TL;DR
- Perplexity has launched Comet, its first AI-powered web browser, exclusive to Max plan subscribers and waitlisted users.
- Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI search engine and introduces Comet Assistant, an on-browser AI agent that helps automate tasks.
- The product positions Perplexity in direct competition with Google Chrome and AI-enhanced offerings like Chrome AI Mode and The Browser Company’s Dia.
- Comet users benefit from contextual AI within the browser but must grant broad access permissions for full functionality.
- Despite its strengths, Comet still struggles with AI hallucinations during complex tasks such as bookings.
Comet: Perplexity’s Bid to Disrupt Google’s Dominance
On Wednesday, Perplexity unveiled Comet, its new AI-first web browser, as part of the company’s strategic move to disrupt how users search and interact with the web. The launch is limited initially to $200/month Max subscribers and a group of invite-only waitlist participants.
CEO Aravind Srinivas has long positioned Comet as a game-changing product in the AI-powered browser space. At the center of Comet is Perplexity’s AI search, known for delivering concise, source-linked summaries instead of traditional blue links.
Comet by the Numbers
| Feature | Details |
| Browser Name | Comet |
| AI Agent Included | Comet Assistant |
| Access Level | Max Plan ($200/month) and waitlist users |
| AI Summarization Engine | Perplexity AI |
| Core Capabilities | Summarize pages, manage tabs, navigate, extract data |
| Competing Browsers | Google Chrome AI, Dia, Safari |
| Monthly Queries on Perplexity | 780 million (as of May 2025) |
| MoM Growth | 20%+ |
Comet Assistant: A Sidekick Inside the Browser
Comet ships with Comet Assistant, a sidebar AI agent that allows users to ask questions, summarize pages, and execute tasks like reading emails or parsing calendar invites—all while staying on the same webpage.
The assistant mimics features found in ChatGPT’s desktop app, allowing users to talk to the AI while browsing without copying links or opening new tabs. It automatically recognizes context from visible web content, including YouTube, social media, or even Google Docs.
“I found it particularly useful to ask questions about text I was writing without leaving my document,” said one early user.
The Chrome Alternative… With a Catch
Comet positions itself as an alternative to Chrome, bypassing the need to operate through Google’s ecosystem. With Google now integrating AI features directly into Chrome, including its own AI Assistant Mode, Perplexity aims to take control of the browser layer and user retention loop.
Srinivas stated in June:
“Comet is our OS—once users adopt it, we get infinite retention. It’s the key to Perplexity becoming a daily tool.”
However, some of Comet’s most powerful features demand deep user permissions. To access Gmail and Google Calendar, for instance, users must grant Comet access to read emails, send messages, view contacts, and even control calendar events via Google account integration.
Perplexity Faces Competition in Browser Wars
Comet enters a crowded field of AI-powered browsers. In June, The Browser Company launched Dia, an AI-first browser with similar capabilities. Meanwhile, OpenAI has reportedly begun work on its own browser project, hiring ex-Chrome engineers to accelerate development.
Though Google Chrome and Apple Safari dominate market share, Perplexity hopes to pull ahead by capitalizing on its momentum: 780 million queries in May alone and 20%+ monthly growth.
Early Impressions: Promising Utility, Persistent Hallucinations
Our hands-on test of Comet revealed that Comet Assistant is adept at lightweight tasks: summarizing emails, scanning calendar events, and suggesting travel times. However, when asked to book a parking spot at SFO Airport, the AI entered incorrect dates and hallucinated available options.
This mirrors performance issues seen with other agents like OpenAI’s Operator and Perplexity’s prior shopping tool—suggesting hallucinations remain a core challenge across AI assistant ecosystems.
Comet’s Strategic Importance to Perplexity
The browser marks a major shift in Perplexity’s ambition. Unlike its previous launches, Comet embeds Perplexity’s ecosystem into the user’s daily flow, from email triage to real-time information search. This reduces reliance on Google Search and opens the door for AI-first browsing habits.
Whether Comet gains traction beyond early adopters depends on two variables:
- User trust and privacy: Full functionality requires extensive access permissions.
- AI reliability: Mistakes like incorrect bookings could damage long-term adoption.
Still, Perplexity appears committed to iterating. According to CEO Srinivas, the ultimate goal is to “build an operating system for the web, powered by AI.”
