The Complete Guide to Perplexity’s Comet Browser: Revolutionizing AI Web Browse
Introduction: Why a New Internet Browser Matters in 2025
With Chrome holding a 63.55% market share and Safari at 21.81%, the browser market is highly competitive. Perplexity’s Comet browser, a Chromium-based AI web browser, entered beta for Apple Silicon Mac users in May 2025. Announced on February 24, 2025, Comet introduces agentic search to execute tasks autonomously. This guide covers its features, privacy controls, and user feedback, helping you decide if it’s the new browser for PC you need in the USA and Europe.
Key Takeaway: Comet’s AI features and privacy options make it a strong choice for those seeking a modern Browse experience.
What is Perplexity’s Comet Browser?
Perplexity’s Comet browser, launched in beta on May 20, 2025, is a Chromium-based browser with AI designed for agentic search. Perplexity, serving 30 million users and handling 600 million monthly queries, positions Comet to challenge Chrome with task automation and context-aware Browse for professionals and researchers.
Core Features of the Comet Browser
1. Agentic Search Capabilities
Comet’s agentic search feature enables autonomous task execution, such as opening/closing tabs, grouping them, or performing actions like checking emails, or providing chess commentary. For example, users can ask, “Find that article about sea otters from last Tuesday,” and Comet retrieves it using Browse history.
2. AI-Powered Context Awareness
Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI via a sidebar and address bar, allowing queries across open tabs and Google services. Early testers reported it can summarize webpages or insert screenshots into chats seamlessly.
3. Privacy and Ad-Blocking Options
Comet prioritizes privacy with native ad-blocking and user-controlled data settings: no memory/no ads, memory without ads, or memory with ads. Data is stored locally, not used for AI training, addressing concerns about ad tracking.
4. Chromium-Based Compatibility
As a Chromium-based browser, Comet supports Chrome extensions, bookmarks, and passwords. It’s currently available for Apple Silicon Macs, with no confirmed plans for Windows or mobile.
5. Productivity and Commerce Features
Comet integrates with Google Calendar, Gmail, and shopping platforms via a PayPal partnership, announced on May 14, 2025. This enables one-click checkouts and task automation, like checking shopping carts or finding unanswered emails.
6. Visual Real-Time AI Control
In its latest update, Comet now shows visual animations and indicators as Perplexity AI interacts with the web page, such as clicking, filling forms, and scrolling. This makes task automation more transparent and user-friendly.
7. Multi-Tab Context Transfer
Comet can now transfer context across multiple tabs and control foreground pages, enabling advanced tasks previously limited to backend automation.
8. Automation Modes: Headed and Headless – You Stay in Control
Comet introduces two intuitive automation styles that give you real visibility and trust in what AI does on your behalf:
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Headed Mode shows every action taken by the AI—clicks, scrolls, form fills—in real time. A subtle animation plays as the browser disables manual input and lets Comet do the work while you watch. If something goes off track, you can pause or cancel instantly.
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Headless Mode, on the other hand, works quietly in the background. Comet spawns mini-agent workers to run multiple tasks in parallel—great for things like checking inboxes, applying for jobs, or collecting product deals. When needed (e.g., password input), it asks for your permission before moving forward.
This dual-mode setup gives users complete transparency while also unlocking powerful automation with less micromanagement.
9. Smarter Sidebar Suggestions: More Than Just Summaries
The Comet sidebar is not just a chat box or summary tool—it acts like a full-time assistant that understands what you’re doing. For instance, if you’re viewing someone’s profile on X (formerly Twitter), the sidebar might offer to summarize it, help you write a response, or surface related content.
These suggestions change depending on the page you’re on, making the assistant feel proactive rather than reactive. Your sidebar even keeps track of conversation threads, so you can jump back into any AI chat or task history whenever needed—no need to start over.
10. Prompt from Anywhere: Multi-Entry AI Commands
Comet offers a flexible prompting system that understands context based on where you’re asking from:
- The URL bar doubles as a command line
- The home screen welcomes task initiation
- The sidebar allows rich, page-aware prompts
Each of these inputs can influence how Comet interprets your request, ensuring smarter, more relevant actions. It’s one of the first browsers to let you engage AI this naturally and from multiple angles.
11. Memory and Scheduled Tasks: Coming Soon
Looking ahead, Comet is working on two major upgrades:
- Memory: Comet will remember past activities, web sessions, and workflows. That means no need to repeat preferences or remind the assistant what you care about.
- Scheduled Tasks: You’ll be able to set automated tasks to run daily, weekly, or at specific times—like reviewing emails, checking market trends, or publishing social media posts.
These features will turn Comet into a true digital teammate—less tool, more companion.
12. Real Limits Still Exist
While Comet feels futuristic, it’s not without current constraints. For example, file uploads from your local computer aren't supported yet—which means uploading resumes or images from your desktop still requires manual work. That said, tasks involving in-page elements (like LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply”) are handled smoothly by the AI.
Privacy & Data-Collection Debate
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas openly stated that Comet tracks all browsing to sell “hyper-personalized” ads . Critics worry this mirrors Chrome’s data-heavy model; proponents argue for “relevant” ad experiences.
How Comet Compares to Other Browsers
Comet stands out in a market led by Chrome, Safari, and Edge (5.62% share):
- AI-Native Design: Unlike add-on AI tools like Microsoft’s Copilot, Comet is built for AI-driven tasks.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with PayPal and Motorola (pre-installing Perplexity on Razr phones) enhance its ecosystem.
- Privacy Focus: Flexible data controls contrast with Chrome’s data-heavy model.
Comet vs. Other Browsers
| Feature | Comet | Chrome | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native AI | ✔️ Agentic search | ❌ Extension-based | ❌ Extension-based |
| Privacy Controls | ✔️ Three modes | ❌ Limited | ✔️ Some controls |
| Extension Support | ✔️ Chrome extensions | ✔️ Native | ✔️ Native |
Comet Agentic AI web browser : Performance & Benchmarks
| Metric | Chrome (M1) | Comet Beta (M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Startup (seconds) | 1.2 | 1.5 |
| RAM Usage (20 tabs, MB) | 850 | 920 |
| JavaScript Speed (JetStream) | 320 | 305 |
Note: Comet is still in beta—expect optimizations by the stable release.
User Feedback about Comet
User sentiments are mixed:
- Positive: Some praised Comet’s rollout as a significant step, excited about its potential to disrupt Browse.
- Skeptical: Others questioned Perplexity’s focus on a new browser, citing existing app issues or Chrome’s dominance.
- Privacy: Concerns about ad tracking were addressed with clear privacy options, appealing to users seeking a new internet browser.
How to Access Comet
Comet is in beta for Apple Silicon Mac users. To try it:
- Join the waitlist at Perplexity’s Comet page.
- Import Chrome data for a smooth switch.
- Use the sidebar or address bar to explore AI features.
Perplexity Comet AI Browser : Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deep AI integration
- Flexible privacy modes
- Chrome-grade compatibility
Cons
- Beta performance issues
- Data-collection controversies
- Mac-only at launch
Comet: Designed for Modern Users
Comet caters to:
- Professionals: Automates tasks like email sorting or calendar management.
- Researchers: Summarizes content across tabs.
- Privacy Users: Offers ad-free Browse with local data storage.
Conclusion: Should You Try Comet?
The Perplexity AI browser combines agentic search, privacy controls, and partnerships to challenge traditional browsers. Whether you’re a professional, researcher, or privacy advocate in the USA or Europe, Comet offers a compelling new browser app. Join the beta to experience AI-driven Browse. For the latest updates about Comet browser, visit Toolkitly’s Tool Update Central, which provides detailed insights into new features and developments.
Share your experience below or join the waitlist!
NB: The information in this article is curated from verified early testers of the Comet browser, including insights shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and reputable sources such as TestingCatalog and Note. This guide reflects real-world testing feedback and platform updates as of June 2025.
A Chromium-based AI browser by Perplexity, designed for agentic search and task automation.
It’s currently in beta for Apple Silicon Macs, with no confirmed plans for other platforms.
It offers ad-blocking and data settings (no memory/no ads, memory without ads, or memory with ads), with local storage.
Yes, it supports Chrome extensions, bookmarks, and passwords.
The Comet browser is in a closed beta phase, available only to select Apple Silicon Mac users who signed up for early access. There’s no standalone Comet app or public download yet, but testers can access it via Perplexity’s waitlist. To download it when available, visit Perplexity’s official website and check for updates on broader availability for macOS, Windows, or mobile platforms.
To sign up for the Perplexity Comet waitlist, visit the dedicated Comet microsite on Perplexity’s website, where you’ll find a simple form to enter your email address. Early access is currently limited, with beta testers being added weekly, and sharing Comet on social media while tagging Perplexity may expedite access. The waitlist is open to all, but priority may be given to Perplexity Pro users. Check your email for confirmation and updates on beta access or the official launch.
Perplexity has indicated a mid-May 2025 launch for the Comet browser, with beta testing already underway for select Apple Silicon Mac users as of May 16, 2025. While no exact date for the full public release has been confirmed, Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, mentioned a May rollout in a CNBC interview. The browser may initially be limited to macOS, with potential expansion to Windows and mobile platforms later. Follow Perplexity’s official channels or our tool update central for the latest release updates.
Comet’s AI agent features, powered by agentic search, enable the browser to perform tasks like booking reservations, managing tabs, or summarizing content directly from webpages. It uses models like GPT-4 Turbo, Claude 3, and Perplexity’s proprietary models for tasks such as itinerary planning, real-time web scraping, and fact-checking with citations. The Comet Assistant, accessible via an Ask button, can analyze inboxes, generate meeting notes, or close duplicate tabs, enhancing productivity. These features aim to make Comet a proactive assistant, setting it apart from traditional browsers.
