Perplexity introduces Comet, an AI-powered web browser

Perplexity's Comet browser offers AI-powered search and automation, challenging Google's dominance.

: Perplexity has unveiled Comet, an AI-integrated browser, aimed at changing how users search online by setting their AI search engine as the default. Available initially for their Max plan subscribers and select waitlist invitees, Comet features Comet Assistant for task automation. Comet Assistant can manage tabs, summarize emails and navigate pages but struggles with complex tasks, highlighting issues like AI hallucinations. CEO Aravind Srinivas eyes this as a strategic move against Google Search, noting Perplexity's growth with 780 million queries in May 2025.

Perplexity has launched Comet, an AI-driven web browser, which marks a significant step for the company as it aims to innovate internet browsing beyond the conventional paths laid out by tech giants like Google. Founder and CEO Aravind Srinivas views Comet's introduction as critical in offering users direct access to Perplexity’s AI capabilities, sidestepping the widely-used Google Chrome browser. With an ambitious pricing strategy, Comet is currently available to customers subscribed to Perplexity's $200-per-month Max plan and a limited group of users from a prioritized waitlist. Its core feature is the preinstalled, default AI search engine, which highlights Perplexity’s strength in producing AI-generated search result summaries efficiently.

Comet also includes an exciting integration called Comet Assistant, a powerful AI agent developed by Perplexity to simplify routine tasks for users. The assistant can summarize emails, monitor schedules, manage browser tabs, and navigate webpage content, putting vital information at users' fingertips through a sidecar window on any webpage they explore. While Comet Assistant shines in performing straightforward tasks, it encounters issues with more complex requests, indicating ongoing challenges with AI systems' problem of hallucinations—errors where AI creates or assumes incorrect information.

Perplexity's strategy with Comet signals a deliberate attempt to serve users directly and minimize dependencies on mainstream browsers like Google Chrome. The timing also aligns with broader trends, where Google itself is introducing AI-related features within Chrome. Perplexity's vision for Comet as an independent platform aims to build a robust user base by offsetting traditional browsing experiences with AI-enhanced functionality.

However, despite promising features, Comet enters a market dominated by established browsers (Google Chrome and Apple's Safari), which also face competition from emerging players. For instance, The Browser Company recently launched Dia, another AI-powered browser. Additionally, OpenAI is reported to be considering entering the market by developing its browser, further heating the competition. This competitive landscape poses challenges for Perplexity in capturing a significant user base while enticing users away from their established preferences with browsers they trust.

Perplexity’s ambitions may be realistic when considering current user engagement data; the company registered 780 million queries in May 2025, reflecting significant interest and adoption of their AI-driven technologies. However, shifting user behavior at scale is complex, especially when users must transition their trust to new platforms. Perplexity appears to bet on its AI technology's potential to offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to industry stalwarts.

Sources: TechCrunch, Business Today, The Information

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