ChatGPT and Perplexity both provide current web answers with citations, deep research, image generation, and paid plans around $20 per month. ChatGPT is the broader creation and productivity workspace, now with GPT-5.6 Sol for eligible paid users; Perplexity remains the more search-first experience for fast, source-led research and multi-model exploration.
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OpenAI says an internal version of its Astra model generated new results for ten long-standing problems spanning geometry, cryptography, complexity theory, and related fields. OpenAI has released manuscripts and Lean certificates; the claims should still be treated as awaiting broader independent academic scrutiny.
Verify official source →OpenAI says it banned a coordinated network of ChatGPT accounts used to support investment, romance, gambling, and law-enforcement impersonation scams. The report concerns malicious use of the service, not a breach of ordinary ChatGPT user accounts.
Verify official source →Starting July 30, OpenAI reduced GPT-5.6 Luna API pricing by 80% and GPT-5.6 Terra pricing by 20%. Fast mode also replaces Priority Processing; the change applies to API usage, not ChatGPT subscription plans.
Verify official source →The program starts with 10,000 researchers and plans to expand to 100,000 through 2027, providing frontier ChatGPT models, Codex, larger context windows, and research support.
Verify official source →OpenAI updated Codex into a broader AI work app: it now includes browser verification for rendered pages, computer use for macOS app workflows, pull request review in the app, artifact previews, memories where available, and scheduled thread automations for follow-up work.
Verify official source →OpenAI increased the ChatGPT custom-instruction limit from 1,500 to 5,000 characters for Plus, Pro, Enterprise, Business, and Education users. The larger limit gives paid users more room to specify response style, context, and workflow preferences across existing and new chats.
Verify official source →Best Fit 2026
Best choice depends on use case
Use the verdict below to match each tool to your workflow.
ChatGPT is OpenAI's general-purpose assistant. GPT-5.6 launched on July 9, 2026, with GPT-5.6 Sol available in ChatGPT for eligible paid users. ChatGPT Search provides inline citations, deep research creates cited reports, and the product also includes coding, file and data analysis, voice, connected apps, and ChatGPT Images.
Latest verified update · 2026-08-01
OpenAI reports ten AI-assisted advances in mathematics and theoretical computer science
OpenAI says an internal version of its Astra model generated new results for ten long-standing problems spanning geometry, cryptography, complexity theory, and related fields. OpenAI has released manuscripts and Lean certificates; the claims should still be treated as awaiting broader independent academic scrutiny.
Best For
Pros
Cons
Perplexity is a search-first answer engine built around cited web research. Pro Search lets subscribers choose among multiple frontier models, Advanced Deep Research runs longer investigations, and Pro also includes file analysis plus image and video generation allowances. It can handle broader tasks than a traditional search engine, but research remains its clearest product focus.
Best For
Pros
Cons
| Feature | ChatGPT | Perplexity AI |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | ChatGPT with usage limits | Standard search with limited Pro usage |
| Entry Paid Plan | $20 / month Plus | $20 / month Pro |
| Current Model Basis | GPT-5.6 Sol for eligible paid users | Multiple selectable frontier models on Pro |
| Source Citations | Search and deep research include citations | Citation-first answers across search workflows |
| Deep Research | Cited multi-step research reports | Advanced Deep Research for longer investigations |
| Real-Time Web Access | ChatGPT Search | Core product experience |
| Creative Writing | Broad writing and editing workspace | Capable but research-led |
| Coding Assistance | Strong coding and Codex workflows | Code help plus research-oriented workflows |
| Image Generation | ChatGPT Images | Available on Pro |
| File / Data Analysis | Integrated file and data analysis | File uploads and analysis on Pro |
| Model Choice | ChatGPT modes and eligible models | Multiple frontier models on Pro |
| Overall Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
The old distinction that Perplexity has citations while ChatGPT does not is no longer accurate, and both products now offer deep research and image generation. The practical split is workflow: Perplexity is more search-first and source-led; ChatGPT is the broader creation, analysis, and execution workspace.
Choose ChatGPT if…
Choose ChatGPT if you want one workspace that can research with citations and then write, code, analyze data, generate images, or complete broader production tasks. GPT-5.6 strengthens its reasoning side without changing that all-purpose positioning.
Choose Perplexity AI if…
Choose Perplexity if fast, transparent web research is the center of your workflow. Its citation-first interface, multi-model Pro Search, and Advanced Deep Research make source discovery and verification especially efficient.
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OpenAI’s July 30, 2026 price reduction applies to the developer API: GPT-5.6 Luna costs 80% less and GPT-5.6 Terra costs 20% less. It does not change ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro, Business, or Enterprise subscription prices. API usage is billed separately; verify current token and service-tier pricing before estimating production cost.