Arc Search vs Perplexity
Two of the most-asked-about agents in the browser-agent space. Here's how they actually stack up.
Arc Search
AI-native browser feature that synthesizes web pages from a question
Free
Read full review →Perplexity
AI search engine with citations and an agentic browser layer
Free + $20/mo
Read full review →Side-by-side comparison
| Arc Search | Perplexity | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | AI-native browser feature that synthesizes web pages from a question | AI search engine with citations and an agentic browser layer |
| Pricing | Free | Free + $20/mo |
| Categories | browser-agent, search, mobile | search, research, browser-agent |
| Made by | The Browser Company | Perplexity AI |
| Launched | 2024-01 | 2022-12 |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Status | active | active |
Arc Search highlights
- + Browse for Me: synthesizes a custom page from a question instead of returning a list of links
- + Pinch-to-summarize any web page in a single gesture
- + Spaces and profiles for separating work, personal, and project contexts
- + Arc Max AI features including five-second page previews and tidy tab titles
- + Full-screen reader mode that strips clutter from articles automatically
Perplexity highlights
- + Citation-first answers with numbered source links on every response
- + Multi-model picker supporting Claude, GPT-5, Gemini 3, and Perplexity Sonar
- + Spaces for organizing research into shared collections
- + Pages for publishing AI-generated reports as shareable documents
- + Perplexity Comet agentic browser with web automation and task execution
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Arc Search or Perplexity?
Neither is universally better. Arc Search (Free) leans into browser-agent, while Perplexity (Free + $20/mo) is closer to search. Pick based on which workflow you actually do every day.
What is the price difference between Arc Search and Perplexity?
Arc Search is free. Perplexity is free + $20/mo. See the pricing row in the comparison table.
Can I use Arc Search and Perplexity together?
In most cases, yes. They serve overlapping but distinct needs, so running them side by side is common until you decide which fits your workflow.