perplexity vs arc-search
Perplexity vs Arc Search — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Perplexity and Arc Search represent two distinct approaches to AI-powered search that SEO professionals need to understand for visibility optimization. Perplexity operates as a standalone AI search engine focused on synthesizing web information with transparent source citations, while Arc Search integrates AI search directly into The Browser Company's Arc browser as a native feature.
The fundamental difference lies in their scope and accessibility. Perplexity has established itself as a comprehensive research platform that anyone can access via web or mobile apps, whereas Arc Search is limited to users of the Arc browser and functions more as an intelligent browsing assistant than a standalone search engine.
Feature Comparison
Perplexity's strength centers on its sophisticated source citation system and multi-modal search capabilities. It crawls real-time web content, synthesizes information from multiple sources, and provides clickable citations for every claim made in its responses. The platform supports follow-up questions, image uploads for visual search, and maintains conversation threads for complex research sessions. For SEO professionals, this transparent sourcing makes it easier to identify which websites Perplexity considers authoritative for specific topics. Arc Search takes a different approach by browsing multiple websites simultaneously and creating synthesized pages on-the-fly. When you search, it visits 4-6 relevant sites, reads their content, and generates a custom webpage with the synthesized information. This "Browse for Me" feature essentially creates unique landing pages for each query. However, Arc Search lacks Perplexity's granular citation system, making it harder to trace information back to specific sources. The integration with Arc browser means searches happen within your browsing context, but this also limits its reach to Arc's user base.
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms offer free tiers, but Perplexity provides a clearer upgrade path. Perplexity's free version includes unlimited searches with some rate limiting during peak times, while Perplexity Pro ($20/month) offers unlimited searches, access to advanced AI models like GPT-4 and Claude, and priority support. The Pro tier also includes file upload capabilities and API access for enterprise integration. Arc Search remains completely free as part of the Arc browser ecosystem. The Browser Company monetizes through Arc browser features rather than search functionality. This makes Arc Search the clear budget winner, though its value is tied entirely to your willingness to switch browsers.
Best For
Perplexity excels for SEO professionals conducting competitive research, content gap analysis, and understanding how AI systems interpret and rank information sources. Its citation transparency makes it invaluable for identifying authoritative sources in your niche and understanding which content formats AI search engines prefer. The platform works across any device or browser, making it accessible for teams with diverse tech setups. Arc Search suits users already committed to the Arc browser who want seamless research integration into their browsing workflow. It's particularly effective for quick fact-checking and getting synthesized overviews without leaving your current browsing context. However, its limited user base makes it less relevant for understanding broad AI search behavior patterns that impact SEO strategy.
The Verdict
Perplexity is the clear choice for SEO professionals. Its transparency in source attribution, broader accessibility, and established user base make it more valuable for understanding AI search trends and optimizing content visibility. While Arc Search offers elegant browser integration, its limited reach and lack of citation granularity reduce its utility for serious SEO work. Focus your optimization efforts on Perplexity's ranking factors rather than Arc Search's niche implementation.