Buying something big, like a washing machine, a mattress, a pram or a new TV, usually means hours of reading reviews, comparison sites and forum threads. By the end you’ve got 20 tabs open and you’re less sure than when you started.
Perplexity is an AI search tool that answers questions using the web and shows the sources it used, so you can click through and check them. That makes it particularly good for product research. You can ask it to compare models, summarise what reviewers say and list the trade-offs, then dig into the sources yourself. This guide takes about 30 to 45 minutes for one purchase.
Quick answer: Write down your budget, must-haves and deal-breakers, then ask Perplexity to compare the best options in your price range, with sources. Use follow-up questions to check reliability, running costs and common complaints, and Research mode for a deeper report. Always confirm prices, specs and returns policies on the retailer’s own website before buying.
New to AI? Start with our beginner’s guide.
What you’ll need
- A clear idea of what you’re buying and your maximum budget
- A short list of must-haves and deal-breakers
- Perplexity (the free version is enough to start; Research mode gives deeper reports)
- A notes app or spreadsheet for your shortlist
- About 30 to 45 minutes
Step-by-step: research a purchase with Perplexity
- Define what you need. Before you search, write down how you’ll use the product, any size limits, your budget and the features you can’t live without.
- Ask for a comparison with sources. Give Perplexity your requirements and ask for a shortlist of four to six options in a table (prompt 1). Click the numbered citations to see where each claim comes from.
- Dig into the trade-offs. Ask follow-up questions about reliability, running costs, noise, warranty and common complaints (prompt 2). Perplexity keeps the context, so you don’t need to repeat yourself.
- Use Research mode for big decisions. For expensive items, switch to Research mode, which searches many sources and writes a fuller report. It takes a few minutes.
- Check the sources. Favour independent testers, official manufacturer pages and genuine owner reviews. Be wary of sites that only list “best buys” with shopping links.
- Check the deal and the seller. Ask what a fair price looks like and what to check about the retailer (prompt 3), then confirm everything on the retailer’s own site.
- Make your decision. Ask for a final side-by-side summary of your top two, then decide (prompt 4).
Copy-paste prompts
1. Compare the best options
I want to buy a [PRODUCT] in the UK for up to £[BUDGET]. I'll use it for [HOW YOU'LL USE IT]. Must-haves: [LIST]. Deal-breakers: [LIST]. Compare 4 to 6 current models in a table with price range, key specs, pros, cons and who each one suits. Cite your sources and say if any information may be out of date.
2. Check the trade-offs
For the [MODEL A] and [MODEL B], what do independent reviews and owners say about reliability, running costs, noise and common faults? What does the warranty cover? List the most frequent complaints and cite the sources.
3. Is this a fair deal?
I've seen the [MODEL] for £[PRICE] at [RETAILER]. Is this a typical price? What should I check about this retailer before buying, such as delivery, returns and whether it is the real seller or a marketplace seller?
4. Help me decide
Summarise my top two options, [MODEL A] and [MODEL B], side by side for my needs: [NEEDS]. Give a clear recommendation and the one thing I should double-check before buying.
Recommended tools
- Perplexity: answers with live web sources you can click and check, plus Research mode for in-depth reports.
- ChatGPT: good for turning your notes into a comparison table, and its search can find current products.
- Gemini: useful for quick Google-backed searches and saving your shortlist to Google Sheets.
If you’re buying a device, our guide on how to choose a new phone or laptop with AI goes into specs in more detail. Before you pay, learn to spot scam emails and texts and spot AI-generated images and fake news, since fake deals often use both. Buying for someone else? See how to find thoughtful Christmas gift ideas with AI.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
- Click the citations. A source can be old, sponsored or misread. Check the ones that matter most.
- Prices change fast. Confirm the current price and stock on the retailer’s site, not in the AI answer.
- Beware of fake reviews. Lots of short, five-star reviews posted at the same time are a warning sign.
- Check who you’re buying from. On marketplaces, the seller may not be the big brand you think it is.
- Know your rights. Check the returns policy and warranty before you pay, and pay by card for extra protection.
- Don’t let AI decide for you. Use it to narrow down options, then trust your own judgement.
FAQ
Is Perplexity free?
Yes, there’s a free version. Paid plans give more access to advanced features such as Research mode.
Can I trust Perplexity’s product recommendations?
Treat them as a starting point. The real value is that it shows its sources, so you can check them yourself.
Is Perplexity better than ChatGPT for shopping research?
Both can search the web. Perplexity puts sources front and centre, which makes checking claims quicker.
What if something goes wrong after I buy?
Check the retailer’s returns policy and your consumer rights, and use AI to help you write a clear complaint if needed.
Try it yourself with Perplexity
I want to buy a [PRODUCT] in the UK for up to £[BUDGET]. I'll use it for [HOW YOU'LL USE IT]. Must-haves: [LIST]. Deal-breakers: [LIST]. Compare 4 to 6 current models in a table with price range, key specs, pros, cons and who each one suits. Cite your sources and say if any information may be out of date.
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