Comet browser is now available for free as Perplexity AI takes a big swing at Google Chrome

By Admin

03 Oct, 2025

Perplexity AI has officially made its boldest move yet. The company has taken its Comet browser   once priced at a staggering $200 a month  global and, in a surprise twist, made it completely free for everyone. By removing the paywall, Perplexity has turned Comet into a mainstream play, one that directly challenges Google Chrome, OpenAI, and Anthropic in the battle to define the future of AI-powered browsing.

What Makes Comet Different?

Unlike conventional browsers, Comet isn’t just about loading web pages. First launched in July for Perplexity Max subscribers, the browser has been pitched as a personal AI assistant. It can organize tabs, draft emails, shop online, and manage tasks beyond simple search. Think of it less as a browsing tool and more as an intelligent digital companion.

The hype around Comet was evident early on, with millions signing up for the waitlist. Now that the paywall is gone, Perplexity is betting on scale   hoping that wider adoption can fuel its race against tech heavyweights.

Entering a Fierce AI Browser War

The timing couldn’t be more strategic. Big tech has already been folding AI into browsing experiences at full speed:

• Google introduced Gemini inside Chrome just last month.
  
  

• Anthropic rolled out a browser-based agent in August.
  
  

• OpenAI launched Operator in January, positioning it as a productivity-first web tool.
  
  

Against this backdrop, Comet has to prove it’s more than a niche experiment. Perplexity’s ambition became even clearer when the company made headlines in August with its audacious $34.5 billion unsolicited bid for Google Chrome. While that bid was a long shot, it signaled that Perplexity is serious about disrupting the market.

A Complicated Relationship with Publishers

Perplexity is best known for its AI-powered search engine, which blends direct answers with links to source material. However, it has faced criticism for lifting content without proper credit. In response, the company rolled out a revenue-sharing model in 2024.

With Comet Plus, Perplexity now offers premium access to trusted media outlets like CNN, Condé Nast, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Le Monde, and Le Figaro. This move helps strengthen credibility and ensures users get access to high-quality, verified content.

What’s Next for Comet?

Perplexity isn’t slowing down. The company has already teased two major additions:

• A mobile version of Comet to bring the AI-powered browser to smartphones.
  
  

• A Background Assistant feature that can juggle multiple tasks asynchronously, working even when users aren’t actively engaging.
  
  

Both features could further position Comet as not just a browser, but a full-fledged digital assistant.

The Real Test Ahead

By removing the paywall, Perplexity has undeniably widened the gateway for users. But the ultimate challenge lies ahead: Will people switch from the tools they already use daily, like Chrome, Safari, or Edge, to make Comet their go-to assistant?

Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic already have deep integrations across devices and services, giving them a strong advantage. For Perplexity, the road to mainstream adoption will depend on whether Comet can seamlessly fit into users’ daily workflows and prove indispensable.

Final Thoughts

Perplexity AI’s decision to make Comet free is a daring move that raises the stakes in the AI browser wars. As the lines between search, browsing, and digital assistance blur, Comet’s success will hinge on adoption   and whether users are ready to trade old habits for a smarter, AI-driven web experience.