Comet Perplexity New AI Browser Redefines Web Interaction
Perplexity has officially launched its AI-powered web browser, Comet, to the public, marking a significant step in the evolution of how users interact with the internet. Initially available only to paying subscribers, the browser is now free for everyone on Windows and macOS, with an Android version available for pre-order. Built on the Chromium framework, Comet combines a familiar browsing experience with powerful, integrated AI designed to transform passive surfing into an active, intelligent partnership.
From Browsing to Thinking
The core philosophy behind Comet is to shift the user's role from a simple "browser" to a "thinker". Instead of just displaying information, Comet is designed to understand context, automate tasks, and synthesize information, acting as a personal AI assistant. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas describes the product as a "thinking partner" that can execute multi-step workflows, from summarizing research to booking meetings on your behalf.
Features
Comet introduces several innovative features that set it apart from traditional browsers like Google Chrome.
AI Sidecar Assistant: The most prominent feature is a built-in AI sidebar that acts as a context-aware assistant. This "sidecar" can summarize articles in real-time, draft emails, answer questions about the webpage you're on, and manage tasks without needing to switch tabs.
Agentic AI Capabilities: Comet is "agentic," meaning it can perform complex, multi-step actions across different websites. Users can command it to compare product prices, book flights, send emails, or schedule meetings, and the browser will navigate the necessary web pages to complete the task.
Workspaces: Instead of a cluttered mess of tabs, Comet uses "workspaces" to organize projects and tasks. This model helps users maintain focus and keep related research, pages, and queries consolidated in a single, unified view. The browser can track read pages and active research to provide relevant content recommendations.
Chromium Foundation: By being built on Chromium, Comet ensures a smooth transition for users by supporting the vast library of existing Chrome extensions and bookmarks.
After an initial launch in July 2025 for high-tier "Max" subscribers, Perplexity made Comet available to "Pro" subscribers in India in September before the global free release in October 2 2025. The free version provides access to core functionalities, while paid subscribers get additional features like a "background assistant" for handling multiple tasks simultaneously and an advanced email assistant.
Perplexity is positioning Comet as a direct competitor to Google's dominance in both search and browsing. By integrating conversational AI, task automation, and a unique organizational structure, Comet represents a new category of AI-native browsers that could fundamentally change user expectations. Its success may push established players like Google and Microsoft to accelerate the integration of their own advanced AI, heralding a new era of intelligent, interactive web browsing.
https://www.perplexity.ai/download-comet
Comet is now generally available to download for everyone (free, Pro and Max users)! https://t.co/AWYnhTo4oQ
— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) October 2, 2025