TL;DR
Perplexity is a Search MCP server that lets Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf and any MCP-compatible AI agent aI-powered search with citations. Install in 1 minute with mcpizy install perplexity.
Perplexity
Install verified 2 toolsSearch
AI-powered search with citations
Official homepageRepo audit: 63/100 — showing real gaps — check it still fits your needs
Scored on licence, adoption, maintenance and documentation of DaInfernalCoder/researcher-mcp. We show the grade whether it flatters the server or not.
no commit for 10 months · 295 stars · MIT licence · 5 open issues
Read the full audit on CheckMCPInstall Perplexity
mcpizy install perplexitynpx -y perplexity-mcpTools exposed
2 tools availableask_perplexityAsk Perplexity a question and get a cited answer
ask_perplexityAsk Perplexity a question and get a cited answer
Inputs
querystringrequiredmodelstringoptional
search_perplexityPerform a Perplexity web search
search_perplexityPerform a Perplexity web search
Inputs
querystringrequired
Configuration
Works identically across clients. Only the config file path differs.
Claude Code~/.claude.json
~/.claude.json{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"server-perplexity-ask"
],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "pplx-..."
}
}
}
}Cursor.cursor/mcp.json
.cursor/mcp.json{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"server-perplexity-ask"
],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "pplx-..."
}
}
}
}Windsurf~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json
~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"server-perplexity-ask"
],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "pplx-..."
}
}
}
}Authentication setup
- 1
Create an API key on the Perplexity API page
Get itPERPLEXITY_API_KEY
What you can do with Perplexity MCP
Paste any of these prompts into Claude Code, Cursor or another MCP-compatible client.
“What did OpenAI announce at their latest DevDay? Give me cited sources.”
Uses: ask_perplexity
“Research the best vector databases for RAG in 2026”
Uses: ask_perplexity
“Search for recent news about Apple's M4 chip”
Uses: search_perplexity
Works with
More Search MCPs
Alternatives to Perplexity
If Perplexity doesn't fit your stack, these Search MCP servers solve similar problems.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Perplexity MCP server?
Perplexity is listed as an Search Model Context Protocol server whose documented purpose is to let an MCP-compatible agent aI-powered search with citations. Client support, permissions and authentication remain specific to the upstream project.
How do I install Perplexity MCP with Claude Code?
The fastest way is the MCPizy CLI: run `mcpizy install perplexity` and MCPizy will add the server to your `.claude.json` automatically. You can also install it manually by adding an entry under `mcpServers` in `.claude.json` with the command `npx -y perplexity-mcp` and restarting Claude Code.
Does MCPizy charge to view or install Perplexity MCP?
No. Reading this profile and copying its install guidance is free. Upstream software, API, account or usage costs are separate, and licence coverage should be checked from the linked source when available.
Does Perplexity MCP work with Cursor and Windsurf?
The MCP standard is supported by those clients, but a specific server can still have client-specific setup or transport limits. Use the configuration shown on this page when present and verify the upstream instructions before installation.
What can I do with Perplexity MCP?
Its documented purpose is to let an MCP-compatible agent aI-powered search with citations. The exact tools, permissions and write capabilities depend on the server version and configuration shown by the upstream project.
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