Short verdict: for students, Gemini is the better deal right now — a free year of AI Plus until December 31, 2026. If your work depends on citing sources, Perplexity shows references more clearly, and its education plan is $10/month.

Choose Gemini if

  • You're a student and want a free year now.
  • You rely on Google Docs and Drive for study or work.
  • You want a cheap paid plan: AI Plus at $4.99 in the US.

Choose Perplexity if

  • You need numbered sources with every answer to check them.
  • You research fast-changing topics (news, prices, tech).
  • The free plan covers basic search; Pro at $20 (or $10 for students) when you need more.

A practical mix

Claim Gemini's free student year and use Perplexity's free plan for cited research — without paying anything. Details in AI student discounts.

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