Comet

Comet is a free Perplexity browser for people who want an assistant to help with both research and tasks on websites. Its page-aware assistance is the main draw; it is a weaker fit for readers who want page context kept entirely off Perplexity’s servers.

Overview

Built on Chromium, Comet combines browsing with an assistant that can answer questions about open tabs, search the web, and interact with websites. That makes it useful when research or a routine task depends on pages already in the browser, rather than a standalone chat. Perplexity is the default search engine, and built-in ad blocking and cross-device sync round out the browsing experience.

Key features

Help with pages and tasks

Comet Assistant can summarize or explain content, compare information across tabs, and help draft emails, schedule meetings, or make purchases. This breadth suits people who want to move from finding information to acting on it without leaving the browser. Website interactions can have consequences, so Comet says users can stop the agent at any time and should review actions before confirming them.

Connected services and privacy

Email or scheduling tasks may require opting in to Perplexity Connector access to third-party services; those permissions can later be changed or revoked in Perplexity settings. Comet stores browsing data such as URLs, searches, cookies, open tabs, and site permissions on the device. Website passwords and credit-card details are kept in the device’s secure vault, not on Perplexity’s servers, and users can delete history, cookies, and cached data in the browser’s privacy settings.

That local storage is not the whole privacy picture: Comet may send page context, including text or email, to Perplexity’s servers when a query requires it. Users who are uncomfortable with that should avoid sharing sensitive page content or choose a browser that better fits their privacy requirements.

Extensions and enterprise controls

Comet supports most Chrome extensions, but extensions must be installed and configured again when switching from Chrome because their data does not transfer. That is a manageable setup cost for users with a short extension list, but a drawback for anyone relying on a carefully configured Chrome environment. Enterprise deployments add MDM support on macOS and Windows and configuration of more than 500 Chromium-based policies.

Pricing

Comet is free to download and use at no cost. There are no paid plans or quotas to weigh against the free version in the plans described here, making it a straightforward option for individuals who want its browser and assistant without a subscription. Enterprise deployments are supported, but have custom pricing.

Platforms

Comet is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Its Chromium base and broad Chrome extension support help users bring familiar browser tools, though extensions need a fresh installation and setup. For Comet-specific questions, Perplexity provides [email protected].

Who it's for

Comet is best for people who regularly compare pages, ask questions about what they are reading, or want help with everyday website tasks. Cross-device sync and free access make it appealing for users who want one assistant-enabled browser across desktop and mobile. It is less suitable for users who need extensions and their existing data to migrate intact, or who do not want page context processed on a service’s servers when a query calls for it.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Assistant can answer questions about open tabs and compare pages, keeping research grounded in the material already being browsed.
• Pro: Free access, ad blocking, and cross-device sync combine core browsing conveniences without a paid plan.
• Pro: Browsing data and saved credentials have distinct protections: browsing data stays on-device, while passwords and card details use the device’s secure vault.
• Con: Page context, including text or email, may be processed on Perplexity’s servers to complete queries, which may rule it out for privacy-sensitive work.
• Con: Chrome extensions do not transfer with their data, so switching entails reinstalling and configuring them.
• Con: Users should supervise website actions and review them before confirmation, limiting how safely the assistant can be left to act unattended.

Alternatives

For an open-source option with built-in AI agents across macOS, Windows, and Linux, consider BrowserOS. Norton Neo is another free choice, with unlimited AI and a VPN allowance of 5 GB per month, or unlimited VPN when it is the default browser. Choose Arc Search if a free mobile browser is the priority, bearing in mind that premium and team features may be charged for in the future without specifics announced. Aside suits users who want browser routines and a credit-based free tier, while its Pro plan costs $20 a month. BrowserOS neo is a free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows that uses your own AI provider. Genspark AI Browser may suit users seeking on-device AI models without internet access or subscriptions on its free plan. MoltBrowser is a free, fully open-source alternative. Polar offers browser-agent capabilities with a free credit allowance and daily credits, for users who prefer a credit-based model.

Explore more options in AI Browsers, AI Browser Agents, and Web browsers.

Verdict

Choose Comet if you want a free Chromium browser whose assistant can answer questions about open pages and help carry out routine website tasks. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of page-aware research and practical actions in one browser. Look elsewhere if server-side processing of page context is unacceptable or if you need Chrome extensions and their data to move over intact.