Imagine a browser that doesn’t just show you websites but thinks, plans, summarises, and even acts on your behalf. That’s exactly what Comet, the new AI-powered browser from Perplexity, sets out to deliver. Now available for free to all users, Comet signals a bold challenge to Chrome, Edge and other major players – positioning itself not just as a browser, but as your intelligent digital assistant.
A browser that does more than just browse
Built on Chromium – the same open-source engine powering Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge – Comet’s defining feature is its native integration of AI. The homepage launches straight into an AI chat interface, and users can activate a side panel with AI assistance on any website.
This panel can summarise articles, respond to emails, organise schedules, offer audio versions of webpages, or even fill out forms and complete bookings automatically. Unlike traditional search, Comet’s AI understands user intent and context, performing tasks instead of simply providing links.
Agentic AI in action
At the heart of Comet is the concept of agentic browsing – artificial intelligence that doesn’t just assist but takes action. Whether researching a topic across several tabs, summarising findings, or even booking travel after comparing options, Comet’s AI handles tasks from end to end.
Users can have websites read aloud, summarised into key points, or analysed across multiple tabs for a consolidated report. A personal “Discover Feed” tailors news and insights based on browsing habits – another step towards an experience shaped entirely by AI.
Free to use – with optional upgrades
Comet’s core features, including the AI panel, summarisation tools and web research assistant, are free. Paid versions like Comet Plus and Comet Max unlock premium content sources, more powerful background agents, and deeper integration with email and calendar services.
Where Comet excels – and where it still falls short
What works well:
- Deep AI integration in every tab
- Strong contextual awareness and task automation
- Smooth performance and fast page loads
- Audio summaries for text-heavy pages
- Personalised Discover Feed with relevant updates
Limitations:
- High resource usage (RAM/CPU) during complex operations
- Some agents struggle with multi-step or ambiguous tasks
- Data privacy concerns with access to email, forms, and calendar
- Occasional translation issues and UI inconsistencies
The privacy trade-off
With Comet’s AI accessing emails, web forms, calendars and potentially executing actions on your behalf, data privacy becomes a central concern. Testing has shown that without strict boundaries, the AI can misinterpret tasks – deleting API keys, sending incorrect messages or completing forms inaccurately. Users need to weigh convenience against control, especially when handling sensitive data.
Who it’s for – and what it means for the future
Comet is currently available for Windows and Mac, with a mobile version on the way. It targets power users, knowledge workers, and digital professionals looking to merge browsing with automation and search. Perplexity’s ambition is clear: shift as much online time as possible into its own AI-powered ecosystem, competing head-on with Google, Microsoft and AI-focused startups.
Visionary – but not without friction
Comet is not just a new browser. It’s a new paradigm. AI isn’t a bolt-on feature; it’s baked into the core experience. For researchers, writers, developers and anyone working with vast information streams, Comet offers tangible benefits – faster answers, automated processes, smarter navigation.
But as with any paradigm shift, the technology still needs refinement. Stability, security and linguistic polish (especially in multilingual use) will be key to widespread adoption. Comet’s greatest strength – its autonomy – is also its biggest challenge. In the right hands, it’s a powerful tool. But the question remains: are we ready for a browser that browses for us?
