Perplexity opens Comet Browser to all users, adds background assistant for Max subscribers

AI search startup Perplexity has made a significant move by launching its Comet browser for free access worldwide. This browser was previously exclusive to subscribers of Perplexity’s premium Max plan, priced at $200 per month. Now, it includes a built-in sidecar assistant designed to help users summarize information, answer questions, and enhance their web navigation. With this launch, Perplexity positions itself in direct competition with established giants like Google Chrome and Apple Safari, as well as newer entrants such as Dia. This strategic release also comes ahead of OpenAI's anticipated browser debut. For those using the free version of Comet, several AI-driven tools are available. These include Discover for tailored news and content suggestions, Spaces for project management, Shopping for price comparisons and deal tracking, Travel for booking flights and hotels, Finance for budget management and investment oversight, and Sports for real-time scores and updates. A new subscription service, Comet Plus, priced at $5 per month, will soon launch as a direct alternative to Apple News, automatically granting Pro and Max subscribers access. The Pro plan, costing $20 monthly, offers advanced AI models, along with image and video generation and file analysis capabilities. Max subscribers will enjoy exclusive benefits, including priority access to the fastest AI models, an AI email assistant that organizes inboxes, drafts replies, and schedules meetings, and early access to experimental tools. One of the most anticipated features is the background assistant. According to Perplexity's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, this assistant acts like “a team of assistants working for you,” capable of handling multiple tasks while users are busy or away. Tasks can range from sending emails to booking flights, all monitored through a centralized “mission control” dashboard. This innovative addition underscores Perplexity’s ambition to advance agentic AI beyond what competitors offer. By making Comet available for free, the company aims to accelerate user adoption before larger competitors introduce similar functionalities. However, industry analysts caution that the success of Comet hinges on its ability to deliver tangible productivity improvements, persuading users to transition from their established browser choices.