Comet browser goes free: Perplexity brings AI-powered surfing to all users

AI developer Perplexity has its new browser Comet which was previously only available to paying users, has been made available to everyone free of charge. The company positions the program as a serious alternative to Google’s Chrome.

AI agents integrated

“The Internet is better with Comet,” Perplexity confidently advertises. The browser differs from classic competitors in that AI services are not just integrated as an add-on. Comet combines Perplexity’s in-house AI search functions with a personal assistant that, according to the company, “travels the Internet together with the user”.

The aim is to simplify everyday tasks – from travel planning to online shopping to organizing everyday life. Comet was launched in July, but initially exclusively for subscribers to the premium offer Perplexity Max, which costs around $200 per month. Later, selected users of the cheaper Pro tariff as well as some invited test subjects were given access. According to Perplexity, millions of interested parties were already on the waiting list at this point. The company announced that the browser can now be used without any subscription – and it should stay that way.

At the same time, the company announced details of Comet Plus, an additional offering that provides access to selected media content. The platform is reminiscent of Apple News Plus and includes partnerships with well-known publishers such as CNN, Condé Nast, Fortune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. Comet Plus is included in the price for subscribers to the Pro and Max tariffs; all other users can add the service for around five dollars a month.

Lots of competition

With the opening of Comet, the competition for the AI ​​browser of the future is increasing. In addition to Perplexity, other providers are also experimenting with browsers that have AI agents built into them. Google has deeply integrated its AI Gemini into Chrome, the Browser Company relies on the AI ​​system Dia for its Arc browser, and Opera recently presented its new AI browser Neon.

However, most of the corresponding offers are far too expensive, especially for private users. Perplexity boss Aravind Srinivas sees Comet as having an advantage over its competitors: The software should not only answer questions, but also redefine the entire Internet experience – “a companion instead of a tool,” as he puts it.