Perplexity just launched Comet, its first AI-powered web browser, aiming to take on Google Search directly.
Comet is live now for Perplexity’s $200/month Max plan subscribers and a limited waitlist group.
The browser features Perplexity’s AI search engine as the default. AI-generated summaries are front and center. 
Also included: Comet Assistant. This AI agent lives inside the browser to automate tasks like summarizing emails and calendar events, managing tabs, and navigating web pages. It works via a sidecar on any webpage, letting the AI see and answer questions about the content.
Image Credits: Perplexity
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas hyped Comet as key to challenging Google. The goal: build an “operating system” where users can do almost everything with AI help.
Google’s been adding AI to Chrome. Perplexity wants to bypass Chrome entirely by becoming users’ default browser — locking in what Srinivas calls “infinite retention.”
The market is crowded. The Browser Company’s Dia launched last month with similar AI features. OpenAI is reportedly considering its own browser and has poached top Chrome engineers.
Perplexity claims 780 million queries in May 2025 with over 20% monthly growth. Comet could leverage that traction to jumpstart browser adoption.
Hands on with Comet
Comet Assistant shines in simple tasks but falters with complex ones. Testing showed it excels at answering webpage questions without extra steps.
Image Credits: Perplexity
It worked well summarizing emails and calendar events — after granting Perplexity broad access to Google accounts. The permissions list is extensive, requiring access to screens, emails, contacts, and events.
Image Credits: Screengrab/Maxwell Zeff / Perplexity
The assistant gave transit advice based on calendar events and flagged important emails. But it struggled when asked to book long-term airport parking under $15/day, repeatedly hallucinating and entering wrong dates.
AI hallucinations remain a major hurdle for agents handling complex tasks. The issue isn’t new but still limits practical use.
Image Credits: Perplexity
Comet’s AI browser has flaws but offers fresh moves in the browser wars. If Perplexity can grow its user base, Comet might carve out a spot — but flipping users from Chrome or Safari won’t be easy.
