Our top pick is Perplexity. Ask it, 'Summarize Company A’s business changes over the past year and its public results, with sources.' In 20 minutes before a meeting, you’ll have talking points ready.
AI Basics · By Work Task
Best AI for Research
We’ve sorted the AI tools for research into one top pick and a few alternatives. Each tool shines in different situations, so choose the one that fits yours.
Top pick: Perplexity2 alternatives
PICK
How to choose
Try the top pick first. If your situation matches an alternative’s description, switch to that one.
PerplexitySummaries with cited sources
Top pickPre-meeting research on clients and competitorsAsk, 'Summarize Company A’s business changes over the past year and its public results, with sources.' In 20 minutes before a meeting, you’ll have talking points ready.
Free planStrong KoreanLearn more →
GeminiGoogle’s all-purpose AI
AlternativeResearch and sourcesAsk about market size, competitors, and policy, and get source links too. Always click the links to check them yourself.
Free planStrong KoreanLearn more →
ManusAn agent that sees the job through
AlternativeA single competitor or market studyDefine the points of comparison and get a table plus a list of sources. Always click through to check the sources it gives you.
Free planStrong KoreanLearn more →
CAUTION
Before you start
This is the first caution listed on the Perplexity page.
- A footnote doesn’t mean the content is correct. Click the link and read the original.
MORE
Browse other tasks and roles
FAQ
- Gemini (research and sources): Ask about market size, competitors, and policy, and get source links too. Always click the links to check them yourself.
- Manus (a single competitor or market study): Define the points of comparison and get a table plus a list of sources. Always click through to check the sources it gives you.
- Perplexity: Basic search is free once you sign up. The official pricing page says the free plan has a weekly usage limit.
- Gemini: With just a Google account, you can use the basic features for free. Stronger models and more capacity are available on paid plans.
- Manus: Its official help page says the free plan costs $0 and includes “300 credits a day for quick answers to simple questions.” Even a single complex task can use up credits fast.
Last updated 22 Sep 2026 · Free-plan availability, pricing, and terms are the values confirmed on each tool’s official page. Ratings are based on John Kim, CEO of Nanum Consulting, using these tools firsthand in training sessions and real work.
Knowing a tool isn’t the same as an organization using it
Leave an inquiry and we will reply within 24 hours. We will propose a hands-on AI training program tailored to your industry and job roles.