Not only is AI changing the way we search, it's also changing the way we use the internet in general. That's the goal behind Perplexity's recent AI browser, Comet, designed to function like a digital co-worker, rather than software. Instead of simply displaying webpages, it helps you read, research, write, and even take action online.
If you've heard of ChatGPT Atlas, you probably know by now that it's only available to Mac users, so Comet feels like its more accessible cousin. It's based on a similar concept, where it puts an agentic assistant at the centre of your browsing experience, only Comet is available to all.
1. Agentic AI assistant
The main benefit of an AI browser, whether it be Perplexity Comet or ChatGPT Atlas, is the built-in AI assistant. These are often called Agents, and can complete tasks on your behalf.
This could involve asking Comet to find you a table at a posh restaurant nearby, searching the internet for the best price on a new pair of shoes, or finding all of the details you need for an upcoming holiday.
For example, I asked Perplexity Comet to 'Plan a three-day trip to Lisbon in January with hotel options near the city center, flight prices from New York, and a simple itinerary.'
The main benefit of an AI browser, whether it be Perplexity Comet or ChatGPT Atlas, is the built-in AI assistant.
This kind of request shows exactly what makes Comet's Agentic AI different from searching on a regular browser. Instead of giving me a list of travel sites, it immediately provided direct links to travel blogs, hotel booking sites, and airline sites.
It then proceeded to shortlist well-reviewed hotels, a summary of flight prices, and a simple yet effective itinerary. It completed its search result with recommendations as well, indicating Comet recognises intent and not just keywords.
It combines search, organization, and activity planning, which felt like interacting with a real virtual assistant.
2. Multi-modal intelligence
Perplexity is in a unique position in the world of AI in that it doesn't actually have its own AI model. Instead, both Comet and the Perplexity AI chatbot use the models of other well-known AI companies.
For example, while using Comet, you can choose whether the browser is being powered by GPT-5, Claude 4, or another popular option. This gives more control to any users who have a preference. Or, if you have absolutely no preference, it will make the decision for you.
You can even jump between models while you work. For example, I asked it, "Using GPT-5, write a persuasive opening paragraph arguing that electric cars are the future of transportation. Then switch to Claude 4 and write a more balanced version. Finally, have Gemini Pro summarize both in one paragraph."
As you can see, Comet was able to represent how each model approaches tone and reasoning. GPT-5 is confident and direct, Claude is nuanced and thorough, and Gemini will seamlessly combine the two.
It works because it shows you how each model thinks differently, giving you three unique takes on the same topic, instead of just one.
3. Smart summaries
If you've ever opened a YouTube video and thought "I'll just watch a minute," and lost half an hour instead, Comet comes to the rescue. Its built-in AI can pull all the key moments from almost any video or article in seconds. For instance, I pasted a link for a Taylor Swift interview and asked for a summary.
It returned with a structured summary from the interview, detailing several moments as it recognised notable talking points from her latest album launch, Swift's recent tour, and her engagement announcement.
It demonstrates how the browser can take something as casual and human as a two-way interview, loaded with personality, and condense it into a focused overview.
You still get the highlights and tone of the conversation, without having to watch the video in its entirety.
You can also do this with any article that you are looking through. Simply click the summarize button in the top right-hand corner of the assistant, and it will automatically summarize a page for you.
4. Cross-tab actions
Shopping online can be overwhelming as our options seem endless now, but Comet turns it into a guided experience. For instance, I recently asked it to "find the best electric bikes under £1000."
The assistant scanned the best websites and shortlisted several webpages, providing a variety of sites to choose from with direct links.
It then elaborated by providing a top ten list of 'the best electric bikes under £1000 available in the UK, combining value, performance, and user reviews as of 2025,' followed by 'features to consider.'
It also compiled all of the information into one table, based on model, type, price, features, and range, allowing me to scan key statistics more efficiently.
This felt like I was managing an intelligent agent, browsing for me, rather than me doing the browsing myself.
5. Context-aware sidebar
In an age where misinformation spreads fast, Comet can help you separate fact from fiction.
I pasted a link to a recently published news story about Grokipedia, and it responded by cross-checking the claim against credible sources and showed results directly in the sidebar, which is a great way to demo real-time context awareness.
It launched an 'accuracy assessment' and displayed reputable publications that echo the vital information. It explored the story's propaganda, statistics, and verified claims.
Happy with the results, it responded: "The Tom's Guide article provides an accurate, well-sourced overview of the Grokipedia delay and surrounding controversies, though readers should note the 45% statistic specifically relates to AI news responses rather than all AI-generated content."
6. Discover
Sometimes you don't even need to search, Comet brings the world's trending stories to you.
From Entertainment and Sports, to Finance and Tech, the Discover feature allows me to click the default topics, or search my own, and check the latest news within each industry, similar to browsing a news website.
Ultimately, it serves a daily digest for any given topic, complete with illustrations, story synopses including source links, and a sidebar with the day's market outlook and weather.
7. Templates
Finally, Perplexity Comet is as much a chatbot as it is a browser. This is one of the big areas that sets it apart from Google. If you need a helping hand from an expert assistant, the Spaces tool will be essential.
When you open Comet, you'll be taken to a home page, which is the Perplexity chatbot. On the left-hand side is a button called 'Spaces'. Here is a variety of templates that can upgrade Comet in a way that works for you.
You can use a website scanner tool, which will search any page and allow you to ask questions on it, you can turn it into a trip planning expert or have it take control of your finances.
Some of these templates utilise the agent and search functions of Comet, and some focus on the chatbot exclusively. These can be a really fun way to upgrade your browsing experience if you don't know where to start.
Overall, the prompts I used demonstrate how Comet can do anything from efficiently planning a holiday, and summarising a dialogue from an interview, to scanning a story for accuracy, and offer product suggestions without extra clicks.
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