Perplexity AI on Friday released the Comet browser a free, AI-powered web browser available worldwide. The launch comes during a period of heightened public concern over misinformation and online trust, particularly in the run-up to the U.S. elections.
Perplexity, known for its conversational AI search engine, is positioning Comet as a direct challenger to Google Chrome, the dominant browser with more than 63% global market share, according to StatCounter. The company describes the Perplexity Comet browser as “an AI-native browser” built on Chromium, the same open-source foundation that underpins Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
Features and Hands-On Tests
Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI directly into the browsing experience. In hands-on testing by this reporter on a MacBook Air (M2):
- Performance: Comet loaded pages such as NYTimes.com in about 1.6 seconds, comparable to Chrome’s 1.5 seconds, faster than Edge’s 1.8 seconds, and ahead of Safari’s 2.1 seconds.
- Memory Usage: With 12 common tabs open (YouTube, Gmail, Docs, Slack, and news sites), Comet used approximately 1.2GB RAM. Chrome used 1.5GB, Edge 1.3GB, and Safari 1.0GB.
- Privacy Protections: On CNN.com, Comet blocked 27 trackers by default, compared with 22 for Chrome, 19 for Safari, and 18 for Edge.
- AI Integration: A summarization tool condensed a 2,500-word Reuters article into about 200 words. Chrome’s Gemini system produced a longer 400-word version that was less focused.
Automation is also built into the browser. When asked to compare flights from New York to Los Angeles, Comet returned three airline options directly in the browsing tab within 15 seconds.
Perplexity Comet Browser Launch: Date, Platform, Performance & Privacy
- Launch date: October 3, 2025 (worldwide)
- Company: Perplexity AI (U.S.-based, founded 2022)
- Platform: Built on Chromium
- Performance: Similar load speeds to Chrome, lighter memory footprint
- Privacy: Blocks more trackers than major rivals by default
- Business model: Free at launch, no monetization strategy disclosed
Is the Perplexity Comet Browser Reliable? AI Accuracy & Privacy Concerns
Like other AI-driven products, Comet’s performance is not always consistent. In one test, the browser produced outdated flight prices, highlighting the risk of “hallucinations” or stale information — an issue common in generative AI systems.
Perplexity says data privacy is a priority, but the company has not disclosed whether queries processed through Comet are stored on its servers or handled locally. Analysts note that transparency on how user information is managed will be critical for adoption.
How Will Perplexity Monetize the Comet Browser? Funding & Future Strategy
Comet is launching as a free product with no premium tier. Perplexity, which raised $73 million in funding in 2023 from investors including NEA and IVP, has not detailed how it intends to monetize the browser. Industry observers suggest possible revenue streams could include subscription services, enterprise integrations, or partnerships with e-commerce and travel platforms.
“Browsers historically aren’t just distribution tools — they’re gateways into entire ecosystems,” said Mark Johnson, an analyst at Forrester Research. “For Comet to sustain itself, Perplexity will likely need a monetization strategy that goes beyond blocking ads.”
Can the Perplexity Comet Browser Compete with Chrome, Safari & Edge?
Comet enters a highly competitive browser market dominated by Chrome, Apple’s Safari, and Microsoft’s Edge. Firefox, once a strong independent alternative, now holds less than 3% market share globally.
While Chrome’s extension ecosystem and integration with Google services remain advantages, Comet’s privacy defaults and integrated AI could appeal to users seeking alternatives.
However, analysts caution that adoption will depend on whether Perplexity can scale quickly, maintain accuracy in its AI outputs, and build user trust during an election season where misinformation remains a central concern.
Will the Perplexity Comet Browser Replace Chrome? Expert Predictions
Comet is unlikely to displace Chrome in the near term, but its AI-first approach could help Perplexity carve out a niche among users frustrated by advertising-heavy platforms.
As Johnson noted: “The browser is one of the most under-innovated consumer tools of the last decade. If Perplexity can make AI useful without overwhelming or misleading users, it has a chance to stand out.”
Perplexity Comet Browser: Unanswered Questions on Monetization & Data Use
For all its polish, the Perplexity Comet browser still leaves two big questions unanswered.
Monetization Mystery
Right now, Comet is pitched as a free AI browser worldwide. That’s great for adoption, but no browser runs on goodwill alone. Perplexity has raised significant venture funding, but the company hasn’t detailed how it plans to sustain Comet long-term. Will there be a premium tier? Paid enterprise integrations? Quiet e-commerce partnerships? Until those answers land, the “free forever” label feels more like a growth strategy than a guarantee.
Data Privacy & Trust
Comet’s AI feels fast and useful, but there’s little clarity on how user data is handled behind the scenes. Are your searches and highlighted text stored on Perplexity’s servers? Is data used to train future models, or kept anonymous? The company touts “privacy-first” defaults, but without a transparent policy, users are still left guessing what happens after the AI summarizes your inbox or compares your flight options.
For a browser launching during an election-season trust crisis, these gaps matter. The promise of an AI copilot is compelling, but the real test will be whether Perplexity convinces everyday users — not just early adopters — that it can protect both their data and their long-term trust.
Final Take: Should You Download Comet Browser Free?
Yes. Even if it’s just a fling. Worst case, you uninstall after a week. Best case, you realize you don’t need Chrome holding your data hostage anymore. Because nothing says “future of browsing” like another Chrome clone… except this one’s got brains.
What’s your first Comet hack? Did you find it smarter than Chrome, or is this just another shiny tab in your digital junk drawer? Drop your take—I’ll be reading from Comet.
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