Perplexity AI recently introduced its new browser, Comet, which launched on Wednesday with strong buzz from parts of the tech community. Early users are already experimenting with its features. Comet joins a growing lineup of AI browsers, including Dia, Google’s Gemini in Chrome, and a rumored offering from OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
Exclusively available to users on Perplexity’s $200-per-month plan, Comet is marketed as a “thought partner” designed to help users complete tasks without needing to manually navigate the web. According to NBC News tests, Comet can assist with making reservations, preparing online purchases, and even planning full vacations. However, real-world use revealed the experience to be less smooth than promotional demos suggest.
Comet is part of the growing race to build AI agents — systems that go beyond providing answers and can take action on your behalf. Unlike standard AI chatbots that simply respond to queries, AI agents are designed to initiate tasks, send queries, and even make decisions based on what they know about you.
Imagine an AI that learns your habits — like when you usually eat lunch — and automatically orders your favorite meal or reserves a table at your go-to restaurant. That’s the kind of convenience these agents promise.
Comet opens to Perplexity’s AI search engine, with its assistant accessible via a sidebar. In NBC News’ testing, it could help users apply for jobs, shop for clothing, and schedule gym visits. However, privacy protections often required the user to step in, especially when personal information was needed to complete a task.
For instance, while Comet can find deals and compare products, it stops short of finalizing purchases, stating:
“For your privacy and security, I cannot accept, process, or store any personal or payment information, and I am not able to complete transactions or purchases on your behalf.”
When it came to job applications, the assistant was able to locate listings and initiate the process, but users still had to log in themselves and complete final steps involving personal information or verification.
Booking a gym tour also took some back-and-forth. Comet initially claimed to have scheduled a visit but later admitted it had only reached a placeholder page. After being prompted again, the assistant asked for user input before filling out and submitting the form in real-time.
One notable feature is Comet’s ability to interpret and compare information across multiple open tabs. When asked to compare gyms, it generated a comparison chart of membership fees based on the websites currently open in the browser.
Perplexity plans to expand access to Comet through an invite system over the summer, with a public release expected later.
AI agents like Comet are becoming increasingly common online. Expedia now offers an AI travel planner that can book trips, and Walmart recently introduced an AI assistant that can recommend products and — soon — help reorder them or book services.
As generative AI adoption continues to outpace that of the internet and personal computers at similar stages, it’s gaining traction with key audiences. A recent survey by Rutgers University-New Brunswick found that 60% of users aged 18–24 and 62% of those earning over $100,000 trust AI technology.
Some industry experts believe AI could even replace traditional search engines. In April 2025, Apple executive Eddy Cue testified that Google search traffic declined in Safari for the first time, citing AI’s growing influence.
In response, Google has rolled out an “AI Mode” in Search and integrated its Gemini assistant into Chrome. Yet, unlike Gemini, Comet weaves AI capabilities directly into the browser’s core interface, signaling a more integrated future for browsing with AI.