What is Perplexity Comet, and how will it change the way you browse the internet

There was Netscape, then came Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. Google Chrome was introduced in September 2008, and that changed the way we browse the Internet forever. Many came and many went, but many versions followed for the survivors. However, the ‘Chrome-ian’ domination prevailed, to the extent that desktops, laptops, and mobile phones—every device—came with a Google Chrome browser.

17 years on, however, just two months before Google Chrome’s anniversary celebration, Perplexity dropped what could be a defining moment for web browsers. It may not be able to challenge or tremble the Chrome-ian pillars of web search, but it will definitely make Chrome rethink how it serves the internet to its billions of users.

What is Perplexity’s Comet?

Comet is a new web browser developed by AI startup Perplexity, designed to support users who rely heavily on the internet for work, research, and daily tasks. Unlike traditional browsers that focus on tabs and passive navigation, Comet positions itself as an active partner, helping users ask questions, organise information, and automate tasks.

At its core, Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI assistant directly into the browsing experience. This means users can interact with webpages more dynamically, asking for summaries, comparisons, translations, or follow-up actions without needing to switch tabs or apps. The idea is to reduce the friction involved in jumping between tools or trying to keep track of scattered information.

“We believe curiosity is a superpower. It’s the spark that propels humanity forward. Yet, the web—our greatest source of information—was never designed to nurture curiosity; instead, we’ve been asked to “browse” it through a one-way lens. That’s why we made Comet,” Perplexity wrote in a blog post.

How is Comet different from Google Chrome?

Instead of accumulating multiple open tabs that clutter the Chrome experience today, Comet offers a workspace where information is organised and easily accessible for later retrieval. It tracks what a user is working on, surfaces related content, and keeps everything tied to a consistent context. For example, if you’re researching a topic, Comet can group those pages, remember what you previously looked at, and help you continue from where you left off. It also helps automate routine tasks, such as summarising emails, managing schedules, and reviewing meeting notes.

Comet also aims to reduce information overload. It can close inactive tabs, highlight relevant news, and even remind users of action items from earlier sessions. It’s designed to handle everyday workflows—checking calendars, summarising videos, and reviewing LinkedIn messages—without requiring manual tab switching or app hopping.

Underlying the browser is Perplexity’s search engine, which prioritises accurate, verifiable answers. This is especially relevant for users making decisions based on online content—whether comparing insurance plans, researching investments, or evaluating new technologies. An interesting observation to note here is that Perplexity is not positioning itself for the regulars, but for those who perform extensive research. Recently, Perplexity was in the news because of the detailed financial research it was offering investors. This positions the product very differently from Google's offerings. While this may lead to slower mass adoption, the possibility of a more loyal customer base might be on the way.

Does it mean you can use either Comet or another web browser? Will it not hurt Comet itself?

Currently, according to June data from SimilarWeb, Chrome currently accounts for 63.68% of the market share, followed by Safari with 22.07%, and Edge. For users to even be asked to switch from a system they have adjusted to for so long is an impossible ask. As a result, Comet claims that it does not require users to give up their existing browser setups. It supports standard browser extensions, bookmarks, and settings, making it easier to switch without losing personalisation.

Is Comet available for all now?

Comet is being released gradually at present. Access is initially limited to Perplexity Max subscribers via an invite system, with broader availability expected in the coming months. The browser will be available first on Mac and Windows.

“The waitlist will initially release on Mac and Windows platforms. More platforms will arrive in the months afterwards,” the site said.

Comet claims to remain free for all users forever. However, the current phased rollout with exclusive access to Perplexity Max subscribers might suggest a tiering system in future as well.