Perplexity vs ChatGPT: Why You Should Use Both

Michele Biaso
Sep 12
4 min read

AI tools are everywhere right now. Most of them are distractions.

In this series, I share the tools I actually use in my daily flow as an agency owner, content creator, AI educator, and all the other hats I wear.

So, the question I get asked a lot is: ChatGPT vs. Perplexity — which one is better?

Two phones, one showing Perplexity and another showing ChatGPT.

My answer is always the same: you should absolutely use both.

Why I Start with Perplexity

When I need to go deep on a subject, see what is current, or make sure I am not working off outdated information, I start with Perplexity.

It searches live data, pulls the most relevant results, and shows me the sources behind every answer. That means I can fact-check, validate, and build on a foundation I can trust.

Perplexity is not a writing tool and it is not built for creativity. That is why I always recommend using it alongside ChatGPT for content.

Where ChatGPT Fits

ChatGPT is where I create. Blogs, newsletters, captions, and scripts are where it shines. This is the tool I use to shape research into something my audience will actually want to read.

Because I have trained ChatGPT on my voice, my audience, and my goals, it has become my go-to for anything creative. But here is the truth: ChatGPT hallucinates. (Yes, that is the actual term.) I even wrote a full blog and shared my personal prompt on how to avoid AI hallucinations.

ChatGPT 5 may be the worst yet when it comes to hallucinations, which is why I lean on Perplexity even more.

My ChatGPT & Perplexity Workflow

Here is how I combine the two:

I start in Perplexity for accuracy, details, and background.
I move into ChatGPT for clarity and voice.
Before publishing, I circle back to Perplexity to check that nothing has changed.

Perplexity can hallucinate too, but it happens less often and the research goes deeper.

That difference matters more than most people realize.

Why It Matters for Search

Search is shifting fast. Google is rewriting results. AI tools are becoming search destinations on their own. Weak content is filtered out. Outdated or generic content is ignored. Accuracy is no longer optional, and neither is sounding human.

That is why I recommend using both. Perplexity keeps me aligned with the truth.

ChatGPT makes that truth something my audience can connect with. One without the other leaves a gap, and in 2025, those gaps are exactly what get you buried.

The Bottom Line

I have trained both models, optimized my folders in ChatGPT, and built out my Spaces in Perplexity. I use AI correctly. Most people do not. Even advanced users who have come to me for help often leave realizing they were doing it wrong.

There is too much misinformation out there. Too many people claiming to be experts while spreading advice that can wreck your content or your brand.

Want to try Perplexity for free? This link gets you a month free of the paid version: Perplexity.ai. You can absolutely use the free one, but the paid version gives you unlimited searches, access to Pro models, faster responses, and deeper research options.

If you want to learn how to use these tools the right way, join my newsletter, check out my AI training options, or connect with me on TikTok or LinkedIn.

About the Author

Michele Biaso is President and CEO of Imagine Social Media and founder of the Girl’s Guide to AI. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and AI strategy, Michele helps businesses leverage technology and social media for sustainable growth and standout branding. Connect with her on TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram.

What is Perplexity used for?

Perplexity is best for research. It searches live data, pulls the most current results, and shows sources so you can fact-check and go deeper without scrolling through endless links.

Is Perplexity better than ChatGPT for research?

Yes. Perplexity is designed for accuracy and live answers, while ChatGPT is designed for creating and shaping content. I use Perplexity to gather facts and ChatGPT to turn those facts into blogs, captions, or scripts.

Can Perplexity replace Google search?

For many people, yes. Perplexity delivers direct answers with citations, which makes it faster and clearer than traditional search. I still use Google at times, but Perplexity has become my first stop for research.

Does ChatGPT hallucinate more than Perplexity?

It does. ChatGPT is a language model, so it can sound confident while being wrong. Perplexity can also hallucinate, but it happens less often and you can see where the information came from before trusting it.

Should I use the free or paid version of Perplexity?

The free version works well. The paid version unlocks unlimited searches, access to Pro models, and deeper research. If you rely on it daily, the upgrade is worth it.

Why should I use Perplexity and ChatGPT together?

Perplexity keeps your work accurate. ChatGPT makes that work sound human and aligned with your voice. Using both protects credibility and visibility. One without the other leaves a gap that search engines and audiences will notice.