Comet AI browser is now free: features & Background Assistant

Perplexity has made its Comet AI browser available for free for everyone. The free tier includes the sidecar assistant for real-time answers and page summaries, while paid plans offer more advanced models and a new Background Assistant that can handle multi-step tasks in the background. Comet is available on both desktop and mobile.

Comet AI browser is now free: all you need to know

If you didn't try Comet when it required a premium subscription, now's the time to check it out. Perplexity AI has made its Comet AI browser free for everyone, following its 2025 launch that was initially limited to top-tier subscribers. The free version introduces an AI "sidecar" within your browser window to summarize pages, answer questions, and help you navigate sites. For power users with paid plans, Perplexity has also launched a new Background Assistant to quietly manage multi-step tasks while you work.

What's included for free

• Sidebar assistant: Page-aware answers and summaries without the need to paste links.

• Everyday research: Compare products, plan trips, and extract key points from lengthy articles.

• Usage limits: Reasonable limits for daily browsing.

Download: https://www.perplexity.ai/comet/
Platforms: Windows and macOS; Android will be available later in 2025. Built on Chromium, so it supports familiar extensions and controls.

What paid plans add

• Higher-performing models and advanced workflow tools.

• Background Assistant: Delegate multi-step jobs — such as tracking price drops, preparing email replies, or planning and booking travel — with progress visible in a dashboard.

• Team features: Offers policy controls and admin options for organizations.

Why this is important now

AI is evolving from "question-and-answer" to agentic workflows that handle tasks across different tabs and tools. Making Comet free introduces page-aware AI to everyday browsing, while the Background Assistant indicates the future of autonomous, multi-step assistance. It increases competitive pressure on Chrome, Edge, and other AI-enhanced browsers.

Security and trust considerations

Review data permissions, prompt-injection risks, and admin controls before a wide rollout. Begin with non-sensitive workflows, establish data retention policies, and set model usage guidelines.

Quick start: try Comet in 5 steps

1. Install Comet and sign in.

2. Open a comprehensive article or vendor page.

3. Ask the assistant to summarize, compare, or extract key points.

4. Refine with follow-ups (budget, timeframe, constraints).

5. For teams, pilot on low-risk tasks, then document policies.

Comet vs your current browser

• Embedded AI assistant: Always present, page-aware, with citations; reduces the need to switch apps.

• Free entry point: Eliminates the initial cost barrier.

• Agentic roadmap: Premium Background Assistant previews autonomous, multi-step assistance.

Platform notes and availability

• Desktop: Compatible with Windows and macOS (Chromium base; supports common extensions).

• Mobile: Android rollout later in 2025; check current app store for availability.

• Global availability: Free download accessible worldwide.

FAQs

Is Comet really free now?
Yes. The core browser with the sidebar assistant is free for everyone, with specific usage limits. Premium plans provide enhanced models and extra tools.

What is Background Assistant?
A premium feature that executes multi-step tasks in the background — like booking workflows or email operations — while you continue browsing.

Which platforms does Comet support?
Initially supports Windows and macOS; Android will be available later in 2025. Availability may expand—check the official site.

Is Comet suitable for enterprise use?
Yes, but conduct tests with caution first. Review admin controls, data policies, and integration requirements before a comprehensive organizational rollout.