Perplexity AI Launches Free AI-Powered Browser "Comet" Worldwide: A Direct Challenge to Google Chrome
Perplexity AI has officially launched its AI-powered web browser, Comet, making it available to users worldwide for free. The announcement was made by Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas during a launch event in San Francisco, marking a significant move in the increasingly competitive browser market.
Originally introduced in July 2025 for Perplexity Max subscribers at $200 per month, Comet is now free for everyone, albeit with some rate limits. This strategic shift could position Perplexity as a genuine challenger to Google Chrome, which has long dominated the global browser market.
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What Makes Comet Different?
Unlike traditional browsers, Comet is AI-native. It goes beyond simple browsing by:
Summarizing webpages automatically.
Extracting key insights for quicker research.
Filtering low-quality or “slop” content, including misleading AI-generated material.
Highlighting trusted sources to improve the quality of information consumption.
Perplexity AI says its mission is to “build a better internet”—one that prioritizes accessible, high-quality knowledge over spammy or clickbait-driven content.
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Subscription Options
While the browser is now free to use, the company also introduced a $5 monthly subscription that provides access to premium content from major outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, and Fortune.
This hybrid model—free AI-powered tools with optional premium add-ons—puts Comet in direct competition not only with Google Chrome but also with services like Microsoft Edge (integrated with Copilot) and Brave (privacy-first with AI features).
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Google Chrome’s Market Dominance Under Pressure
Google Chrome has been the undisputed market leader for over a decade, holding more than 60% of the global market share. But investor reactions to the Comet launch suggest that Wall Street sees real disruption potential. Alphabet’s stock saw a slight decline following the announcement, reflecting concerns about Chrome’s future dominance.
If Comet continues to gain traction, Google could face pressure to evolve Chrome faster, adding more AI-native capabilities to retain its market share.
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Why This Matters for Users and Developers
1. For Everyday Users
Faster research and reading through AI-powered summaries.
Less exposure to spammy, low-quality web content.
Affordable premium subscriptions for high-value journalism.
2. For Web Developers & SEO Professionals
Browsers like Comet could change how users discover and consume content.
AI summaries may reduce direct page views, forcing websites to optimize content for AI-driven browsers.
High-quality, well-structured content will become more important than ever.
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The Future of Browsing: AI vs. Traditional Models
The launch of Comet marks a turning point in the browser wars. Instead of just providing a gateway to the internet, browsers are now expected to curate, summarize, and enhance the web experience with AI.
With Perplexity entering the space aggressively, we could soon see a new generation of browsers designed around intelligent content filtering and AI-assisted productivity.
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Final Thoughts
Perplexity’s decision to make Comet free for all users could be a game-changer in the browser market. By directly challenging Google Chrome with AI-native features, the company is setting the stage for a new era of browsing where quality, speed, and intelligence matter more than sheer market dominance.
As competition heats up, one thing is clear: the way we browse the web is about to change forever.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Perplexity AI’s Comet browser?
A: Comet is an AI-powered web browser developed by Perplexity AI. It summarizes webpages, extracts key information, and filters low-quality content to provide a smarter browsing experience.
Q2: Is the Comet browser free to use?
A: Yes. As of October 2025, Perplexity AI has made Comet free for all users worldwide, with some rate limits. A $5 premium plan is also available for access to exclusive content from CNN, The Washington Post, and Fortune.
Q3: How is Comet different from Google Chrome?
A: Unlike Google Chrome, Comet is an AI-native browser designed to summarize, filter, and present information efficiently. It focuses on helping users navigate high-quality sources instead of being overwhelmed by low-value or spam content.
Q4: Can Comet replace Google Chrome?
A: While Google Chrome still dominates the browser market, Comet introduces unique AI features that could appeal to users who value speed, efficiency, and high-quality research tools. Whether it replaces Chrome depends on user adoption over time.
Q5: Does Comet work on all devices?
A: Yes. Perplexity AI has made Comet available worldwide, and it is designed to run on major devices and operating systems.