AI search startup Perplexity has announced the global rollout of its Comet browser, making it free for all users as it positions itself against leading browsers like Google Chrome and AI-powered challengers such as Dia from The Browser Company.
Initially launched three months ago to subscribers of its $200-per-month Max plan, Comet drew millions to its waitlist. The browser integrates a sidecar assistant that summarizes content, answers queries, manages information, and navigates pages directly. Free users gain access to this assistant and tools such as Discover, Spaces, Shopping, Travel, Finance, and Sports.
Max subscribers receive access to advanced AI models, email automation, and the newly introduced background assistant, which CEO Aravind Srinivas described as a team of AI agents operating from a central “mission control” dashboard. The assistant performs multiple tasks in the background, from booking tickets to drafting emails, and connects seamlessly with other apps.
To expand its ecosystem, Perplexity will also release Comet Plus, a $5-per-month product offering an AI-enhanced news experience, included automatically for Pro and Max subscribers.
This launch comes as competition intensifies ahead of OpenAI’s anticipated AI browser release, testing whether Perplexity’s agentic approach can deliver meaningful productivity gains.
