Perplexity AI released its Comet browser worldwide for free on October 2, 2025, democratizing advanced AI-powered web browsing previously limited to premium subscribers. Initially launched in July 2025 with exclusive access for paying customers, Comet now offers everyone on Windows and macOS an intelligent browsing assistant that answers questions, summarizes content, and navigates web pages autonomously.
What Makes Comet Different
Comet’s standout feature is its sidecar assistant that accompanies users while browsing. This AI companion helps answer questions about current web pages, summarizes lengthy content, manages information across tabs, and even navigates sites on your behalf. The assistant understands context from the pages you’re viewing, making it genuinely useful rather than just another chatbot overlay.
CEO Aravind Srinivas stated the free release aligns with Perplexity’s mission to “build a better internet that’s accessible to everybody.” The free version includes everything—the full Comet browser with AI assistant functionality previously reserved for premium subscribers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free for all users (was premium-only) |
| Platforms | Windows and macOS |
| Launch Date | July 2025 (premium), October 2, 2025 (free) |
| Key Feature | Sidecar AI assistant for browsing |
| Premium Bonus | Background Assistant (Comet Plus) |
| Mobile Version | Teased for future release |
Premium Features for Max Users
While the base browser is free, Perplexity teased additional capabilities for Comet Plus subscribers. The Background Assistant can work on multiple tasks simultaneously and asynchronously, handling complex research or organization jobs while users continue browsing normally. This premium feature caters to power users managing extensive research or professional workflows.
Perplexity also hinted at a mobile version of Comet, though no release timeline was announced. Mobile AI browsing could significantly expand the assistant’s utility for on-the-go research and information management.
Explore Comet browser features and discover more AI innovations at Tech2Sports.
The AI Browser Competition
Comet enters an increasingly crowded AI browser space, competing with Opera’s AI-integrated browsers and other startups building intelligence into web navigation. However, Perplexity’s search expertise gives Comet unique advantages—the company has refined AI-powered information retrieval through its popular search engine.
The browser can automate tasks, research topics across multiple websites, organize emails, and handle tedious browsing workflows. These capabilities position Comet as more than a browser with a chatbot—it’s designed as a genuine productivity tool that reduces manual work.
Security Considerations
Following Comet’s free release, security experts have raised concerns typical of new browsers, particularly those with deep AI integration. Users should evaluate privacy policies regarding data collection and how browsing information trains AI models. As with any new browser, gradual adoption while monitoring security updates is prudent.
Despite concerns, Comet represents Perplexity’s bold vision for AI-enhanced internet navigation. By making advanced features free, the company accelerates adoption and challenges established browsers to match its AI capabilities. Whether Comet disrupts the browser market depends on user adoption and continued feature development, but free access removes the primary barrier to trying this AI-powered browsing experience.
FAQs
Is Perplexity’s Comet browser completely free?
Yes, Comet is now free for all Windows and macOS users with full AI assistant features included.
What’s the difference between free Comet and Comet Plus?
Comet Plus subscribers get Background Assistant that handles multiple tasks simultaneously and asynchronously while browsing.
