Perplexity AI has made its Comet browser available worldwide for free starting October 2, 2025. This AI-powered browser, previously available only to paying customers for $200 per month, can now be used without any subscription fees, waitlists, or invitation codes.
What is Comet Browser?
Comet is an AI-powered browser based on the Chromium framework and serves as a personal assistant for users. Unlike traditional browsers like Chrome or Firefox, Comet features an AI-powered workspace instead of a standard tabbed interface. The browser directly integrates Perplexity’s AI search engine, allowing users to ask questions, summarize content, and automate tasks without changing tabs or switching between applications.
Key Features Available
The free version includes core AI-powered features like the Comet Assistant, which can research the web, organize tabs, compose emails, and handle online shopping tasks. Users can highlight text on any webpage to get instant clarification and find related content without losing their place. The browser tracks user activity and suggests related information based on browsing preferences and work trends.
Initial Launch and Demand
Comet was first launched on July 9, 2025, in a limited capacity for Perplexity Max customers. The browser quickly became one of the most sought-after AI products of the year, with millions of people joining the waitlist, which grew faster than the company could issue invitations. Invited users asked 6 to 18 times more questions in their first day, demonstrating strong engagement with the AI-powered features.
Platform Availability
Currently, Comet is available as a desktop application for Windows 10 and 11, as well as macOS 13 or newer. Perplexity has hinted at expanding availability to additional platforms soon, including mobile versions and pre-orders through the Play Store for Android. Users can download the browser directly from perplexity.ai/comet and import bookmarks and extensions from their current browser.
Premium Features
While the basic version is free, Perplexity Max subscribers gain additional capabilities, including a new Background Assistant feature. This tool monitors browsing activity and provides useful insights, summaries, and suggestions without interrupting workflow. The free version has rate limits, though the company hasn’t specified the exact restrictions.
Competition in AI Browsers
The free release positions Comet as a direct competitor to Google Chrome, which holds approximately 72 percent of the global web browser market. Perplexity aims to replicate the successful relationship between Chrome and Google Search by making Perplexity the default search engine in Comet. In recent months, other major tech companies, including Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, have also introduced their own AI browser solutions.
Fighting Low-Quality Content
Perplexity CEO Arvind Srinivas said the company is making Comet free to help users avoid AI-generated “slop” and low-quality content circulating on the internet. The browser focuses on helping people access meaningful, high-quality sources for research, rather than ad-driven navigation. The company has also partnered with major publishers, including CNN, The Washington Post, and Condé Nast, to implement a revenue-sharing model.