Perplexity Labs vs OpenAI API: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Perplexity Labs and OpenAI API comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Perplexity Labs
Experiment with cutting-edge AI models and research tools.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ai agents features specifically
- • Experimental platform for advanced AI models.
- • Test and compare different LLMs.
OpenAI API
API access to GPT, DALL-E, and Whisper
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • API access to GPT-4, DALL-E, Whisper, and other frontier AI models
- • Chat completions API with function calling and streaming
| At a Glance |  Perplexity Labs |  OpenAI API |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | AI Agents | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 95/100 |
| Feature | Perplexity Labs | OpenAI API |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 95 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI AgentsAI Research | API ToolsAI Model Deployment |
How Perplexity Labs and OpenAI API Compare
Perplexity Labs
Experiment with cutting-edge AI models and research tools.
Free tier available
OpenAI API
API access to GPT, DALL-E, and Whisper
Paid · 95/100 score
Perplexity Labs is a ai agents tool. OpenAI API is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Perplexity Labs has a free tier. OpenAI API is paid only.
Go with: Perplexity Labs
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenAI API scores 95/100. Perplexity Labs is unrated.
Go with: OpenAI API
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenAI API
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Perplexity Labs is freemium. OpenAI API is paid. Perplexity Labs lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Perplexity Labs is a ai agents tool. OpenAI API is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
OpenAI API
- Higher score: 95/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Perplexity Labs
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for ai agents
The Bottom Line
OpenAI API (95/100) is our pick. Perplexity Labs has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perplexity Labs or OpenAI API better?
OpenAI API scores 95/100 in our evaluation. Perplexity Labs is freemium and OpenAI API is paid.
What are Perplexity Labs and OpenAI API used for?
Perplexity Labs: Experiment with cutting-edge AI models and research tools.. OpenAI API: API access to GPT, DALL-E, and Whisper.
What does Perplexity Labs cost vs OpenAI API?
Perplexity Labs is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OpenAI API is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.