Perplexity AI launches free Comet browser worldwide

In a major development, Perplexity AI has announced the global rollout of its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered web browser, “Comet,” which is now available to all users at no cost.

Comet is designed as a multifunctional AI assistant capable of searching the web, managing tabs, drafting emails, shopping, and more.

For those unversed, the AI browser was first introduced in July as part of Perplexity Max, a $200-per-month subscription, but demand quickly grew, with the company claiming millions had joined the waitlist.

By making Comet free, Perplexity aims to expand its user base and compete more aggressively with rival AI giants such as Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, all of which are racing to integrate AI into browsing.

Notably, Google embedded Gemini into Chrome in September, Anthropic unveiled its browser-based agent in August, and OpenAI introduced Operator earlier this year.

However, Perplexity, best known for its AI-powered search engine, has not been without controversy.

Following allegations of plagiarism from media outlets, the company introduced a revenue-sharing model with publishers.

It has since expanded partnerships with major organisations, including CNN, Condé Nast, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Le Monde, and Le Figaro through its Comet Plus subscription, which offers curated content from trusted sources.

Looking ahead, Perplexity teased new features, including a mobile version of Comet and “Background Assistant,” a tool designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in the background.