Perplexity Researcher is an AI-powered research assistant that connects to Perplexity's search API to provide real-time information retrieval and analysis. It intelligently routes queries to the most appropriate search model based on complexity. Key features: - Quick search (Sonar Pro) for simple queries and basic information lookup with direct, concise answers - Reasoning mode (Sonar Reasoning Pro) for complex multi-step tasks requiring detailed analysis, explanations, and comparisons - Deep research (Sonar Deep Research) for comprehensive research and in-depth report generation with focus area customization - Automatic query complexity detection that selects the optimal model for each request - Requires a Perplexity API key for access to the Sonar model suite

Perplexity MCP Server

An intelligent research assistant powered by Perplexity's specialized AI models. Features automatic query complexity detection to route requests to the most appropriate model for optimal results. Unlike the Official server, it has search capabilities FOR EVERY TASK, essentially

It also forces the agent using the MCP to be specific

Tools

1. Search (Sonar Pro)

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "search",
  arguments: {
    query: "What is the capital of France?",
    force_model: false // Optional: force using this model even if query seems complex
  }
});

2. Reason (Sonar Reasoning Pro)

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "reason",
  arguments: {
    query: "Compare and contrast REST and GraphQL APIs, explaining their pros and cons",
    force_model: false // Optional: force using this model even if query seems simple
  }
});

3. Deep Research (Sonar Deep Research)

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "deep_research",
  arguments: {
    query: "The impact of quantum computing on cryptography",
    focus_areas: [
      "Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms",
      "Timeline for quantum threats",
      "Practical mitigation strategies"
    ],
    force_model: false // Optional: force using this model even if query seems simple
  }
});

Setup

1. Prerequisites - Node.js (from nodejs.org) - Perplexity API key (from perplexity.ai/settings/api) - clone the repo somewhere

2. Configure MCP Settings

Add to your MCP settings file (location varies by platform):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      },
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Or use NPX to not have to install it locally (recommended for macos):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "perplexity-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Command-Line Argument: Pass the API key directly as a command-line argument, and you can even try to see whether "${env:PERPLEXITY_API_KEY}" works in there.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js",
        "--api-key",
        "your_api_key_here"
      ],
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Read an explicit .env File: specify the location of the project .env file with the environment variables and API keys for your current project with the --cwd command-line argument, and the MCP Server will read the .env file from the directory finding the Perplexity API Key from there.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js",
        "--cwd",
        "/path/to/your/project"
      ],
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Star History

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