Perplexity: Sonar
Perplexity Sonar is an AI model capable of processing both text and image inputs within a substantial context length of 127,072 tokens. It excels in handling diverse modalities but lacks support for reasoning or structured output generation. Although it does not offer direct tool integration, its comprehensive context length makes it suitable for complex tasks requiring extensive input. Given its benchmark blended score of 14.3 across a single independent benchmark, Sonar might be more appropriate for users who prioritize broader functionality and are willing to pay the price point of $1.0 per million input and output tokens. Its performance is robust, though less comprehensive compared to models with higher coverage scores; hence it may not be the top choice for those seeking specialized or highly optimized solutions.
Benchmark results
Independent, published benchmarks. Blended score 14.3 across 1 benchmark, last refreshed 2026-07-21. How scoring works →
| Benchmark | Measures | Score |
|---|---|---|
| AI Index | broad capability composite | 15.7 |
- Model ID
- perplexity/sonar
- Vendor
- perplexity
- Released
- January 2025
- Tokenizer
- Other
- Input Modalities
- text, image
- Output Modalities
- text
- Max Output
- default
- Tool Calling
- not supported
- Structured Output
- not supported
- Reasoning Mode
- not supported
- Vision
- ✓ accepts images
- Audio
- no
- Moderated
- no
What it costs in practice
Computed from the current $1.00/M input and $1.00/M output rates. Run your own numbers →
| Job | Tokens | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Summarize a 50-page report | 30k in / 1.5k out | $0.03 |
| Classify 1,000 customer emails | 500k in / 50k out | $0.55 |
| A month of a busy support chatbot | 5M in / 2M out | $7.00 |
Similar models
Perplexity: Sonar Reasoning Pro
Perplexity: Sonar Pro
Perplexity: Sonar Deep Research
Perplexity: Sonar Pro Search
Quick answers
- How much does Perplexity: Sonar cost?
- $1.00 per million input tokens and $1.00 per million output tokens.
- What is Perplexity: Sonar's context window?
- 127,072 tokens, roughly 190 pages of text in a single request.
- Can Perplexity: Sonar process images?
- Yes, it accepts image input.