I test AI for a living and just about every AI tool from ChatGPT and Gemini to Claude and even DeepSeek have significant features that I enjoy using. However, one tool that I keep returning to every day is Perplexity. More than an AI assistant or chatbot, Perplexity feels like the ultimate research partner, answering every query with citations and follow-up questions that are within context. Real-time web access means I always have up-to-date information.
Now, with the launch of its Comet browser, Perplexity has quickly become my go-to AI tool for searching and learning online. After months of daily use, these are the seven prompts I lean on the most, whether I’m writing, shopping, or just trying to keep up with the news cycle. Plus, I'll share the secret to bypassing the waitlist for the new browser, Comet.
My 7 favorite prompts
1. News with sources
Prompt: “Summarize today’s top 5 AI stories with links to sources”
As a journalist, this is often how I get the top news stories each day. Using this prompt helps me get the information I want, quickly, without getting pulled off into the depths of the internet or aimlessly doomscrolling.
2. Research
Prompt: “Find me recent scientific studies on [topic] and explain the key findings”
This prompt is invaluable for research. It always points me to real research papers and citations that are actually useable. Instead of receiving vague summaries that I need to double check, I get the actual source.
3. Comparing products and services
Prompt: “Compare the pros and cons of [product/service] with three alternatives”
As a busy professional and mom of three, I always need more time in my day. This prompt gives me time back by taking the guesswork out of product and service comparisons. Instead of sifting through reviews, I get the lowdown on the pros and cons that save me hours when I’m deciding on everything from software to subscriptions and restaurant menus.
4. Diving into a new topic
Prompt: “What’s the best explainer on [topic] for beginners?”
I use this to track down tutorials and guides that meet me at the right level. You’d be surprised how quickly you’ll get real guides that you might otherwise never know existed. This is a good one for kids in school that might be researching a specific topic.
Staying ahead of industry trends
Prompt: “Track the latest updates on [company or model] from the past 7 days”
I follow a lot of AI news and companies. I use this prompt to help me keep up in this fast-moving industry. It also works for other industries and companies that focus on gaming or consumer tech. It’s also a great way to stay up on trends.
6. Keeping it simple
Prompt: “Rewrite this paragraph in simpler language for a 5th grader”
Although this might sound too niche to be worthwhile, I highly recommend this prompt when simplifying jargon or making something kid-friendly, such as explaining world news. It’s also helpful for editing when you want to keep the copy as straight forward as possible without overthinking it.
7. Brainstorming
Prompt: “Give me five ideas for a children’s book based on trending topics”
Whenever you need a boost at work or in your personal endeavors, look no further than the Perplexity chat. It’s my secret weapon for coming up with new concepts or brainstorming project ideas. While not every idea is a winner, Perplexity’s responses often spark new thoughts that are worthwhile.
Here's how to bypass the waitlist and get Perplexity’s Comet browser
Perplexity’s newest project is called Comet, a full-fledged browser that builds its conversational AI directly into the browsing experience. Instead of flipping between Google, ChatGPT and multiple tabs, you can just type a question and get answers (with sources) right on the page you’re viewing.
And here’s the big perk: if you’re a PayPal or Venmo user, you can skip the waitlist and get early access to Comet, plus a free Perplexity Pro subscription. The promotion is part of a new partnership announced this week, and it gives you the premium version of Perplexity without paying extra.
Bottom line
For me, Perplexity has already become a daily essential because it’s part fact-checker, part productivity booster, part idea machine. With the Comet browser rolling out, and PayPal and Venmo users getting free early access, it’s aiming to become the way we browse the internet as well as increase productivity.
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