Best
The automatic option in Search. It picks a suitable model for each question. Not a separate model.
In short
Start with Best; choose a model when it matters
Free users get Best, which picks a model automatically. Pro adds a choice of eight models, including Sonar 2, GPT-5.6 Terra, Claude Sonnet 5, Gemini 3.7 Flash and Grok 4.6. Max adds GPT-5.6 Sol and Claude Opus 5, plus Model Council to consult several models at once. Turn on Thinking for hard, multi-step questions. Deep Research picks its own models.
Availability
Perplexity models by plan
Search models listed in Perplexity’s help center as of 4 September 2026. Enterprise Pro and Enterprise Max get the full list.
Show
| Model | Maker | Free | Pro | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonar 2Perplexity’s own | Perplexity | Best only | ✓ | ✓ |
| GPT-5.6 Terra | OpenAI | Best only | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gemini 3.7 Flash | Best only | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Claude Sonnet 5 | Anthropic | Best only | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kimi K3 | Moonshot AI | Best only | ✓ | ✓ |
| GLM 5.3 | Z.ai | Best only | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grok 4.6 | xAI | Best only | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nemotron 3 Ultra | NVIDIA | Best only | ✓ | ✓ |
| GPT-5.6 SolMax only | OpenAI | Best only | — | ✓ |
| Claude Opus 5Max only | Anthropic | Best only | — | ✓ |
Showing all 10 models
Models change often, and your plan, region or a staged rollout can affect what you see. The model selector in your account is always the source of truth. Source: Perplexity Help Center.
Options
Best, Thinking, Model Council and more
Thinking
Gives the model more time to reason. Use it for complex reasoning, planning, coding or multi-step analysis; answers take longer.
Model Council
Consult several models at once for research, complex decisions or verification, with a combined answer.
Deep Research
Chooses its own models; you can’t pick one. Deep Research guide.
Comet and Computer
Comet and Perplexity Computer have their own model selectors and rules; Computer tasks use credits. Computer guide.
Which model should I use for my task?
Choose your task and plan. Suggestions follow Perplexity’s own guidance, plus common user preferences.
Step by step
How to change the AI model in Perplexity
Pro and Max only. Labels and positions can differ between the website and apps.
- Open the search boxOn perplexity.ai or in the app, start a new question in Search.
- Open the model selectorClick the model name in the search box (it shows Best by default).
- Choose a model or BestPick a specific model, or keep Best to let Perplexity decide.
- Toggle Thinking if neededFor supported models, turn on Thinking for complex reasoning, planning or coding.
- Set a default in SpacesIn a Space’s settings, choose the model every thread in that Space should use.
- Re-run to compareAsk the same question with another model to compare answers.
Families
The model families at a glance
General descriptions, not benchmark scores. In Perplexity, every model works with Perplexity’s search and citations, so answers differ from the makers’ own apps.
Sonar 2
Perplexity’s own model, built for fast, grounded answers with citations. A good default for everyday search.
GPT-5.6 Terra and Sol
General-purpose models; Sol is OpenAI’s higher-end reasoning option on Max.
Claude Sonnet 5 and Opus 5
Often chosen for writing and careful analysis; Opus 5 is Anthropic’s top tier, on Max.
Gemini 3.7 Flash
A fast Google model; handy for quick answers and mixed text-and-image questions.
Grok 4.6
xAI’s model, described by some reviewers as suited to longer, multi-step work.
Kimi K3, GLM 5.3, Nemotron 3 Ultra
Alternative advanced models worth trying when you want another perspective.
Tips
Tips for getting more from models
Default to BestFor most questions, Best is as good as picking by hand, and saves time.
Use Thinking sparinglyIt’s slower; save it for hard problems.
Compare on your own questionsAsk the same thing with two models and judge the sources, not just the writing.
Set a model per SpaceA writing Space might use Claude; a quick-facts Space, Sonar 2.
Check sources either wayA better model doesn’t guarantee correct citations. How to check.
Expect changesModels are added and retired often; recheck your selector.
FAQ
Perplexity models questions
Which AI models does Perplexity use?
As of 4 September 2026, Perplexity’s help center lists Sonar 2, GPT-5.6 Terra, Gemini 3.7 Flash, Claude Sonnet 5, Kimi K3, GLM 5.3, Grok 4.6 and Nemotron 3 Ultra for Pro and Max, with GPT-5.6 Sol and Claude Opus 5 added on Max. The list changes as providers release new models.
Can free users choose a model?
No. Free users get Best, which picks a suitable model automatically, plus a limited number of Pro Searches. Choosing a specific model needs Pro or Max.
What is Best in Perplexity?
Best isn’t a separate model or mode. It’s the automatic option in Search that picks a suitable model for each question, so you don’t have to.
What does Thinking do?
Thinking gives a model more time to reason before answering. It helps with complex, multi-step questions, planning and coding, but answers take longer. It’s a setting on supported models, not a separate model.
What is Model Council?
Model Council lets you consult several models at once for research, complex decisions or verification, and combines their answers. It’s available on Max and Enterprise Max, on the web.
Can I choose the model for Deep Research?
No. Deep Research selects its models automatically.
Are models in Perplexity the same as in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini?
Not exactly. Perplexity runs third-party models with its own search, citations, tools and safety systems, so answers can differ from the makers’ own apps.
Why can’t I see a model?
Your plan, your region, a staged rollout or (for Enterprise) an administrator setting can limit which models you see. The model selector in your account is always the source of truth.
Does a Perplexity subscription include API access?
No. The API is billed separately from Free, Pro and Max subscriptions. See our API guide.
Sources
- Perplexity Help Center: What advanced AI models are included in my subscription?, as of 4 September 2026
- Data Studios: Perplexity models and how they differ, updated September 2026
More features
Try it
Ask one question with two models
On Pro or Max, open the model selector and compare. On Free, Best picks for you.