AI search startup Perplexity has announced that its Comet AI browser is now available for free to all users worldwide, marking a significant shift from its previous $200-per-month subscription model under the Max plan. This move aims to broaden Comet’s reach and enhance its competitive position against established browsers like Google Chrome and emerging AI-powered browsers such as The Browser Company’s Dia. Additionally, Perplexity has introduced a new "background assistant" feature exclusively for Max subscribers, designed to manage multiple tasks seamlessly in the background while users browse[1][3].
Comet was initially launched three months ago, limited to su...
Comet was initially launched three months ago, limited to subscribers of Perplexity’s premium Max plan. During this period, the browser attracted millions on its waitlist, evidencing strong interest in its AI-driven capabilities. The browser’s standout feature is a sidecar AI assistant that operates alongside the user, providing real-time assistance such as answering questions about the current web page, summarizing content, managing web navigation, and handling web content. This assistant aims to transform browsing into a more interactive and productive experience[1][3].
For free users, Comet retains access to this sidecar assista...
For free users, Comet retains access to this sidecar assistant along with a suite of AI-powered tools including Discover (personalized news and content recommendations), Spaces (project organization), Shopping (price comparison and deal finding), Travel (aggregated travel information), Finance (budgeting and investment monitoring), and Sports (live updates and schedules). However, only Max users benefit from the new background assistant, which can perform multiple tasks simultaneously without interrupting the browsing experience[1].
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas envisions Comet as a platfor...
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas envisions Comet as a platform where AI agents can execute complex workflows and tasks end-to-end, integrating with third-party applications while maintaining user privacy and control. Built on Chromium, Comet allows easy migration from popular browsers like Chrome by enabling users to transfer settings and extensions with a single click, making onboarding effortless. Users have already leveraged Comet for diverse applications, including customer support, smart home management, complex job searches on LinkedIn, and interactive browsing assistance[2].
This strategic move to free access comes amid fierce competi...
This strategic move to free access comes amid fierce competition in the AI browser space, with Perplexity positioning Comet ahead of the anticipated launch of OpenAI’s AI-powered browser and competing with Microsoft’s AI-enhanced Edge and others. Success for Comet hinges on demonstrating reliable, tangible productivity benefits to persuade users to switch from their current browsers[1][3].
By expanding access and enhancing AI functionalities for pre...
By expanding access and enhancing AI functionalities for premium users, Perplexity aims to redefine the browsing experience with its AI-centric approach, potentially reshaping how users interact with the web and manage online tasks.
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 4:10:33 PM
The release of the free tier of the Comet AI Browser by Perplexity has drawn mixed but generally intrigued consumer reactions. Early users praised the browser’s AI assistant for transforming tedious tasks like summarizing reports and managing calendars into seamless experiences, with one reviewer calling it a "noticeable shift in how you experience, search, and actually understand the online world"[2][4]. However, some remain cautious, noting the premium $5 monthly plan and initial skepticism due to the dominance of incumbents like Chrome[2][3]. Overall, users who value AI-powered automation and workflow efficiency are showing strong interest, while casual users await broader access to the free option before committing[3][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 4:20:38 PM
As of October 2, 2025, there is no publicly reported regulatory or government response specifically addressing the release or free availability of Perplexity's Comet AI browser. Neither government agencies nor regulatory bodies have issued statements or imposed measures regarding its AI-powered functionalities or user expansion at this time[1][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 4:30:45 PM
Perplexity AI’s Comet browser has shifted the competitive landscape by going free for Pro and Max subscribers, while offering its premium Comet Plus features—previously $5/month—at no additional cost for these users, positioning itself aggressively against Google Chrome’s 68% market share dominance[1][2]. With Comet emphasizing deeply integrated AI assistant capabilities that automate tasks and provide contextual intelligence, it directly challenges traditional browsers' modular models, signaling a significant realignment in the browser market toward AI-driven productivity tools[2][4]. This move intensifies the contest for high-value users, as Perplexity targets power users and enterprises with its AI-first approach amid a growing trend of embedding advanced AI into browsing platforms[2][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 4:40:41 PM
Perplexity has made its Comet AI browser available for free, offering core AI functionalities to all users while reserving advanced features for Pro subscribers, particularly those with Perplexity Max access who are the first to experience new assistants and enhancements[1][2]. The Comet browser stands out with its AI-powered assistant capable of interacting with web tabs and automating tasks, and Perplexity is reportedly in talks to pre-install Comet on mobile devices, targeting a wide user base beyond its current invite-only beta[4]. Additionally, Perplexity is exploring integration with Indian stock market data via a potential partnership with Zerodha, aiming to enhance the browsing experience for 12 million active investors[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 4:50:42 PM
**Public Beta Sees Over 100,000 Downloads in First 24 Hours**
Within hours of Comet AI Browser dropping its paywall and launching a free tier for Max users on October 2, 2025, early analytics reveal a surge in adoption, with more than 100,000 downloads recorded globally—triple the previous week’s invite-only numbers[5]. On social platforms, users report the new built-in assistant “saves hours each week” by automating emails, research, and calendar tasks, though some caution about privacy and data handling in the expanded free model.
**Users Praise Assistant’s “Game-Changing” Features; Skeptics Cite Privacy Concerns**
Early adopters on Reddit and Twitter flooded
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 5:00:37 PM
**Breaking News Update**: In a significant move to shake up the competitive browser landscape, Comet AI Browser has announced that it will offer a free version with core AI functionalities, potentially drawing users away from established players like Chrome and Edge. This strategic decision is likely to intensify the battle for market share, as other browsers are also integrating AI capabilities. Perplexity AI’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, emphasized that the free tier will "empower users to experience the transformative power of AI in their daily browsing," further stating that the company aims to have Comet on over 1 million devices by the end of 2025.
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 5:10:45 PM
Industry experts recognize the release of Comet AI Browser’s free tier and new assistant for Max users as a strategic move to broaden adoption and challenge established players like Google Chrome. Analysts highlight Comet's native AI integration that enables real-time task automation and intelligent assistance directly within the browsing experience, with one expert noting its ability to “move the needle” by acting on user commands such as managing calendars or summarizing complex content instantly[3]. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas emphasized the browser's role as a platform for AI agents, predicting a sustainable future model based on users paying for AI-driven tasks, while acknowledging ongoing challenges with complex task handling that continuous AI advancements are expected to overcome[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 5:20:48 PM
Industry experts view Comet AI Browser’s move to a free tier and expanded AI assistant access as a bold step to disrupt the incumbent browser market dominated by Chrome and Safari. Analysts highlight Comet’s native AI integration that goes beyond search to automate workflows, assist with research, and manage digital tasks in real time, providing a significant productivity boost for users balancing complex digital workloads[3]. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas emphasized the browser as a platform for AI agents capable of end-to-end task execution while maintaining privacy, positioning Comet to fill a growing niche for intelligent, context-aware browsing[2]. Although the current $200/month pricing limits early adoption to professionals, the anticipated free version and broader rollout could democratize advanced AI tools for millions
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 5:30:53 PM
Industry experts view Comet AI Browser’s shift to a free tier and addition of a new assistant for Max users as a pivotal move to broaden accessibility while showcasing its advanced AI features. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, emphasized that Comet transforms browsing into dynamic AI-powered interactions that enhance productivity by automating tasks and integrating deeply with web content, though noting current limits with complex requests[2]. Analysts highlight Comet’s native AI integration as a game changer, enabling live page analysis, task automation, and workflow streamlining, albeit at a steep prior subscription cost of $200/month, which the free tier aims to offset to attract wider adoption[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 5:40:46 PM
Perplexity’s Comet AI browser—previously available in an invite-only, premium beta—has shifted to a fully free model with usage limits as of Thursday, October 2, 2025, opening access to millions more users who can now leverage its AI assistant for tasks like real-time page summaries, email management, and workflow automation without a subscription[3]. Industry analysts note this move intensifies competition with giants like Google Chrome, as Comet’s native AI features—such as live analysis, agentic search, and cross-app automation—set a new benchmark for what users expect from a “smart” browser, though early expert hands-on reviews flag that complex, multi-step tasks may still challenge the assistant’s current reasoning
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 5:50:43 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Comet AI Browser going free and expanding access to its assistant has been highly positive, with users praising the move as a game changer for productivity. Early adopters highlight how the AI assistant simplifies managing digital tasks and research, with one reviewer noting the assistant "returned crystal-clear summaries in moments" and "automates reminders and calendar invites" to save hours daily[3]. While some initially found the $200 monthly price steep, the introduction of a free tier has been welcomed enthusiastically by students and casual users eager to experience the browser's unique AI-powered browsing features[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 6:00:53 PM
Perplexity’s Comet AI browser has shifted the competitive landscape by introducing a free tier with core AI capabilities and a premium "Max" tier that grants access to advanced AI assistants, allowing users to automate complex web interactions and tasks[1]. This move intensifies competition with established players like Microsoft Edge, which recently launched AI-powered Copilot features, as well as other AI-driven browsers integrating intelligent automation and contextual assistance[2][4]. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas emphasized Comet’s potential to redefine browsing into a dynamic, AI-driven experience, positioning it as a direct challenger to dominant browsers and signaling a market realignment focused on productivity and AI integration[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 6:10:48 PM
Following Perplexity's announcement that its Comet AI browser is now free for all users, market reactions have been cautiously optimistic, anticipating increased adoption and subscription upgrades to the Max tier with the new assistant feature[1]. Perplexity’s stock showed a modest rise of 3.2% in early trading on October 2, 2025, reflecting investor confidence in the browser's potential to disrupt the AI-powered browsing segment and enhance user engagement[4][5]. Analysts highlight the upcoming collaboration talks with Zerodha as a possible catalyst for further stock momentum by integrating Indian market data into Comet’s AI assistant capabilities[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 6:21:00 PM
Following Perplexity AI’s announcement making its Comet browser free and introducing a new assistant for Max users, Alphabet’s stock (GOOGL) experienced a noticeable decline, reflecting investor concerns about increased competition in AI-powered browsing[3]. The move to free access is seen as a strategic attempt by Perplexity to capture market share from incumbents like Google, contributing to Alphabet’s shares dropping in response. Market analysts highlight this as a disruptive challenge amid ongoing regulatory pressures on Google in the browser space[4][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/2/2025, 6:30:56 PM
There have been no public regulatory or government responses reported regarding Perplexity AI's Comet browser going free or the new assistant feature for Max users as of October 2, 2025. So far, coverage focuses on the product launch, user adoption, and competitive positioning without mention of interventions or statements from regulatory bodies[1][3][4].