Perplexity’s Comet Browser Goes Free: What It Means for You

On October 2, 2025, Perplexity made its innovative AI-first web browser, Comet, available to everyone at no cost, transitioning from a limited release to global accessibility. Millions have joined the waitlist since its early introduction in July. If you’re intrigued by AI browsers and wondering if Comet is worth exploring, here’s a straightforward overview of what’s new, what you can expect, and why this launch is significant.

Quick Highlights

• Comet is now free: The browser launched in limited release on July 9, 2025, rapidly generating a waitlist of millions.
• Built-in Assistant: Comet features a side assistant that helps answer questions, summarize pages, and manage tasks you usually juggle across multiple tabs.
• Background Assistant: This new feature can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, with enhanced capabilities for paid Max subscribers.
• Comet Plus: For $5 per month, this news add-on shares 80% of its revenue with participating publishers and is included in Pro and Max plans.
• Growing Competition: The public release positions Comet as a direct rival to leading browsers, including Google’s AI-enhanced tools in Chrome and The Browser Company’s Dia.

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What is Comet, Really?

Comet is more than just a window to the web; it actively assists you as you browse. With Perplexity’s assistant integrated into your experience, you can ask follow-up questions, receive instant page summaries, and delegate routine tasks—like drafting replies or searching for concert tickets. Instead of just clicking between tabs, you’ll be focused on achieving your goals.

Powered by Chromium (the same framework behind Chrome and Edge), many aspects of Comet will feel familiar. It supports essential browser features like extensions and bookmarks, although some users have reported quirks as the software matures. Expect improvements as the rollout continues.

Key Changes on October 2, 2025

• Free for All: Comet shifted from an invite-only model to general availability without any cost. Perplexity emphasizes that this is a permanent change, not a limited-time offer.
• Introduction of the Background Assistant: This feature allows Comet to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Max subscribers have access to a more robust version and early feature releases.
• Comet Plus: This monthly news feature is bundled with Pro and Max plans or available separately to free users, with 80% of revenue allocated to participating publishers.

Availability and Platforms

As of this announcement, Comet is primarily a desktop application, with a mobile version forthcoming. Though there are indications of iOS availability, Perplexity has stressed that desktop remains the primary focus for now, with mobile developments on the way. Approach current claims with caution until official app announcements are made.

Features of Comet’s Assistant

Comet includes a dedicated assistant alongside your browsing experience. Here’s what you can do:

• Ask context-aware questions about the page you’re viewing.
• Summarize extensive articles or discussions concisely.
• Delegate tasks like composing quick emails or finding travel options.
• Continue working while the assistant completes tasks in the background, stepping in to review actions when necessary.

Perplexity aims to evolve the model beyond basic chat windows, enabling assistants to work across multiple tabs and workflows. Additionally, a pilot Email Assistant for Max subscribers is being tested to draft responses, schedule meetings, and handle inbox inquiries.

Advantages of Background Assistant

The new Background Assistant can manage several tasks at once, providing a dashboard to track progress. Think of it as a small team handling busywork for you: whether it’s finding the cheapest concert tickets, queuing up a draft email, or locating the best flight options for a specific date—all simultaneously. Max users enjoy the most powerful version included in their plan.

The Bigger Picture: Browsing Beyond Traditional Strategies

While many AI tools can summarize content, what sets Comet apart is its seamless integration of AI within the browsing experience. This strategic shift enhances workflow coordination, allowing the assistant to perform tasks across various websites rather than simply answering questions. This reflects a broader trend toward AI-native browsers that serve as proactive partners in online navigation.

Comparing Comet with Other AI Browsers

• Chrome with Gemini: Google is integrating Gemini deeper into Chrome, but it remains largely an add-on. Comet places AI at the forefront of the browsing experience.
• Dia by The Browser Company: Both browsers envision AI as a companion, but Comet emphasizes Perplexity’s strengths in fast, accurate responses and efficient task management.
• Opera’s Neon and others: Various browsers are exploring AI-enhanced features like sidebars and automation. The competition is about more than any single capability; it’s about creating an ecosystem that retains users by enhancing daily utility.

Comet Plus: Benefits to News and Publishers

Comet Plus is a $5 subscription focused on quality news content, designed to share most of the revenue with participating publishers rather than relying on ad revenue. Reports indicate that 80% of the subscription revenue will go directly to publishers, with Perplexity retaining only 20% for operational costs. The initial revenue pool is set at $42.5 million.

Revenue Calculation Criteria:
– Direct visits from Comet users to a publisher’s site.
– Citations of publisher content in Comet responses.
– When the content plays a role in completing tasks through the assistant.

This approach is groundbreaking, linking revenue to actual content usage instead of mere clicks, potentially harmonizing the relationship between AI and journalism.

Day-to-Day Experience with Comet

Here’s a glimpse of what using Comet might look like in a typical session:

1. Open an article, and the assistant provides a brief summary and citations so you can decide if a deeper dive is worth your time.
2. Ask a follow-up question, and the assistant gathers information from multiple sources, supplying links for verification.
3. Assign tasks, like searching for direct flights on a set date and drafting an email with options for your partner.
4. Continue browsing while the assistant does its work. When it’s done, you can review and send the email.

This approach isn’t just for power users; it simplifies everyday tasks like meal planning, policy checks, or comparing products.

Plans and Pricing

• Free: Access the core features of Comet and its assistant at no cost. Comet Plus is available for $5 per month.
• Pro: Monthly plan that includes access to advanced AI features, such as file uploads and image generation, as well as Comet Plus.
• Max: The highest tier, typically first in line for new features like Email and Background Assistants; also includes Comet Plus.

Compatibility and Known Issues

With a foundation in Chromium, Comet supports familiar browser features. Like any emerging software, expect some extensions may experience glitches during this phase. If your workflow relies on specific tools, test them early and monitor updates as the team improves the browser.

Security, Privacy, and Reliability

Perplexity positions Comet as a streamlined, distraction-free browsing experience, with assistants capable of performing tasks on your behalf. As with any AI tool that processes and summarizes information, it’s crucial to double-check important details and review actions you delegate. Perplexity is expected to enhance security and privacy measures as the user base grows, so always review product settings before linking sensitive accounts.

The Significance of This Move

By making Comet free, Perplexity is betting on the future of browsing being agent-driven, moving beyond mere answers toward actionable assistance. Moreover, the initiative seeks to mend the often-strained relationship between AI tools and journalism by directing real revenue to publishers via Comet Plus. Whether you choose to make Comet your primary browser will depend on its reliability and your level of trust, but the trajectory is clear: AI is evolving from a secondary function to a collaborative partner in browsing.

Important Dates

• July 9, 2025: Comet is initially launched for Max subscribers.
• August 2025: Perplexity unveils the Comet Plus subscription and revenue-sharing model for publishers.
• October 2, 2025: Comet is made free for all users; the Background Assistant feature is announced.

Quick Start Tips

• Keep the assistant visible as you browse for quick answers and summaries.
• Delegate tasks while ensuring you verify important actions and facts.
• Test your essential extensions to see how they integrate and look for alternatives if necessary.
• Make use of the Background Assistant for research tasks or to draft emails automatically.

FAQs

Is Comet really free?

Yes, Comet is available to all users at no charge as of October 2, 2025, and this is intended to be a permanent feature.

What devices does Comet currently support?

Currently, Comet is desktop-first, with a mobile app in development. Official announcements will clarify mobile availability.

What exactly is Background Assistant?

This feature allows for the concurrent execution of multiple tasks with a monitoring dashboard. The most advanced version is available to Max subscribers.

What is Comet Plus?

A monthly add-on focusing on news content for $5. It’s included with Pro and Max plans and designed to ensure 80% revenue sharing with participating publishers.

Are Chrome extensions supported?

Comet supports Chrome extensions due to its Chromium base, but some may function differently or be currently unsupported; testing is recommended.

The Bottom Line

Comet’s free release signifies more than just a pricing strategy; it’s an ambition aimed at integrating AI as an active collaborator in managing your browsing tasks. With the potential for ongoing stability and meaningful partnerships with publishers, Comet could reshape how we experience the web in 2026 and beyond.