Smartest Perplexity Models

Match · Updated July 2026

The smartest Perplexity model is Sonar Reasoning Pro, scoring 17.8 on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index. Sonar (9.5) and Sonar Pro (9.3) round out the top three.

17.8Intelligence

$2.00Input /M

128KContext

The smartest AI models ranked by the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index — a composite of reasoning, knowledge, math and science benchmarks. These are the most intelligent large language models available today.

Frequently asked

What is the smartest Perplexity model?

The smartest Perplexity model is Sonar Reasoning Pro, scoring 17.8 on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index. Sonar (9.5) and Sonar Pro (9.3) round out the top three.

What's a good alternative to Sonar Reasoning Pro?

Sonar (9.5) is the closest alternative on this metric, followed by Sonar Pro (9.3). See the full ranking above for the tradeoffs.

How many Perplexity models are there?

modelgrep tracks 5 Perplexity models with live benchmarks, speed, latency and per-provider pricing, led on intelligence by Sonar Reasoning Pro. 3 of them qualify for this ranking.

More Perplexity rankings

All rankings

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