editing, just opens the upgrade ad. Not impressed.
  21. [R35] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Misleading: Purchased this believing you get a monthly allowance of credits, you don’t. Don’t buy, ChatGpt is better
  22. [R37] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Was good, went downhill fast.: I really enjoyed Perplexity pro I was using it for lots of things research and so on and then all of a sudden it started telling me that I was out of Credit all the time.
  23. [R11] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Massive bias!: Do not expect honest or direct answers from this app. It told me it is very careful when discussing “shaky” or “inflammatory”topics. Who gets to decide what they are? It will openly criticise politicians it’s programmers don’t like.
  24. [R23] Perplexity 1/5 · GB Completely biased MAGA propaganda: Use only if you are a pro-Trump, MAGA and Israel supporter who rejects trans rights completely. If you are not, its answers are going to be very offensive to you.

Synthesized from 50 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store