**San Francisco, CA, October 21, 2025** — In a bold move set to shake up the digital landscape, AI search startup Perplexity has officially launched its AI-powered Comet browser globally, making it freely available to all users. This isn't just another browser; Comet integrates a powerful AI assistant directly into your browsing experience, promising to transform how we find information and get things done online. ^[1][2][3]Previously, Comet was an exclusive perk for Perplexity's premium Max subscribers, who paid a hefty $200 per month. But now, anyone can download the browser from perplexity.ai/comet, marking a significant shift in the company's strategy to democratize AI tools and challenge established giants like Google Chrome. ^[1][4][5]### The Full Story Perplexity, founded in 2022 by a team of AI and machine learning experts including CEO Aravind Srinivas, first introduced Comet in July 2025. Initially, it was rolled out to Max subscribers and a limited group of Windows users who had joined a waitlist. T^[1][6][7]he company saw millions join the waitlist, a clear sign of intense public interest in this new kind of browsing experience. ^[2][3][8]At its core, Comet is a Chromium-based browser, meaning it shares a foundational technology with popular browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. B^[4][9]ut here's where it truly differs: Comet isn't just a browser with AI features tacked on. It’s built around an integrated AI assistant designed to "browse the internet with you." Thi^[1][10][3]s assistant can answer questions, summarize web pages, and even perform tasks based on your prompts, all within the browser itself. Pe^[1][2][11]rplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has big ambitions for Comet, aiming to reach "tens to hundreds of millions" of users in 2026. He ^[1]envisions Comet as an "operating system with which you can do almost everything," a true personal assistant that can boost productivity significantly. Th^[6][12]e browser's capabilities extend far beyond simple search. Users can ask the Comet Assistant to: * Summarize lengthy articles or even YouTube videos. * ^[1][13][9] Compare prices while shopping online. * ^[13] Find specific information across multiple open tabs. * ^[10] Automate repetitive tasks like fact-checking and citation management. * ^[14] Generate content, analyze data, and even draft emails. Wh^[2][13]at's more, Comet features specialized "agents" for professionals, such as a Live Marketing Intelligence Agent for competitor analysis and a Research Agent to streamline information gathering. Thi^[14]s "intention-based" design shifts the focus from "where do I go?" to "what do I want?", allowing the AI to proactively bring information to the user. Th^[10]is global launch comes at a time when major tech players are all vying for a slice of the AI browser pie. Google has integrated Gemini features into Chrome for AI Pro subscribers, while Microsoft introduced Copilot Mode in Edge. Ope^[1][15]nAI and Anthropic have also released browser extensions and agents, signaling a clear trend towards AI-powered browsing. Rep^[6][15]orts even suggest Perplexity is in talks with Samsung to preinstall Comet on upcoming Galaxy devices. ##^[1]# What This Means This move by Perplexity could fundamentally change how people interact with the internet. For everyday users, it means a potentially faster, more efficient, and personalized browsing experience. Imagine asking your browser to book a flight, summarize a complex news story, or find the best deals on a product, and having it handle much of the legwork. Fo^[1][2][11]r businesses, the implications are equally significant. CEO Aravind Srinivas has boldly claimed that Comet can boost productivity to such an extent that companies might "skip hiring new employees." He estimates productivity gains could be worth $10,000 annually per person, potentially leading to a $5 trillion increase in global GDP. Bu^[12][5]t here's the thing: this new frontier also brings challenges. In August 2025, security researchers from Brave and LayerX identified vulnerabilities in Comet, including "indirect prompt injection" and "CometJacking," which could have allowed malicious links to trick the AI into leaking sensitive user data like emails and banking information. Per^{[16][17][18][19]}plexity has stated that these issues have been fixed, but it highlights the new security paradigms needed for AI-native browsers. **^[16][19]Key Points:** * Perplexity's Comet AI browser is now free for all global users, ending its previous $200/month subscription model. * ^[1][4][5] It features a built-in AI assistant that can answer questions, summarize pages, and perform tasks like shopping or managing tabs. * ^[1][2][11] Comet is built on Chromium and aims to directly compete with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. * ^[1][15][9] Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas believes Comet can significantly increase user productivity, potentially reducing the need for new hires. * ^[12][5] A mobile version of Comet with a personal AI assistant is expected to launch soon. * ^[1][3] Recent security audits by Brave and LayerX revealed vulnerabilities, which Perplexity claims to have fixed. * ^[16][17][19] Perplexity also launched Comet Plus, a $5 subscription to access journalism content from partners like CNN and The Washington Post, compensating publishers. ##^[2][3]# The Bigger Picture The launch of Comet reflects a broader trend: the internet is evolving beyond simple link-based search. Traditional search engines often present a list of links, leaving users to sift through information. AI browsers, on the other hand, aim to provide direct, synthesized answers and proactively assist with tasks. Thi^[20][21][22]s shift could make browsing more efficient, but it also raises questions about information transparency and potential biases in AI-generated summaries. Pe^[22]rplexity's approach with Comet Plus, a $5 subscription offering access to journalism content while compensating publishers, is an interesting development in the ongoing debate about AI and content creation. It ^[2][3]suggests a model for ethical AI integration that recognizes the value of original reporting. However, the road ahead isn't without its bumps. The recent security concerns underscore the critical need for robust safeguards as AI becomes more deeply embedded in our daily digital lives. The^[16][18]re are also ethical considerations, as highlighted by CEO Srinivas himself, who cautioned against using Comet to complete online courses, after a user posted a video showing the AI browser completing a Coursera course on "AI Ethics, Responsibility and Creativity." ##^[23]# What Happens Next? Keep an eye out for the mobile version of Comet, which Perplexity plans to release soon, complete with a personal AI assistant designed specifically for smartphones. Thi^[1][3]s could put Comet in direct competition with existing mobile assistants and further expand its reach. The ongoing competition in the AI browser space will be fascinating to watch. As more companies integrate AI into their browsing experiences, we can expect a rapid pace of innovation, but also continued scrutiny on issues of privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI. The battle for your default browser is just beginning, and Perplexity's Comet has just thrown a significant new player into the ring. The internet is becoming less about navigating to information and more about having information and assistance brought directly to you. How quickly users adapt to this new paradigm, and how effectively AI browsers address the inherent challenges, will determine the future of our online experience.