’m running into a consistent issue with Perplexity where the API results are noticeably worse than the web UI even when I use the same query.

Raul_Iglesias
Sat, 17 Jan 2026 03:05:14 +0000
Bug Reports

Hey folks — I’m running into a consistent issue with Perplexity where the API results are noticeably worse than the web UI even when I use the same query.
On the web I get deeper, better-structured research with stronger source coverage. Through the API, the answers often feel shallower, sometimes with different sources, and overall lower quality — and this seems to be happening frequently, not just as a one-off.
Has anyone else seen this?

Is there a known reason (different model/mode, retrieval depth, source limits, etc.)?

Any recommended settings/patterns to get API output closer to the web experience (multi-step search, higher context, citations enforcement, etc.)?

Or is this simply a limitation of the API vs the product UI?

Would really appreciate any guidance, thx