Free Access to Drive User Expansion Globally
Perplexity is opening its Comet AI browser to everyone at no cost, aiming to expand access to AI-powered browsing. The AI search startup hopes this step will attract millions of new users while positioning itself against established browsers and AI-first challengers.
From Premium Feature to Free Launch
Comet was first released three months ago for Perplexity’s $200-per-month Max subscribers. Interest was high, with millions joining a waitlist to try the product. Now, Perplexity is making Comet free worldwide, ensuring more users can access its AI-driven browsing experience.
AI-powered Assistant Built into Browsing
At the core of Comet is a sidecar assistant that works alongside users during browsing. It summarizes web pages, answers questions, manages online content, and helps with navigation.
Free users also get access to AI features such as Discover for personalized content, Spaces for organizing projects, Shopping for comparing deals, Travel for trip planning, Finance for managing expenses, and Sports for live updates.
Extra Features for Paid Subscribers
While the main browser is free, Perplexity continues to enhance its paid plans. Max subscribers gain access to advanced AI models, an AI-powered email assistant, and early access to experimental products.
The most notable new feature is the background assistant, which CEO Aravind Srinivas unveiled this week.
How the Background Assistant Works?
The background assistant acts like a mission control for tasks. It can draft and send emails, add tickets to carts, and search for flights. Users monitor progress through a central dashboard, with the option to step in or complete actions themselves.
This assistant also integrates with other apps on a user’s computer, making it more useful for handling multiple workflows at once.
Comet Plus: News with AI
Perplexity is also preparing Comet Plus, a $5-per-month standalone service designed as an AI-enhanced news alternative to Apple News. Pro and Max subscribers will gain automatic access when it launches.
Expanding Access in a Competitive Market
By removing the subscription barrier, Perplexity is aiming to increase access and encourage adoption. Chrome continues to dominate, while AI-first browsers like Dia are emerging. OpenAI is also expected to release its own AI-powered browser soon, intensifying competition.
Aiming for Wider Adoption
With Comet now free, Perplexity is positioning its browser as an accessible entry point into AI-powered browsing. The company’s strategy is clear — bring more users into the ecosystem first, then build loyalty through advanced tools for paid plans.
