Perplexity MCP

🚀 Perplexity MCP Server

An intelligent research assistant powered by Perplexity's professional AI models. It has an automatic query complexity detection function and can route requests to the most suitable model for optimal results. Different from the official server, it has search capabilities for each task.

🚀 Quick Start

Tools

⚠️ Important Note

Due to implementation differences, the Deep Research tool does not time out when using some tools (such as cursor), but may time out when using others (such as cline). However, the reason tool can compensate for this.

1. Search (Sonar Pro)

Used for simple queries and basic information lookup. Best suited for scenarios where you need a concise and direct answer to a question.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "search",
  arguments: {
    query: "法国的首都是哪里？",
    force_model: false // Optional: Force using this model even if the query seems complex
  }
});

2. Reasoning (Sonar Reasoning Pro)

Handles complex tasks that require multi-step analysis. Ideal for explaining, comparing, and solving problems.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "reason",
  arguments: {
    query: "比较并对比 REST 和 GraphQL API，解释它们的优缺点",
    force_model: false // Optional: Force using this model even if the query seems simple
  }
});

3. Deep Research (Sonar Deep Research)

Conducts comprehensive research and generates detailed reports. Well-suited for in-depth analysis of complex topics.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "deep_research",
  arguments: {
    query: "量子计算对密码学的影响",
    focus_areas: [
      "后量子加密算法",
      "量子威胁的时间表",
      "实际缓解策略"
    ],
    force_model: false // Optional: Force using this model even if the query seems simple
  }
});

Intelligent Model Selection

The server automatically analyzes the complexity of the query and routes the request to the most suitable model:

1. Simple queries → Sonar Pro

   • Basic information lookup
   • Direct questions
   • Quick facts

2. Complex queries → Sonar Reasoning Pro

   • How/Why questions
   • Comparisons
   • Step-by-step explanations
   • Problem-solving tasks

3. Research queries → Sonar Deep Research

   • In-depth analysis
   • Comprehensive research
   • Detailed investigations
   • Multi-faceted topics

You can override the automatic selection by setting force_model: true in the parameters of any tool.

📦 Installation

Prerequisites

• Node.js (from nodejs.org)
• Perplexity API key (from perplexity.ai/settings/api)
• Clone the repository to any local location

Configure MCP Settings

Add the following to your MCP settings file (the specific 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 avoid local installation (recommended for macOS):

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