Perplexity: Sonar
This AI model, Sonar from Perplexity, is designed for processing both text and image input modalities within a context length of 127072 tokens. It can handle lengthy inputs but does not support tools or reasoning-based applications. For those looking for an expensive option with moderate performance, Sonar may be worth considering. Its blended benchmark score of 7.9 across one independent test is competitive, albeit based on limited data. At $1 per million input and output tokens, it has a straightforward pricing structure that matches its relatively simple capabilities.
Benchmark results
Independent, published benchmarks. Blended score 7.3 across 1 benchmark, last refreshed 2026-10-13. How scoring works →
| Benchmark | Measures | Score |
|---|---|---|
| AI Index | broad capability composite | 12.7 |
- Model ID
- perplexity/sonar
- Vendor
- perplexity
- Released
- January 2025
- Tokenizer
- Other
- Input Modalities
- text, image
- Output Modalities
- text
- Max Output
- 114,364 tokens
- 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.