AI-powered search startup Perplexity has taken a bold step toward expanding its ecosystem by making its Comet browser available to everyone, globally and free of charge. The move marks a major milestone for the company as it seeks to position Comet as a next-generation alternative to traditional web browsers like Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge.

While free users gain access to a suite of innovative AI tools, Perplexity has also added a game-changing feature — a background assistant — exclusively for its high-tier Max subscribers, further deepening its AI integration across daily workflows.

Comet Browser Now Free Worldwide

Previously reserved for users on Perplexity’s $200-per-month Max plan, the Comet browser is now accessible to all. The browser’s standout feature is its integrated sidecar assistant, which can summarise web pages, answer questions, provide context, and guide users while browsing — all in real-time.

Perplexity’s approach is centered on transforming the browser into a dynamic AI workspace, merging web exploration with intelligent assistance. By opening Comet to the public, the company aims to accelerate user adoption before competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic release their own AI browsers.

AI Tools That Go Beyond Search

The free version of Comet comes packed with a suite of AI-powered utilities designed to simplify productivity and everyday online activities. Among the most notable tools are:

Discover: Curates personalised news and content recommendations tailored to user interests.

Spaces: Helps organise projects, notes, and ideas efficiently in one place.

Shopping: Assists in comparing product prices, tracking deals, and finding best-value offers.

Travel: Provides flight options, hotel details, and destination recommendations.

Finance: Manages budgets, tracks expenses, and even monitors investments.

Sports: Delivers live scores, news, and performance insights for fans.

This integrated ecosystem blurs the line between web browsing and AI-driven productivity, allowing users to manage multiple aspects of daily life directly from one interface.

Comet Plus: A New Subscription Tier

In addition to the free browser, Perplexity is launching Comet Plus, a $5-per-month subscription plan. Designed as an AI-powered alternative to Apple News, this tier focuses on intelligent content discovery, helping users consume curated information more efficiently.

Perplexity confirmed that Pro ($20/month) and Max ($200/month) subscribers will automatically receive access to Comet Plus features.

Pro and Max Plans: Power for Professionals

Perplexity’s Pro plan includes access to advanced AI models, image and video generation, and document analysis tools, catering to creators and professionals who rely on intelligent automation.

The Max plan, on the other hand, is the company’s most premium offering. Subscribers enjoy:

Priority access to the fastest and most capable AI models.

An AI email assistant for drafting responses, scheduling meetings, and organising inboxes.

Early access to experimental tools and upcoming features.

Now, Max users gain another exclusive advantage — a background assistant that works autonomously.

Background Assistant: A Step Toward True Agentic AI

The background assistant, described by Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas as “a team of assistants working for you,” represents a significant leap toward agentic AI systems — AI that can act independently to achieve user goals.

This assistant operates even when users are away, completing tasks such as:

Sending emails or follow-ups.

Booking flights or accommodations.

Adding event tickets or items to online carts.

All these actions are coordinated through a central “Mission Control” dashboard, where users can monitor and manage background activities.

This innovation underscores Perplexity’s goal of creating a proactive AI companion that doesn’t just answer questions but takes meaningful actions on behalf of the user.

Challenging Tech Giants in the Browser War

By making Comet free, Perplexity has placed itself in direct competition with major browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Opera — as well as AI-focused newcomers such as Dia. The company’s early advantage lies in its ability to combine AI search, automation, and web browsing in a single, lightweight experience.

However, analysts caution that the browser’s long-term success will depend on its ability to deliver measurable productivity improvements and convince users to switch from their entrenched browser habits.

Conclusion

Perplexity’s decision to open up the Comet browser marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI-driven browsing. With intelligent sidecar tools, a forthcoming Comet Plus tier, and an industry-first background assistant, the company is pushing boundaries in how humans interact with the web.

By transforming the browser into an active, autonomous digital partner, Perplexity is redefining the role of AI in everyday internet use — from passive assistance to proactive collaboration.