Perplexity launches Comet, an AI-powered browser with task automation, context-aware insights, and Chrome compatibility.
In a significant step toward redefining how we interact with the internet, Perplexity AI, a leading innovator in artificial intelligence, has introduced Comet, an AI-powered web browser designed to enhance the browsing experience through intelligent automation and context-aware functionality. Launched on July 9, 2025, Comet represents Perplexity’s ambitious move to challenge established players in the browser market, such as Google Chrome, while leveraging its expertise in AI-driven search technology.
This article explores the features, implications, and potential impact of Comet on the digital landscape, offering a comprehensive overview of this groundbreaking release.
A Browser Built for the AI Age
Comet is not just another web browser; it is a bold reimagination of what browsing can be in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. Built on the Chromium framework, the same open-source platform that powers Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, Comet ensures compatibility with modern web standards while introducing a suite of AI-driven features that set it apart. Unlike traditional browsers that focus on passive navigation, Comet integrates Perplexity’s advanced AI capabilities directly into the browsing experience, creating what the company calls an “agentic search” environment. This approach allows the browser to act as an active partner, assisting users with tasks, organizing information, and providing contextual insights in real time.
At the core of Comet’s functionality is the Comet Assistant, an AI agent embedded within the browser. This assistant can summarize web pages, answer complex questions, and automate routine tasks such as managing emails, checking shopping carts for discounts, or even booking travel arrangements. For example, users can ask Comet to “summarize this article” or “find the best flight deals for next weekend,” and the assistant will process the request without requiring users to leave their current tab. By embedding these capabilities into the browser, Perplexity aims to streamline workflows and reduce the need for multiple apps or tabs, enhancing productivity and user focus.
Key Features of Comet
Comet’s feature set is designed to cater to power users, researchers, and professionals who rely heavily on the internet for work and information gathering. Some of its standout features include:
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Agentic Search and Task Automation: Comet’s AI-driven search capabilities allow it to execute tasks autonomously. Users can issue natural language commands, such as “organize my tabs by topic” or “find unanswered emails,” and the assistant will prioritize and execute these tasks efficiently.
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Context-Aware Intelligence: By analyzing browsing history and open tabs, Comet personalizes responses to align with the user’s current context. For instance, if a user is researching climate change, Comet can suggest related articles, summarize key points, or even translate foreign-language sources in real time.
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Seamless Integration with Existing Tools: Comet supports the import of bookmarks, extensions, and settings from other browsers like Google Chrome, making the transition smooth for users. It also integrates with over 800 enterprise applications, including Slack, allowing users to interact with their digital ecosystem directly within the browser.
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Privacy and Security: Built-in ad and tracker blocking enhances user privacy, with the option to disable these features during setup. Perplexity has also addressed privacy concerns by clarifying that users can opt out of data personalization for targeted advertising, ensuring greater control over their information.
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Cross-Platform Compatibility: Initially available for Mac and Windows, with an Android version in development, Comet is designed to work seamlessly across devices, maintaining continuity in the user experience.
These features position Comet as a versatile tool for both individual and professional use, offering a level of intelligence and interactivity that traditional browsers lack.
The Competitive Landscape
The browser market is notoriously competitive, with Google Chrome commanding over 60% of global market share, followed by Apple’s Safari and Microsoft Edge. Entering this crowded space is a bold move for Perplexity, a company founded in 2022 that has already made waves with its AI-powered search engine. It’s worth noting that Perplexity raised $500 million in 2025 at a $14 billion valuation, reflecting strong investor confidence and fueling its browser push.
Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, has acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing the importance of delivering a superior user experience over time, much like Chrome did to overtake Internet Explorer. “Patience and persistence pay off,” Srinivas noted in a post on X, highlighting the need for consistent innovation to compete with established giants.
Comet also faces competition from other AI-driven browsers, such as Dia from The Browser Company, which launched in June 2025. Additionally, Google has been integrating AI features into Chrome, and OpenAI is reportedly exploring its own browser. Despite this, Perplexity is betting on its existing user base—processing over 780 million queries in May 2025 alone—to drive adoption of Comet. Strategic partnerships with companies like Motorola and potential talks with Samsung further bolster Perplexity’s efforts to expand its reach.
Challenges and Controversies
While Comet’s launch has generated excitement, Perplexity is not without its challenges. The company has faced legal scrutiny from publishers, including Dow Jones, the New York Post, and The New York Times, who have accused it of scraping and replicating content without proper attribution. In response, Perplexity has introduced a revenue-sharing model with publishers and emphasized its commitment to ethical AI practices. These controversies highlight the broader ethical questions surrounding AI-driven content aggregation and the need for transparent monetization strategies.
Privacy concerns have also surfaced, particularly after Srinivas’s comments about using browsing data for hyper-personalized ads. Although he later clarified that users can opt out, Perplexity will need to prioritize trust and transparency to win over privacy-conscious users in a market where competitors like Brave emphasize robust privacy features.
The Future of Web Browsing
Comet’s launch signals a broader shift in the browser industry, where AI is becoming a central component of the user experience. By integrating agentic search and task automation, Comet transforms browsing from a passive activity into an interactive, intelligent process. For researchers, students, and professionals, this could mean significant time savings and a more organized approach to information gathering. For casual users, features like real-time translations and contextual suggestions make the internet more accessible and engaging.
Looking ahead, Perplexity plans to expand Comet’s capabilities with more advanced agent-like features and broader platform support. The company’s freemium model ensures that a free version of Comet will always be available, though premium features are currently exclusive to Perplexity Max subscribers, who pay $200 per month. This tiered approach may limit initial adoption but aligns with Perplexity’s strategy to cater to power users while gradually scaling access.
Perplexity’s Comet represents a bold step toward a future where AI and web browsing are seamlessly integrated. By combining the stability of the Chromium framework with cutting-edge AI capabilities, Comet offers a glimpse into a new era of intelligent browsing. While challenges like market competition and legal disputes remain, Perplexity’s focus on user-centric innovation, backed by significant financial support, positions Comet as a potential disruptor in the browser space. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Comet could redefine how we explore, organize, and interact with the vast expanse of the internet, making it a tool worth watching for anyone curious about the future of online experiences.