Beyond search — to actual assistance
AI-powered search engine
Feature Comparison
| Feature | 🦞 OpenClaw | 🤖 Perplexity AI |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time web search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Source citations | Optional | ✓ |
| Takes actions for you | ✓ | ✗ |
| Works in messaging apps | ✓ | ✗ |
| Persistent memory | ✓ | Collections |
| Email/calendar management | ✓ | ✗ |
| Privacy (local) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Deep research mode | Via prompts | Pro Search |
| File upload | ✓ | ✓ |
| Focus modes (Academic, etc.) | Via prompts | ✓ |
Pricing
OpenClaw
Free + API costs
Open source, runs on your hardware. Only pay for AI API usage (~$5-20/mo typical).
Perplexity AI
$20/month (Pro)
Subscription or usage-based pricing.
What OpenClaw Can Do That Perplexity AI Can't
After researching flights, actually book one — Perplexity can only show you options
"Remind me about this article tomorrow" — and get an actual reminder in WhatsApp
Remember that research you did 3 months ago? Your assistant still knows it
Send the research summary to your colleague via email — directly from the chat
Combine web search with your personal data (calendar, notes) for contextual answers
Who Should Use What?
Choose OpenClaw if you...
- ✓Want AI that acts on search results, not just shows them
- ✓Need a persistent research assistant
- ✓Prefer working in messaging apps
- ✓Want to combine search with personal data
- ✓Care about privacy
Choose Perplexity AI if you...
- ✓Need excellent source citations for research
- ✓Want focused, search-first experience
- ✓Prefer a dedicated research tool
- ✓Need academic/professional research modes
- ✓Want a polished search interface
The Verdict
Perplexity is the best AI search engine — unmatched for research with citations. OpenClaw is for when you need more than answers: an assistant that takes action, remembers you, and works where you already are.