From Search to Browse: Perplexity AI Introduces Comet, Its New AI Browser
Do you know we spend more than 6 hours a day online? Most of that time, we jump between tabs, search engines, and apps, hoping to find answers fast. But what if the browser itself could help us think, search, and take action in one place? That’s the big idea behind Comet, the new AI-powered browser by Perplexity AI.
Launched in July 2025, it’s not just another browser. It’s built to turn your questions into answers and your ideas into real work without leaving your screen.
At first glance, Comet may look like Chrome. But under the hood, it’s packed with smart features that help you search better, summarize faster, and even book meetings or write emails. It’s made for people who want more than just websites. We want real help, in real time.
Let’s explore what makes Comet different, why it matters, and how it could change how we browse forever.
The Vision Behind Comet
We’ve always switched between apps, tabs, and tools when searching or working. Comet changes that. It’s built on the idea of “navigation to cognition.” Perplexity wants to reshape browsing into thinking. The goal is for you to ask questions naturally and get actions in return.
CEO Aravind Srinivas says Comet is meant to operate like an “agent,” a thinking layer that acts for you. He’s clear: big companies like Google struggle here. Their ad-focused models and internal bureaucracy slow innovation. Perplexity, as a nimble startup, bets on user-first design.
Their tagline says it best: “From Answers to Action.” Comet doesn’t just search. It helps you book meetings, compare products, and send emails, all without leaving the page.
Key Features & Functionality
Comet looks like Chrome. But inside, it’s powered by AI. The default engine is Perplexity’s search, which offers quick, citation-backed answers. The real strength is the Comet Assistant, a sidebar that knows the page you’re on. It can summarize, compare, translate, or even act like scheduling a meeting or drafting an email.
Smart tab handling is another win. We no longer drown in dozens of tabs. Comet groups related tabs and saves states across sessions. Whether we’re shopping, researching, or planning this frees us to focus.
Privacy is central. Comet stores data on your device and doesn’t train AI on personal info unless you opt in. Reddit users report settings still evolving, but the intent is local-first processing to shield sensitive tasks from the cloud.
Under the hood, Comet is built on Chromium. It supports Windows and macOS now, with Linux, Android, and iOS on the roadmap. You can import existing extensions, bookmarks, and settings so it feels familiar from day one.
Market Context: The AI Browser Wars
AI browsers are gaining buzz. Brave, Opera, and the Browser Company are all racing to embed intelligent agents. Rumors even say OpenAI is working on one.
None of that deters Perplexity. They see big players as risk-averse. Google’s ads push makes it hard to go full agent. Chrome still dominates about 68% of the market. But it’s also testing AI features under “AI Mode”.
Comet is a direct challenge. It offers both intelligence and privacy in one package, something traditional browsers can’t easily match.
Early Feedback & Critiques
Many early reviews are glowing. TechRadar says Comet helped them after just 48 hours; it “handles mundane tasks autonomously”. Lifewire adds that Comet cuts through tab overload and distraction.
Geeky Gadgets praised its Chrome-like feel, plus faster performance and smarter AI automation. Practical features like grocery list generation, email help, and calendar sync stand out.
But it’s not perfect. Early testers point out inconsistent task performance. AI might stumble when filling out forms or posting comments. Privacy experts caution that local-mode tools are not fully functional yet.
Pricing is a barrier, too. Comet is invite-only and costs $200 a month. That limits adoption to power users at least for now.
Opportunities & Challenges
For researchers, students, and busy pros, Comet has a strong pull. It turns browsing into doing, without switching apps. That can save hours.
Plus, Perplexity’s search engine is seeing fast growth, 780 million queries in May, up 20% monthly. Comet acts as a powerful driver for that momentum.
Still, hurdles remain. At $200 a month, many users will hesitate. Competing with free Chrome or Safari is tough. Users also worry about AI mistakes and data handling. Comet needs to build trust fast.
Future Roadmap & Outlook
Perplexity plans to open Comet’s waitlist more broadly and introduce a free tier. Platform expansion is next, with Linux and mobile versions expected later this year.
We can also expect deeper agent actions, wider automation, and smoother workflows. Aravind Srinivas remains confident that big tech can’t replicate their advantage easily.
Still, as giants like Google and OpenAI move in, competition will intensify. Privacy scrutiny, legal questions around content use, and usability will shape how Comet evolves.
Wrap Up
Comet isn’t just a browser. It’s a sneak peek into a future where browsers act like assistants. Instead of passive search, we get streamlined thinking and doing.
It won’t replace Chrome tomorrow. But for power users, researchers, or anyone drowning in tabs, Comet offers a smarter, privacy-first path. If wider access and better pricing come soon, it could reshape how we work online. The question now: will users pay for that vision? Only time will tell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Comet is a new web browser made by Perplexity AI. It helps people search, summarize, and do tasks using AI all inside one smart browser.
Yes, Perplexity plans to add ads in late 2025. The ads will be marked clearly and are part of their plan to grow and earn revenue.
Yes, Comet launched in July 2025. Right now, it’s invite-only and only available to users of Perplexity’s paid Max plan.
No, Perplexity AI is a search tool that uses AI to give quick answers. But now it also offers a browser called Comet for deeper tasks.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your research.