Perplexity is making its Comet browser available for free globally as of October 2, 2025. The startup aims to compete with major browsers and search engines while introducing a “background assistant” for paid subscribers.
Comet Browser Features
Comet was initially launched to subscribers of Perplexity’s $200-per-month Max plan three months ago. Since then, millions have signed up on the waitlist to download the browser. The main feature of Comet is a sidecar assistant that helps users answer questions about web pages, summarize content, manage web content, and navigate pages.
Free users can access the sidecar assistant and various tools, including Discover for personalized News, Spaces for project management, Shopping for price comparisons, Travel for aggregated destination information, Finance for budgeting tools, and Sports for updates on scores and schedules. This array of tools enhances the user experience while browsing.
Background Assistant for Max Users
Max users benefit from high-performing AI models and an email assistant that can draft replies, organize inboxes, schedule meetings, and answer questions. Additionally, they have early access to new features, including the recently announced “background assistant.” According to a company spokesperson, this assistant operates like “a team of assistants working for you” and can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
The background assistant can execute tasks such as sending emails, adding concert tickets to a cart, and finding flights while users focus on other work. Users can track task progress from a central dashboard and intervene if necessary. It features improved connectors to access other apps on the computer, enhancing its functionality.
Free Comet users can also opt for a $5-per-month standalone subscription to Comet Plus, which aims to provide an AI-enhanced alternative to Apple News. Pro users and Max users will automatically gain access to Comet Plus.
