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

Comet AI browser is now free: details

If you skipped Comet when it required a premium plan, it’s worth another look. Perplexity AI has made its Comet AI browser free for all users, after a 2025 launch limited to top‑tier subscribers. The free version brings an AI “sidecar” into your browser window to summarise pages, answer questions, and navigate sites with you. For power users on paid tiers, Perplexity has also introduced a new Background Assistant to quietly handle multi‑step tasks while you work.

What’s included for free

• Sidebar assistant: Page‑aware answers and summaries without pasting links.

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

• Usage limits: Reasonable caps for day‑to‑day browsing.

Download: https://www.perplexity.ai/comet/
Platforms: Windows and macOS; Android followed later in 2025. Based on Chromium, so familiar extensions and controls apply.

What paid plans add

• Higher‑performing models and advanced workflow tools.

• Background Assistant: Delegate multi‑step jobs—e.g., tracking price drops, preparing inbox replies, or planning and booking travel—with progress visible in a dashboard.

• Team features: Policy controls and admin options for organisations.

Why this matters now

AI is shifting from “ask‑and‑answer” to agentic workflows that perform tasks across tabs and tools. Making Comet free puts page‑aware AI into everyday browsing, while Background Assistant signals where autonomous, multi‑step help is heading. It increases competitive pressure on Chrome, Edge and other AI‑flavoured browsers.

Security and trust considerations

Review data permissions, prompt‑injection risks and admin controls before rolling out widely. Pilot with non‑sensitive workflows, define data retention policies, and set model usage guidelines.

Quick start: try Comet in 5 steps

1. Install Comet and sign in.

2. Open a long article or vendor page.

3. Ask the assistant to summarise, 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 there, page‑aware, with citations; reduces app‑switching.

• Free entry point: Removes initial cost barrier.

• Agentic roadmap: Premium Background Assistant previews autonomous, multi‑step help.

Platform notes and availability

• Desktop: Windows, macOS (Chromium base; common extension support).

• Mobile: Android rolled out later in 2025; check current app store availability.

• Global availability: Free download worldwide.

FAQs

Is Comet really free now?
Yes. The core browser with sidebar assistant is free for everyone, with usage limits. Premium tiers add stronger models and extra tools.

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

Which platforms does Comet support?
Windows and macOS initially; Android followed later in 2025. Availability may expand—check the official site.

Is Comet suitable for enterprise use?
Yes, but test with guardrails first. Review admin controls, data policies and integration requirements before organisation‑wide rollout.