Always-on AI agent that runs on a dedicated Mac mini, combining local file and app access with Perplexity Computer cloud AI for 24/7 autonomous task execution.
An always-on AI assistant that lives on a Mac mini in your home. It can access your files, apps, and desktop 24/7 and complete tasks for you while you sleep — combining local access with powerful cloud AI.
Perplexity Personal Computer takes the cloud-based Perplexity Computer and brings it to a dedicated Mac mini running continuously in your home or office. Unlike the cloud-only version, Personal Computer has full access to your local files, applications, and sessions — making it a true digital worker that knows your context. It runs 24/7, controllable from any device anywhere, and merges local capability with Perplexity's cloud AI orchestration engine. The system operates in a secure environment where sensitive actions require user approval, every session generates an audit trail, and a kill switch allows immediate shutdown. Personal Computer represents Perplexity's vision of what a computer should be in 2026: not just a tool you interact with, but a persistent agent that works on your behalf across your entire digital life. Currently available via waitlist only, with expected pricing around $200/month. Announced at Perplexity's Ask 2026 developer conference on March 11, 2026.
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Runs continuously on a dedicated Mac mini with full access to local files, applications, and desktop sessions
Use Case:
Having an AI assistant that monitors your email, organizes files, and completes background tasks while you sleep
Merges local Mac mini capabilities with Perplexity Computer's cloud-based multi-model AI orchestration
Use Case:
Researching a topic online while simultaneously pulling relevant files from your local documents and integrating both into a briefing
Control and monitor your Personal Computer from your phone, tablet, or any browser anywhere in the world
Use Case:
Starting a complex research task from your phone during a commute and having it ready on your desktop when you arrive
Sensitive actions require user approval, full audit trail, and kill switch for immediate shutdown
Use Case:
Letting the agent manage your files and workflows with confidence that it can't take unauthorized actions
Maintains context across sessions and tasks because it runs continuously on your local machine
Use Case:
Building on yesterday's research without re-explaining context, as the agent remembers your ongoing projects
Routes tasks to the best AI model for each job — Claude for reasoning, Gemini for research, Grok for speed, GPT for recall
Use Case:
Complex workflows where different steps need different AI strengths, handled automatically without manual model switching
$20/month
Pricing not publicly listed
Ready to get started with Perplexity Personal Computer?
View Pricing Options →Research-heavy knowledge work requiring both local files and web information
Automating complex workflows that span local applications and online services
Building applications and prototypes through natural language instructions
We believe in transparent reviews. Here's what Perplexity Personal Computer doesn't handle well:
Personal Computer runs on a Mac mini (M4 recommended) that stays powered on and connected to the internet. The Mac mini serves as the local hub where the AI agent runs continuously, accessing your files and apps while connecting to Perplexity's cloud servers for AI processing.
Regular Perplexity Computer runs entirely in the cloud and can only work with information you provide in the chat. Personal Computer runs on a physical Mac mini in your space, giving it direct access to your local files, installed applications, and desktop sessions. It's the difference between an AI that can research online versus one that can also open your spreadsheets, read your emails, and organize your documents.
Both are persistent AI agents running on local hardware. OpenClaw is open-source and lets you choose your own AI models (including free local models), while Personal Computer is a closed Perplexity product with a monthly subscription. OpenClaw requires more technical setup but offers more flexibility and lower ongoing costs. Personal Computer offers a more polished consumer experience out of the box.
Perplexity has built in several safety measures: sensitive actions require explicit user approval, every session generates a full audit trail, and there's a kill switch to immediately stop all activity. Your data is processed locally on your Mac mini rather than being uploaded to Perplexity's servers for storage.
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Announced March 11, 2026 at Ask 2026 conference. Currently waitlist-only.
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