Saad Ullah
The competition among AI search platforms is intensifying. Recent data shows Perplexity.ai has pulled ahead of Grok.com in global web traffic, signaling a significant turn in the race between these emerging AI tools.
The Numbers Tell a Story
According to a tweet from Exec Sum, Perplexity recorded 167.8 million visits over the past 28 days, while Grok logged 161.9 million. The traffic data reveals a clear trend: Perplexity has been climbing steadily, crossing the 45 million weekly visits threshold by late September. Meanwhile, Grok, which initially led the pack, has seen its growth flatten and even decline, allowing Perplexity to take the lead.
Several factors appear to be fueling Perplexity's momentum. It positions itself primarily as an AI-powered search engine rather than just another chatbot, which resonates with users looking for quick, reliable answers. The interface is clean and straightforward—reminiscent of Google—and includes source citations that build user trust. Perhaps most importantly, Perplexity isn't locked to a specific platform, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
What This Means for Grok
Grok, backed by Elon Musk's xAI and integrated into X (formerly Twitter), had a strong start thanks to its high-profile backing and built-in user base. However, without faster product iteration and wider availability beyond the X ecosystem, its growth has stalled. The data suggests that platform exclusivity and slower development cycles may be holding it back as Perplexity continues to gain ground.
This isn't just about two platforms—it reflects the larger battle for dominance in AI-assisted search. While giants like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic command significant attention, Perplexity's rise demonstrates that focused, search-first challengers can carve out substantial market share quickly. The AI landscape remains fluid, and leadership can shift within weeks.
Saad Ullah
