In today’s world of constant information overload, browsing the internet isn’t just about visiting websites; it’s about finding, summarising, and understanding information faster than ever. That’s exactly where Comet Browser by Perplexity comes in.
Comet isn’t your ordinary web browser. Built on Chromium (the same foundation as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge), it combines the familiarity of traditional browsing with the power of artificial intelligence. This means you can surf, research, summarise, and automate all in one window.
Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Comet: its best features, why people are calling it a game-changer, and a few things to keep in mind before you make the switch.
🚀 What is Comet Browser?
Comet is a new AI-powered browser developed by Perplexity, a company already known for its intelligent search and research tools. It runs on Chromium, ensuring complete compatibility with most websites and Chrome extensions.
What makes Comet stand out is its AI assistant built directly into the browser. You can ask questions about the webpage you’re reading, get quick summaries, or even automate small tasks like comparing information or filling out forms, all without leaving your tab.
And the best part? Comet is now free for everyone to use on both Windows and macOS. You can download it from Perplexity’s official website and start exploring instantly.
🌟 Why Everyone’s Talking About Comet
1. Familiar Yet Smarter
Since it’s built on Chromium, you’ll find the interface and functionality quite familiar. All your favourite Chrome extensions, bookmarks, and shortcuts work perfectly. The transition feels seamless except that now, you’ve got a smart assistant sitting beside your tabs.
2. Built-In AI Assistant
Comet’s AI assistant is its biggest attraction. Imagine reading a long article and instantly getting a concise summary with one click. Or asking, “What’s the key takeaway from this research paper?” and getting a clear, accurate answer.
This feature isn’t limited to text, it can also help you explore topics, compare data, and even automate repetitive online actions. For marketers, analysts, students, or content creators, this is a serious productivity boost.
3. Free and Accessible
Comet used to be available only for premium users, but Perplexity made it completely free in 2024. That means you can experiment with all the AI tools and browser features without spending a cent.
4. Privacy and Focus Features
The browser includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, giving you a cleaner, faster browsing experience. It also comes with tab organisation tools perfect if you often juggle multiple research topics or campaigns at once.
5. AI-Native Design for the Future
Unlike browsers that are just starting to add AI features, Comet was built from the ground up with AI at its core. It’s part of a new generation of “AI-native browsers” designed for intelligent, context-aware browsing. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, Comet gives you an early advantage.
⚠️ Limitations and Things to Watch Out For
No browser is perfect and Comet, while exciting, still has some rough edges. Here are a few key limitations to keep in mind:
1. Early-Stage Performance
Because Comet is relatively new, users have reported occasional performance hiccups. Tabs might take a second longer to load compared to Chrome or Edge, and the AI assistant can sometimes feel laggy when handling complex pages. These are likely to improve with updates, but for now, expect the occasional slowdown.
2. Missing Features
At the moment, Comet lacks full cross-device syncing. That means your history, bookmarks, and saved sessions won’t automatically transfer between devices. There’s also no dedicated mobile app yet, Comet is currently available only for desktop (Windows and Mac).
3. Security Concerns
Because Comet relies heavily on AI, it introduces some new security risks. Reports have shown that malicious websites could potentially exploit the assistant through “prompt injection” attacks, tricking it into sharing or acting on sensitive data.
To stay safe:
- Only download Comet from the official Perplexity website.
- Avoid using the AI assistant on suspicious or untrusted pages.
- Don’t let it autofill sensitive data like passwords or payment information until you’re confident in its reliability.
4. Learning Curve
While the interface feels familiar, making full use of Comet’s AI tools does take a bit of learning. It’s worth spending a few minutes exploring the sidebar, settings, and quick commands to get the most out of it.
💡 Who Should Try Comet?
Comet is ideal for:
- Researchers and students who need instant summaries and citations.
- Digital marketers and analysts who compare data, read reports, and track trends.
- Writers and content creators who constantly browse for ideas or background info.
- Tech-savvy users who want to explore what the future of web browsing looks like.
If your daily workflow involves reading, comparing, and analysing large amounts of information, Comet can genuinely make you faster and more productive.
🧭 Final Verdict
Comet by Perplexity is more than a browser; it’s a glimpse into the future of the web.
It’s fast, smart, and built with AI in its DNA. If you want to browse with intelligence and efficiency, it’s absolutely worth trying.
However, don’t rush to replace your main browser just yet. Comet still has some performance and security kinks to iron out, and its mobile version isn’t ready. Use it as a secondary browser for research, productivity, and exploration, and you’ll likely find it becomes your go-to tool for focused, AI-assisted browsing.
In short:
Comet isn’t just a browser. It’s your personal AI research assistant, built right into the web.