TLDR: Perplexity has announced that its AI-powered web browser, Comet, is now available for free to all users, removing its previous subscription requirement. The Chromium-based browser integrates advanced AI features like content summarization, task automation, and personalized recommendations, aiming to challenge established browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
Perplexity, a prominent AI search company, has made a significant move in the web browser market by announcing that its AI-powered browser, Comet, is now free for all users. The announcement, primarily made on October 3, 2025, marks a shift from its previous subscription-only model, which initially restricted access to Perplexity Max subscribers (priced at $200 per month) and later to Perplexity Pro users ($20 per month).
Built on the Chromium framework, Comet offers a familiar browsing experience while introducing a suite of intelligent tools designed to enhance productivity and research. Its core differentiator is a built-in AI assistant, accessible via a sidebar, that can summarize web content, automate multi-step tasks, manage workflows, and provide personalized recommendations. The browser’s ‘agentic AI’ capabilities allow it to perform actions on behalf of the user, such as clicking on pages and completing tasks, moving beyond simple information retrieval.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed the wider availability in a social media post, stating, “Comet is now generally available to download for everyone (free, Pro and Max users)!” Srinivas also offered a preview of Comet for mobile and discussed future AI assistants and publishing partnerships.
The company’s decision to open access to Comet reflects its broader mission to democratize AI tools and intensify competition with browser giants like Google Chrome, which currently holds a dominant 72% global market share, and Microsoft Edge. The browser landscape is increasingly seeing AI integration, with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic offering Chrome extensions, and Microsoft introducing Copilot Mode in Edge. Google itself has integrated Gemini into Chrome for its AI Pro subscribers, offering similar functionalities to Comet.
Perplexity has observed that Comet users engage with the browser differently, asking more complex and less traditional search queries, indicating a shift in user interaction with web content. To support content creators, Perplexity is also introducing ‘Comet Plus,’ an optional $5 monthly subscription (included with Perplexity Pro Max). This initiative aims to ‘champion real journalism’ by partnering with publishers such as CNN, Wired, Ars Technica, Fortune, The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post, providing users and AI access to high-quality news content.
Also Read:
- Perplexity AI Unveils Comet Browser, Challenging Established Web Platforms with Advanced AI Integration
- Opera Bolsters Free AI Capabilities in Flagship and GX Browsers, Introduces Premium Agentic AI Browser Neon
Comet is designed for easy adoption, allowing users to import browsing history, settings, bookmarks, and passwords from their existing browsers, facilitating a seamless transition.
