Compare the Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Clara and PocketBook Verse on screen, battery life, price and library support. Put it in a table with sources.
In short
Use Pro Search when one search isn’t enough
A normal (Quick) search answers simple questions in a second or two. Pro Search is for questions with several parts: comparisons, decisions, plans and anything needing data from more than one place. It’s included on the free plan with a daily limit, and Pro subscribers get far more. For a full multi-page report, use Deep Research instead.
Under the hood
How Pro Search works
Perplexity has described Pro Search as “planning first”: it works out a strategy before it searches.
PlanBreaks your question into steps, and may ask you to clarify.
SearchWrites a search for each step and runs them one after another.
Build on resultsPasses what it learned from each step to the next.
Filter sourcesKeeps the most relevant pages; can use tools for maths.
AnswerAn AI model writes a detailed answer with citations.
You can watch the steps as they run and expand them to see the searches and sources. Source: LangChain case study on Perplexity Pro Search.
Modes
Quick Search vs Pro Search vs Deep Research
| Quick Search | Pro Search | Deep Research | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple facts and definitions | Comparisons, decisions, multi-part questions | Long reports and literature overviews |
| How it searches | One quick search | Plans and runs several searches in sequence | Dozens of searches, reads many sources |
| Typical time | About a second or two | Several seconds | A few minutes |
| Answer length | Short | Detailed, often with tables | Long, structured report |
| Clarifying questions | No | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Free plan | Unlimited | Daily limit | Limited |
| Example | “Capital of Australia?” | “Best e-reader for library books under $150?” | “Report on e-reader market trends 2020–2026” |
Which mode should I use for my question?
Paste or type your question. We’ll suggest Quick Search, Pro Search or Deep Research using simple rules of thumb. Nothing is sent anywhere until you click.
Type a question to get a suggestion.
Step by step
How to use Pro Search
- Open Perplexity and sign inUse perplexity.ai or the app. Signing in saves threads and tracks your daily Pro Searches.
- Write a detailed questionInclude every part: options, criteria, place, audience and the format you want.
- Choose ProPick the Pro or Pro Search option in the search box before sending. Labels vary by app version, and some choose the mode automatically.
- Answer any clarifying questionA one-line reply (“for a family of four”) gives a more tailored answer.
- Watch the stepsExpand the steps to see what it searched and which sources it used.
- Check and follow upOpen key citations, then ask follow-ups in the same thread. Save it to a Space if it’s part of a project.
Examples
8 example questions made for Pro Search
Each one has several parts, which is where Pro Search shines. Click to try, or copy and adapt.
I’m choosing between studying data science in Canada or Australia. Compare tuition, post-study work visas and average graduate salaries, with official sources.
Plan a 5-day Sri Lanka itinerary for July covering Kandy, Ella and Mirissa by train, with travel times, budget guesthouses and weather.
Why did US mortgage rates change over the last 12 months? Explain the main causes with data and sources, in under 250 words.
Is it true that microwaving food destroys more nutrients than boiling? Summarise what scientific studies say, with sources.
If I save $300 a month at 5% annual interest compounded monthly, how much will I have after 10 years? Show the steps.
What are the main requirements of the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation for small online sellers? List them with official sources.
Find the three best-reviewed dishwashers under $700 that are quiet (under 45 dB). Compare noise, energy use and warranty with sources.
Tips
6 tips for better Pro Search answers
Ask the whole question at once
Pro Search plans better when it sees every part of what you need.
WeakBest phone?BetterBest Android phone under $500 for photos and battery life, compared in a table.
Say who it’s for
Audience and context change which sources matter.
WeakExplain inflationBetterExplain inflation to a first-year economics student, with one real example.
Ask for a format
Tables, bullet points and word limits make answers easier to use.
WeakCompare cloud storageBetterCompare Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox in a table: price, storage, sharing.
Name the sources you trust
Point it at official, academic or local sources.
WeakVisa rules for JapanBetterJapan tourist visa rules for Sri Lankan citizens, from official government sites only.
Answer its clarifying questions
Pro Search may ask what you mean. A quick answer gives a much better result.
Weak(skipping the question)Better“Yes, for a family of four, flying from Colombo.”
Check the steps and sources
Open the steps panel to see what it searched, then open key citations.
WeakTrusting the summaryBetterClick [1], [2]… for every number you’ll reuse.
More: prompt library · research prompts · checking sources.
Limits
Pro Search limits and troubleshooting
How many Pro Searches?
- FreeDaily limitPerplexity’s FAQ says up to 5 a day; some 2026 reviews report 3. Your remaining count is shown in the app.
- Pro$20/moPerplexity’s FAQ says up to 600 a day for subscribers. Plenty for daily heavy use.
- Max$200/moHighest limits, plus the newest models.
Common problems
- “Out of Pro Searches”FreeUse Quick Search for simple questions, wait for the daily reset, or upgrade.
- It keeps asking questionsFixPut more detail in your first question, or reply briefly to continue.
- Answer feels shallowFixCheck Pro was selected; split the request, or switch to Deep Research for a report.
- Can’t find the Pro optionFixUpdate the app or use perplexity.ai in a browser; check you’re signed in.
Limits change often. Check limits and credits and Free vs Pro. Still stuck? See Perplexity not working.
FAQ
Pro Search questions
What is Perplexity Pro Search?
Pro Search is Perplexity’s mode for harder questions. Instead of one quick search, it plans the steps needed, runs several searches one after another, filters the best sources and writes a detailed answer with citations. It may ask you a clarifying question first.
Is Pro Search free?
Yes, with a daily limit. Perplexity’s FAQ says free users get up to 5 Pro Searches a day and subscribers up to 600 a day. Some 2026 reviews report a lower free limit, so check the count shown in your account.
How do I turn on Pro Search?
Look for the mode or Pro option in the search box before you send your question; the label and position change between app versions, and some versions choose the mode for you. On a paid plan, Pro Search may be used automatically for harder questions.
What’s the difference between Pro Search and Deep Research?
Pro Search answers one complex question in seconds with several searches. Deep Research runs dozens of searches over a few minutes and writes a long, structured report. Use Pro Search for detailed answers, Deep Research for reports.
Why is Pro Search slower than a normal search?
Because it does more work: it plans, searches several times and reads more sources. It usually still finishes within seconds, and you can watch the steps as it goes.
Can I choose the AI model for Pro Search?
On paid plans, yes. You can pick which model writes the answer, including Perplexity’s Sonar and models from other AI companies. Free users get Perplexity’s default.
Is Pro Search always accurate?
No AI search is. Pro Search reads more sources, which helps, but it can still misread or mis-cite a page. Open the citations for anything important; see our guide to checking sources.
Sources
- Perplexity: How does Perplexity work? (Pro Search and limits)
- LangChain: How Perplexity built Pro Search
- Asian Efficiency: Perplexity AI review (reported free limit), 2026
- Perplexity Pro, checked 6 Oct 2026
More features
Try it now
Ask your hardest question with Pro Search
It’s included on the free plan with a daily limit. Pick one of the examples above to start.