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| Image By DigiPlexusPro |
Perplexity has opened up Comet, its AI-powered browser, to every user dropping the prior subscription barrier and making the full experience freely accessible. Previously restricted to subscribers paying as much as $200/month, Comet is now positioned as a serious competitor to Chrome with built-in AI features for everyone.
Beyond Search to Assistant-First Browsing
Unlike traditional browsers where AI tools feel bolted on, Comet embeds the assistant deeply into the browsing experience. The AI can follow users across tabs, help with tasks like booking and shopping, and provide contextual answers without leaving the page. Perplexity describes it as an agent that “travels the web with you,” not something you must switch to. (Perplexity’s site)
The browser officially launched in July but was originally reserved for the highest tier (Max) and select invitees. Now, all users can access Comet without paying although the company retains a paid tier called **Comet Plus**, which bundles premium content and curated news partnerships.
AI Browsing Moves From Experiment to Standard
Opening Comet to all users is a bold step. It signals Perplexity’s ambition to make AI-first browsing a default, not a niche add-on. If successful, it could reshape how users think of “browsers” from static navigation tools to intelligent assistants.
The move also ramps up competition. Google has already integrated Gemini into Chrome, Opera launched its own AI browser, and The Browser Company is pushing forward with its Dia project. Comet free adds pressure to all incumbents.
Challenges & Considerations Ahead
Making Comet free is one thing; retaining users is another. Some potential obstacles include:
- Performance & privacy tradeoffs: Embedding AI deeply may tax resources or raise privacy concerns over data usage and tracking.
- Monetization tension: The free tier must be sustainable while still compelling users to upgrade to Comet Plus without making the free experience feel hollow.
- Competition from giants: Google, with its Chrome + AI stack, remains formidable. Comet must differentiate enough to lure users away.
- Adoption & trust: Users expect browser stability. Any AI misstep or hallucination could reduce confidence in Comet’s reliability.
Takeaway
Perplexity’s decision to make Comet free marks a turning point in how AI browsing is delivered. The move could usher in a new “assistant-native” browser paradigm, provided it balances performance, trust, and sustainable revenue paths. Keep an eye on how users adopt it and whether competitors respond fast.