Perplexity AI vs Bing Copilot
Perplexity AI, a prominent AI-powered search engine, harnesses the capabilities of the Large Language Model (LLM), with its default being GPT-3. However, it introduces a distinctive feature known as Copilot mode, powered by GPT-4. This mode offers a guided search experience, prompting users for additional information to craft detailed and personalized answers.
In contrast, Bing Chat exclusively employs the GPT-4 model. It sets a 20-question limit per session, with users allowed up to 10 sessions daily. GPT-4’s superiority lies in its enhanced language processing and recognition of complex patterns.
Functionality
Both Perplexity AI and Bing Chat offer browser-based applications accessible online as well as mobile apps delivered on iOS and Android.
For mobile applications, Perplexity AI requires no signup for its GPT-3 model (Quick mode), but mandates it for Copilot mode. Bing Chat necessitates a Microsoft account login for iOS usage, while desktop and Android usage require no such credentials.
Moving on to the speed of these platforms.
Speed
Perplexity AI emerges as the victor by a considerable margin. Utilizing the GPT-3 model, Perplexity consistently outpaces competitors such as Bing Chat, ChatGPT, and Bard. Not only swift, Perplexity maintains accuracy by furnishing sources for all responses. Copilot mode, while slightly slower, still outperforms Bing Chat.
Microsoft’s AI search engine, Bing Chat, adopts a more deliberate approach, investing a few seconds in scouring relevant sources before responding. This meticulous approach contributes to high accuracy but tends to result in slower interactions.
For users seeking swift, concise responses, Perplexity AI stands as the preferred choice. However, if access to GPT-4 without restrictions is paramount, Bing Chat might be considered, albeit with acknowledgment of its comparatively slower pace.
In the end, both Bing and Perplexity still make use of whatever websites they find (usually affiliate websites) and select the products directly from someone else’s curated list. While this is a feature in a way, since you can sanity check the results it gives you — everyone knows the websites presenting this information are always tweaked to maximize revenue for the website rather than focusing on objectivity.
Now, let’s delve into the accuracy of these AI search engines when subjected to custom prompts.
Testing Accuracy with Custom Prompts
A valuable metric for evaluating AI search engines involves subjecting them to identical prompts and examining their responses. Comparing the performance of Perplexity AI and Bing Chat under these conditions sheds light on their efficacy.
We focused on finding out what is the best newsletter platform for a starting company. Bing took a different approach, showing that my prompt wasn’t the best, but it did try to interpret it in two ways. Less focus on showing where it got the information — which is good and bad.
I think Bing here takes the crown, as it gave a bit more detailed information on what you would want — in this case checking out how other people do newsletters, and then where you can do it. You can continue to refine the topic and finding out more newsletter platforms — the one we use at thereach.ai is from beehiiv which after a long period of analyzing turned out to be the best fit for our needs! Neither Perplexity nor Bing show it for some reason.
Next, let’s explore the stability of these AI search engines.
Stability
Reliability is a crucial aspect when assessing AI search engines, considering their availability and performance over time. Perplexity AI demonstrates commendable stability, operating consistently and remaining accessible almost without interruption. In rare instances, it might encounter AI Hallucinations, characterized by unexpected or inaccurate outputs, but these occurrences do not terminate conversations abruptly.
Bing Chat, on the other hand, while generally available, exhibits less predictable responses. Instances of the chatbot ending conversations abruptly, particularly when faced with confusion or perceived controversial queries, require users to initiate new sessions. This unpredictability poses a notable hindrance to the overall usability of Bing Chat.
Moving forward, let’s delve into the conversational capabilities of both AI search engines.
Conversational Capabilities
In evaluating the conversational prowess of Perplexity AI and Bing Chat, a distinction emerges based on their utilization of GPT-4 technology.
Bing here is the winner, since you can tailor the resposes to be more creative and it can actually hold its own in a conversation, perhaps not as good as its ChatGPT stepbrother. Perplexity is fine as well, but since the GUI is made of new chat with each question, the potential for conversational queries is limited.
In the end both of these tools in their basic state try to deliver AI powered search first and foremost. Bing on top of this has the ability to create text responses (and image), conversations and various other tasks that involve creative writing.
Which AI Search Engine Should You Use?
As you can expect, it’s purely based on your needs and wants between Perplexity AI and Bing Chat.
For users inclined towards highly conversational chatbot interactions and who default to Microsoft Edge, Bing Chat emerges as an optimal choice. Leveraging the advantages of the GPT-4 model, Bing Chat can hold remarkably human-like conversations, offering a more personable and engaging experience.
On the other hand, Perplexity AI presents a compelling option for those favoring swift, on-the-fly responses. While it may lack the conversational depth of Bing Chat, Perplexity AI delivers accurate and concise information promptly, making it suitable for users focused on efficiency.
Ultimately, the choice between Perplexity AI and Bing Chat depends on individual preferences and specific use case scenarios. Each platform has its strengths and limitations, catering to distinct user needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Perplexity AI’s Copilot mode?
- Copilot mode is a feature powered by GPT-4, providing a guided search experience for personalized answers. Users receive tailored recommendations by answering prompts about their preferences.
2. How does Bing Chat differ in functionality from Perplexity AI?
- Both are browser apps, but Bing Chat restricts browsers to Microsoft Edge for more than five responses. Perplexity AI has no such restrictions, offering flexibility in browser choice.
3. Is sign-up necessary for mobile access on Perplexity AI?
- GPT-3 is available without signup, but Copilot mode requires login. Bing Chat mandates a Microsoft account for iOS but doesn’t require login on desktop/Android.
4. Which AI search engine offers faster responses?
- Perplexity AI, particularly with GPT-3, provides quick and efficient responses. Bing Chat, while accurate, tends to be slower due to its careful sourcing approach.
5. How accurate are the responses to custom prompts on both platforms?
- Perplexity AI demonstrates detailed and informative responses. Bing Chat, in Balanced mode, may fall short but improves in Precise mode. Perplexity AI excels in providing reviews and comprehensive information.
6. Are there stability issues with Perplexity AI or Bing Chat?
- Perplexity AI generally remains stable, occasionally experiencing AI Hallucinations. Bing Chat, on the other hand, might abruptly end sessions, requiring a new session start.
7. What are the conversational capabilities of Perplexity AI and Bing Chat?
- Bing Chat leverages GPT-4 for more human-like conversations, using emojis and engaging in interactive discussions. Perplexity AI, while accurate, is better suited as a research tool and might sound more mechanical.
8. How should users choose between Perplexity AI and Bing Chat?
- The choice depends on individual preferences and use cases. Perplexity AI suits users seeking quick and detailed responses, while Bing Chat excels in conversational interactions. Consider your priorities for a personalized experience.
This article was also published in www.thereach.ai, check out the website and register for the newsletter if you want interesting news about AI.
