If you’ve ever Googled something and spent 10 minutes clicking through ad-filled websites trying to find a straight answer, Perplexity is about to change your life.
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that does what Google used to do well — give you a direct answer to your question. But instead of a list of blue links, Perplexity reads multiple sources, synthesises the information, and gives you a clear, cited answer in seconds. Every claim comes with numbered references so you can verify the sources yourself.
Think of it as having a research assistant who reads the internet for you and presents a summary with receipts.
What makes it great:
You can ask it anything from “What’s the best budget phone in Australia right now?” to “Explain quantum computing like I’m 12” and get a genuinely useful response. It handles follow-up questions naturally, so you can dig deeper without starting a new search. The Pro version ($20 USD/month) gives you access to more powerful models and deeper research capabilities, but the free version is surprisingly generous for everyday use.
Who it’s for:
Anyone who searches the internet. Seriously. Whether you’re a student researching an assignment, a professional looking for industry data, or someone who just wants a quick answer without wading through SEO spam, Perplexity delivers.
Where to get it:
Available as a web app at perplexity.ai, plus iOS and Android apps. There’s also a Chrome extension that can replace your default search.
The verdict:
Perplexity is one of those rare AI tools that you try once and immediately wonder how you lived without it. It’s the perfect entry point for anyone curious about AI but intimidated by tools like ChatGPT. No prompting skills required — just ask a question like you normally would.
Rating: 9/10
Why this matters for Australia: Perplexity is particularly useful for Australian users who are tired of Google results dominated by US-centric content. You can ask specifically Australian questions and get locally relevant answers. It’s also free to start, making it accessible for the many Australians who are still on the fence about AI tools.
Download: perplexity.ai | App Store | Google Play
