Task
Best AI tools to do research
We compared 3 AI tools to do research. All 3 have a free plan. Perplexity ranks first on our task-fit signals: inline citations let you verify each answer against its source, and Pro adds deep research for longer questions. Listings were last checked on Nov 6, 2026.
Research assistants search the web or academic papers and summarise what they find. The most important difference is sourcing: prefer tools that cite every claim so you can open the source and check it. Academic users should look for paper databases and citation export.
Preview build: this list has 3 of the 8+ tools a task page needs before it can be published (methodology, coverage rule).
The ranking
- 1
Perplexity
FreemiumFrom $17/moWhy it fits: Inline citations let you verify each answer against its source, and Pro adds deep research for longer questions.
Fit score 9/9: The task is the tool's first-listed use case; The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 2
Claude
FreemiumFrom $20/moWhy it fits: Web search answers quick questions, and the Research feature on paid plans handles deeper work, with projects to keep sources together.
Fit score 7/9: The task is the tool's first-listed use case; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 3
ChatGPT
FreemiumFree plan availableWhy it fits: Deep research handles longer investigations, and file uploads with data analysis let you bring your own material into the question.
Fit score 2/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page)
Side-by-side
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perplexity | From $17/mo | Yes | Web | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Claude | From $20/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android, Desktop app, API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| ChatGPT | Free plan available | Yes | Web, iOS, Android, Desktop app | Nov 6, 2026 |
Choosing a tool to do research: what the data says
- Free to try: Perplexity, Claude and ChatGPT have a free plan.
- Lowest listed entry price: Perplexity at $17/mo; the highest entry price here is Claude at $20/mo.
- Prices not verified: ChatGPT. Their pricing pages couldn't be read, so we show no figure rather than a guess.
- On your phone: Claude and ChatGPT list an iOS or Android app.
- For developers: Claude offers an API.
Order is by fit score, from published signals; ties go alphabetically and no tool can pay for a position. How the score works.