AI-powered search platform Perplexity AI has emerged as the top-ranked app across the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, surpassing established names such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, according to recent app store data. The development marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of generative AI tools, as users increasingly turn to conversational search experiences that deliver concise, reliable, and real-time answers.
The surge in Perplexity’s popularity reflects the rapid adoption of AI-powered search tools that blend conversational engagement with factual precision. Founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, a former OpenAI and DeepMind researcher, Perplexity AI has positioned itself as a next-generation “answer engine” that aims to simplify how people search, learn, and consume information online.
As of October 2025, the Perplexity app has climbed to the No. 1 position in both the productivity and overall app categories in several key markets, including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This achievement is particularly notable given the app’s competition from well-funded giants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini (formerly Bard).
Industry analysts attribute the platform’s rise to its hybrid model of conversational search that combines natural language responses with source-linked citations. Unlike many generative AI systems that produce abstract or paraphrased answers, Perplexity AI focuses on fact-based outputs, giving users the ability to verify the information through referenced links. This approach has gained traction among professionals, researchers, students, and journalists seeking clarity and credibility in AI responses.
Commenting on the achievement, Perplexity AI’s CEO Aravind Srinivas said in a recent interview, “Our vision has always been to build an AI system that delivers trusted information, not just engaging conversation. Ranking first on global app stores validates that people value reliability and transparency in AI search.”
The platform’s user base has grown exponentially in recent months. Data from analytics platforms show that Perplexity AI has crossed 20 million monthly active users, with India emerging as one of its fastest-growing markets. The app’s simple interface and built-in citation feature have been credited for its appeal among users seeking credible alternatives to traditional web search engines.
One of Perplexity’s standout features is its integration of real-time data, allowing users to access current information — a capability that distinguishes it from models with static knowledge bases. The app also supports multi-source referencing, meaning it aggregates verified information from reputable publications and databases, enhancing the accuracy of its responses.
Tech experts note that Perplexity’s success also signals a shift in consumer expectations around AI tools. Users are increasingly looking beyond large-scale chatbots for more streamlined and trustworthy AI utilities that assist with daily research, decision-making, and productivity.
According to Rohan Joshi, a Bengaluru-based AI analyst, “Perplexity’s rise is a clear signal that users now value utility and verification over flashy features. It’s an evolution of how we interact with search — more direct, reliable, and transparent.”
The app’s ascent to the top of the charts comes at a time when competition in the AI assistant and search space is intensifying. OpenAI recently rolled out ChatGPT 5, while Google continues to expand Gemini’s integration across its ecosystem. Microsoft’s Copilot and Anthropic’s Claude have also entered the mix, contributing to a crowded market of conversational AI tools. Yet, Perplexity’s distinct positioning as an “AI-powered search alternative” appears to be paying off.
Perplexity’s growth in India has been particularly noteworthy. Industry reports suggest that the country now ranks among its top three user markets, driven by rising demand for generative AI tools that simplify learning, work, and content discovery. The company recently expanded language support and introduced a mobile-first experience optimized for lower bandwidth regions, further enhancing accessibility.
Another factor contributing to the app’s dominance is its commitment to transparency and user trust. Perplexity AI has emphasized responsible AI practices, including disclosing data sources and avoiding unverified or speculative content. This stance has resonated with users wary of misinformation — a concern that has grown with the widespread adoption of generative AI systems.
Global investors have also taken note of Perplexity’s momentum. The company has raised over $73 million in funding from prominent backers such as NEA, Databricks Ventures, and Nvidia. Analysts believe the app’s rapid ascent on app stores could significantly boost its valuation and attract further strategic partnerships in 2026.
Meanwhile, tech commentators have highlighted how Perplexity’s interface is reshaping digital search behavior. Unlike Google Search, which relies heavily on link-based results, or ChatGPT, which focuses on dialogue-driven responses, Perplexity merges the best of both worlds — conversational interaction backed by verifiable data. This hybrid approach aligns with growing user fatigue from information overload and unreliable search results.
“Perplexity is redefining what AI search should look like,” said Lisa Martinez, a senior technology journalist. “It’s fast, citation-backed, and easy to use. More importantly, it fills the credibility gap left by mainstream AI chatbots.”
In addition to its app success, Perplexity AI has launched integrations with Chrome extensions, iOS widgets, and API access, expanding its footprint among developers and enterprises. The company has hinted at plans to introduce team collaboration features and custom AI agents designed for industry-specific research, education, and marketing use cases.
Perplexity’s growing presence on the global stage has also reignited discussions about the future of AI-driven search and its potential to challenge the dominance of Google Search. While Google remains a leader in global traffic, the rise of specialized AI search tools suggests an emerging paradigm shift — one where users prefer direct answers over traditional web links.
Industry watchers believe that if Perplexity continues to maintain transparency, accuracy, and innovation, it could emerge as a mainstream competitor in the evolving AI-powered search ecosystem. Its current trajectory mirrors the early growth phases of other tech disruptors that began as niche products but eventually reshaped entire industries.
For now, topping the global app charts cements Perplexity AI’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing AI startups of 2025 — and a strong indicator that the public’s relationship with AI search tools is rapidly evolving toward trust, precision, and usability.