Perplexity’s recent addition of ‘Perplexity Labs’ to its interface is quite interesting. Perplexity Labs goes a step further than the regular Perplexity ‘Search’ and ‘Research’ modes by creating entire projects with multiple components. Labs have access to advanced tools for generating files, presentations, images, mini-apps, and other interactive elements not available in Research mode. Interesting stuff, but the purpose of this article is to compare this new, updated Perplexity with ChatGPT. We focus on their respective features, strengths, weaknesses, and use cases to help you decide which tool best aligns with their goals.
What is Perplexity Labs?
Perplexity Labs is a premium feature of Perplexity AI. It uses LLMs to deliver accurate, cited answers based on real-time web data. Launched on May 29, 2025, Perplexity Labs is available to Pro subscribers ($20/month) and lets users create complex projects like reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and simple web applications. It uses tools such as deep web browsing, code execution, and chart creation to automate tasks that would typically take hours or days.
TL;DR: it’s Perplexity’s answer to ChatGPT’s coding capabilities and Gemini’s Canvas feature.
Key Features of Perplexity Labs
- Project Creation: Generates reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and web apps with minimal user input.
- Research and Analysis: Conducts extensive web research, providing cited, reliable outputs.
- Time Efficiency: Completes complex tasks in 10 minutes or more, saving significant manual effort.
- Model Diversity: Pro subscribers can choose from advanced models like GPT-4o, Claude 3.7 Sonnet (try it here), and others.
- Specialized Tools: Includes finance features (e.g., real-time stock quotes) and a shopping hub launched in November 2024.
Perplexity AI also offers a free version for basic searches and Deep Research for in-depth analysis, available to all users with limited queries for non-subscribers.
ChatGPT in 2025
Known for its versatility and originality, ChatGPT handles dialogue, content generation, coding, and more. In 2025, it introduced advanced models like GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini, enhancing coding and instruction-following capabilities. It also added deep research connectors for services like Dropbox and GitHub, making it a robust tool for various applications.
In 2025, ChatGPT is just as good as it was in 2023 when it went viral, except with many added features for enhancing the experience even further.
Key Features of ChatGPT
- Conversational Versatility: Engages in dialogue, answers questions, and generates creative content.
- Advanced Models: GPT-4.1 (May 2025) excels in coding and problem-solving; GPT-4.1 mini replaces GPT-4o mini for efficiency.
- Deep Research Enhancements: Connectors for Dropbox, GitHub, Sharepoint, and OneDrive enable comprehensive research.
- Memory Features: Improved context retention for personalized responses.
- Image Library: Automatically saves generated images for easy access (April 2025).
ChatGPT operates on a freemium model, with a free tier offering basic functionality and paid plans (Plus ($20/month), Pro($200/month), and Team) unlocking advanced features.
Perplexity Labs vs ChatGPT: Feature Comparison
1. Core Functionality
- Perplexity Labs: Excels in delivering accurate, cited answers from web searches, ideal for users needing verifiable information. Its focus on research and project creation makes it a go-to for professional settings.
- ChatGPT: Offers a conversational interface for a wide range of tasks, from answering questions to generating creative content. It may not always provide citations, which could be a drawback for research-heavy tasks.
2. Project Creation
- Perplexity Labs: Designed to automate complex project creation, such as generating a market analysis report or a financial dashboard with minimal input. It organizes outputs like charts and code files for easy access.
- ChatGPT: Can assist in project creation (e.g., writing code or drafting reports) but requires more user direction. It’s less streamlined for structured outputs compared to Perplexity Labs.
3. Model Access and Performance
- Perplexity Labs: Pro users can select from various advanced models, offering flexibility for specific tasks. This diversity enhances its adaptability for different industries.
- ChatGPT: Relies on OpenAI’s models, with GPT-4.1 providing superior performance in coding and problem-solving. However, it lacks the model variety of Perplexity AI.
4. User Experience
- Perplexity Labs: Provides a structured, research-oriented experience with citations, making it ideal for academic or business use where accuracy is critical.
- ChatGPT: Offers an interactive, conversational experience, better suited for brainstorming, creative writing, or casual queries.
5. Specialized Features
- Perplexity Labs: Includes niche tools like real-time stock quotes, internal knowledge search for enterprise users, and a shopping hub, catering to specific industries.
- ChatGPT: Features like memory retention, deep research connectors, and an image library enhance its versatility across tasks, from education to content creation.
6. Pricing and Accessibility
- Perplexity Labs: Requires a Pro subscription for full access, limiting its advanced features to paying users. The free version is restricted to basic searches.
- ChatGPT: Offers a robust free tier, with paid plans unlocking advanced models and features, making it more accessible for casual users.
Perplexity Labs vs ChatGPT: Use Cases
Perplexity Labs
- Business Research: Creating detailed market research reports or competitive analyses with cited sources.
- Project Management: Generating dashboards and spreadsheets to track key performance indicators (KPIs) or project progress.
- Web Development: Building simple web applications with automated code execution.
ChatGPT
- Content Creation: Writing articles, blog posts, or social media content with creative flair.
- Education: Assisting with homework, explaining complex concepts, or generating study materials.
- Customer Support: Handling frequently asked questions or providing initial support responses.
Perplexity Labs vs ChatGPT: Strengths and Weaknesses
Perplexity Labs
- Strengths:
- Exceptional for research-heavy tasks requiring citations.
- Automates complex project creation, saving significant time.
- Offers specialized tools for finance and shopping.
- Weaknesses:
- Advanced features locked behind a paywall.
- Less versatile for creative or conversational tasks.
ChatGPT
- Strengths:
- Highly versatile for a wide range of tasks, from coding to creative writing.
- Continuous updates with advanced models like GPT-4.1.
- Free tier accessible for basic use.
- Weaknesses:
- May not always provide citations, potentially affecting reliability for research.
- Requires more user input for complex project creation.
Do Your Testing
Try these prompts with both Perplexity and ChatGPT to see how they perform:
The Bottom Line
Perplexity Labs and ChatGPT are powerful AI tools with different strengths. Perplexity Labs is ideal for research-driven tasks and accurate, cited outputs, while ChatGPT excels in creative and conversational contexts. Your choice depends on whether you need structured reliability (Perplexity Labs) or flexibility (ChatGPT). Both platforms are evolving to enhance AI interactions and serve diverse needs. That said, if coding is your focus, consider dedicated options like Bind AI IDE for more advanced solutions. Based on Claude 4, Bind AI IDE lets you create custom Front-end and Back-end applications and deploy them directly.
So, if that’s something your business wants, get Bind today!