Perplexity AI · capability answer
What does Perplexity do?
Answer engine that routes queries across multiple frontier models with citations.
The short answer
Perplexity is built by Perplexity AI and is positioned for research, chat and analysis. Our readings score it strongest on response speed and data analysis.
Its weakest measured axis is code generation (70/100), so plan around that when the work depends on it. Access is freemium, and the weights are closed, so you can only reach it through the vendor's own service.
Reasoning
82
Coding
70
Writing
80
Analysis
84
Speed
86
Energy, carbon and water
Carbon footprint reads 52/100. The energy mix is mixed, and disclosure covers some but not all serving regions.
Water and local impact reads 50/100. Some sites use evaporative cooling in regions with moderate water stress.
Speed and efficiency also matter here: a 86/100 speed reading means fewer compute-seconds per answer for routine work.