Compare Perplexity - AI Search Assistant and AI Assistant by xAI: Which App is the Best?

Grok is xAI's AI assistant that combines real-time information access with a witty personality, offering text generation, image creation, and seamless X platform integration.
A smart search app that gives you direct answers with sources, instead of just showing you websites to visit. It is a good alternative to ChatGPT.
Key Features
  • Real-time Information: Access to current events and live data
  • Multimodal AI: Text, image generation, and image analysis capabilities
  • Personality: Witty and rebellious AI personality with humor
  • Integration: Seamless connection with X (Twitter) platform
  • Advanced Reasoning: Complex problem-solving and analytical capabilities
  • Image Generation: Create striking visuals from text descriptions
  • Smart Search: Ask questions and get answers with sources listed
  • Talk to It: Just speak your questions instead of typing
  • Keep Talking: Ask follow-up questions like a real conversation
  • Works Everywhere: Your searches sync across all your devices
  • Discover New Things: See what's trending and popular
  • Save Your Stuff: Keep track of what you've learned
Our Rating
7.3
8.2
Total users
0
0
Total ratings
0
0
Average rating
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Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
8.0

Grok's feature set is impressive and comprehensive. The real-time information access is what really sets it apart - you can ask about current events and get up-to-the-minute answers that other AI assistants simply can't provide. The multimodal capabilities are particularly strong, with image generation that produces striking visuals and the ability to analyze uploaded images providing valuable insights.

The integration with X platform is seamless and adds significant value for users already invested in that ecosystem. Grok's personality features, including its witty responses and rebellious tone, make interactions more engaging than typical AI assistants.

Key Features:

  • Real-time information access
  • Multimodal AI (text, image generation, image analysis)
  • Witty and rebellious personality
  • Seamless X platform integration
  • Advanced reasoning capabilities

However, we noticed that some advanced features are locked behind the X Premium+ subscription, which may limit accessibility for casual users.

9.0

Perplexity has all the features you'd want from an AI search tool, plus some nice extras that make it really useful.

What We Like Most:

  1. It Actually Gives You Sources
    This is the biggest thing that sets Perplexity apart. When you ask a question, it doesn't just give you an answer - it tells you where it got that information from. We tested this with all kinds of questions, from "What's the weather like?" to "How do quantum computers work?" and it always provided good sources.
  2. You Can Talk to It
    The voice feature works really well. We tried asking questions while walking, cooking, and even driving (hands-free, of course). It understood us clearly and gave good answers.
  3. Follow-up Questions Work Great
    You can ask follow-up questions and it remembers what you were talking about. It's like having a real conversation instead of starting over each time.
  4. Works on All Your Devices
    We tested it on phones, tablets, and computers. Everything syncs up perfectly - you can start a search on your phone and continue it on your laptop.
  5. The Discover Section is Cool
    It shows you trending topics and interesting questions other people are asking. We found ourselves spending time just browsing through this section.
  6. You Can Save Stuff
    There's a library where you can save interesting answers and discoveries. It's more than just search history - it's like a personal collection of things you've learned.
Performance
8.0

The extension performs seamlessly, allowing you to interact with Grok without any lag or interruptions. The app handles text generation efficiently, and the image generation feature produces results quickly while maintaining good quality. The integration with X platform works smoothly, with minimal latency when accessing real-time information.

Performance Highlights:

  • Fast text generation responses
  • Quick image generation with good quality
  • Smooth X platform integration
  • Stable across different devices
  • Good network performance

We did notice occasional performance variations, particularly during peak usage times, but these were infrequent and didn't significantly impact the user experience. The app maintains good stability across different devices and network conditions. The multimodal features, including image analysis and generation, perform consistently well, though some users have reported occasional delays with complex requests. Overall, the performance meets expectations for a modern AI assistant application.

8.0

The app runs smoothly most of the time. We tested it on different devices and network conditions, and it usually responds within a few seconds. The voice recognition works well even with background noise.

Search results load quickly, and the app handles complex questions without crashing or freezing. The sync between devices works reliably, so you can switch between your phone and computer seamlessly.

We did notice some slowdowns during peak hours, and occasionally the app would take longer to respond to very complex questions. Some users have reported connection issues, but we didn't experience any major problems during our testing.

Overall, it performs well for an AI app. The occasional hiccups are minor and don't really affect the user experience.

Design
7.0

The design is clean and functional, following modern mobile app conventions. The interface is intuitive with a familiar chat-based layout that users will find immediately recognizable. The dark theme with X's signature styling creates a cohesive brand experience that feels premium and polished.

The app's visual hierarchy is well-structured, making it easy to distinguish between different types of content - text responses, generated images, and interface elements.

Design Highlights:

  • Clean, modern chat interface
  • Dark theme with X branding
  • Clear visual hierarchy
  • Intuitive navigation

However, we found that the design could benefit from more customization options and that the interface occasionally feels somewhat basic compared to more feature-rich competitors. The minimalist approach works well for the core functionality but may leave power users wanting more advanced interface options.

8.0

The app looks clean and modern, which makes it easy to use. We really like how simple the interface is - there's no clutter or confusing buttons.

  • The search bar is right where you expect it to be
  • Answers are formatted nicely with clear sections
  • Sources are listed in a way that's easy to read and click on
  • Works well on different screen sizes
  • Dark mode option is nice for reading at night

There have been some recent updates that confused users at first, but the design team seems to be listening to feedback and making improvements. Overall, it's a good-looking app that's easy on the eyes.

Value for Money
6.0

Grok's value proposition is somewhat mixed. The requirement for X Premium+ subscription ($16/month) creates a significant barrier to entry, especially when compared to free alternatives like ChatGPT or other AI assistants. However, for users already invested in the X ecosystem, Grok provides unique value through its real-time information access and distinctive personality.

Value Breakdown:

  • Free Tier: Limited access to basic features
  • Premium ($16/month): Full access to all features
  • Best For: X ecosystem users and power users
  • Alternative: Free AI assistants available

The premium features, including advanced image generation and priority access, do offer tangible benefits, but the cost may be prohibitive for casual users. We found that the value is most apparent for power users who can leverage the real-time information capabilities and advanced features regularly. For occasional users or those primarily interested in basic AI assistance, the subscription requirement may not justify the cost compared to free alternatives.

8.0

The free version is surprisingly good. You get most of the core features without paying anything, which is rare these days. We tested the free version extensively and found it works great for everyday use.

Free Version:Most core features included, unlimited searches
Pro Version:$20/month with unlimited searches and file uploads

What we really like is that the free version doesn't feel like a limited trial. You can use it indefinitely without feeling like you're missing out on essential features. That's refreshing compared to other apps that constantly push you to upgrade.

For most people, the free version is all you need. Only upgrade if you find yourself hitting the limits or need the advanced features.

Ease of Use
8.0

Grok is remarkably easy to use, especially for users already familiar with chat-based AI interfaces. The onboarding process is straightforward, and the app's core functionality is immediately accessible. The chat interface is intuitive, with clear input areas and well-organized response layouts.

We particularly loved how the app handles different types of interactions - text conversations, image generation, and image analysis - all through a unified interface that doesn't overwhelm users. The integration with X platform is seamless, making it easy for existing X users to access Grok.

What Makes It Easy:

  • Familiar chat-based interface
  • Straightforward onboarding
  • Unified interaction system
  • Seamless X platform integration

However, we did notice that some advanced features might not be immediately discoverable for new users, and the subscription requirement could be clearer during the initial setup process.

9.0

This might be the easiest AI tool we've ever used. You literally just open it and start asking questions - no setup, no learning curve, no complicated menus.

We tested it with people who aren't very tech-savvy, and they figured it out immediately. The voice feature is especially intuitive - you just tap the microphone and start talking.

The app responds quickly, and the conversation flow feels natural. You can ask follow-up questions without having to repeat yourself, which makes it feel like talking to a real person.

Everything is where you'd expect it to be:

  • Search bar is prominent
  • Settings are easy to find
  • Navigation makes sense
  • No instructions or tutorials needed

That's why we gave it a 9 out of 10. It's so simple that anyone can use it, but it still has enough features to be useful for power users.

Security & Privacy
7.0

Grok's security and privacy practices are generally solid, with xAI implementing standard industry practices for data protection. The app requires appropriate permissions and follows modern security protocols for user authentication and data transmission. However, we noted some concerns about data sharing practices, particularly regarding the integration with X platform and potential data usage for training purposes.

Security & Privacy Features:

  • Standard industry security protocols
  • Appropriate permission requirements
  • Basic privacy controls
  • Data encryption in transit

Users should be aware that conversations and interactions may be used to improve the AI model, which is common practice but worth noting for privacy-conscious users. The app does provide basic privacy controls, but we found the privacy policy could be more transparent about specific data usage and retention policies. Overall, the security measures appear adequate for typical use cases, though users with high privacy requirements may want to review the detailed privacy terms.

7.0

Security and privacy get a 7 out of 10 from us. The app uses standard security practices like encryption, which is good. The privacy policy is clear about what data they collect and how they use it.

You have some control over your data:

  • Delete your search history
  • Manage your account settings
  • Control what data is shared

However, some users have concerns about how much data is being collected for AI training. The privacy controls could be more detailed and easier to access. We'd like to see more options for users who want to limit data collection.

Overall, it seems safe to use, but we'd recommend reading the privacy policy if you're concerned about data collection.

Conclusion
Grok stands out as a unique AI assistant with its real-time information access and distinctive personality. While the requirement for X Premium+ subscription may be a barrier for some users, those who invest in the platform will find a powerful AI tool that combines humor, intelligence, and current awareness in an engaging package.

We've been using Perplexity for a while now and honestly, it's become our go-to when we need quick, reliable answers. It's super easy to use and the fact that it shows you where it got its information from is really helpful. The free version is great for most people, but if you use it a lot, the Pro version is worth considering.

If you want a search tool that actually gives you good answers instead of just links, definitely give Perplexity a try.

Our Recommendation