Perplexity AI rolls out Comet browser for free worldwide (www.cnbc.com)

Perplexity AI has made its AI-powered web browser, Comet, available worldwide and free to users, after initially launching it in July as a $200/month perk for Perplexity Max subscribers. The company says the waitlist grew to “millions,” and the move is a clear bid to scale adoption quickly as competition intensifies from Google (Gemini in Chrome), OpenAI (Operator) and Anthropic (browser agent). The shift to a free offering follows Perplexity’s broader product strategy—its core AI search product and a revenue-sharing model with publishers after earlier content-use controversies—and comes alongside a high-profile PR push including a CNBC appearance by CEO Aravind Srinivas. Technically, Comet is built as an agent-style AI browser that can search the web, organize tabs, draft emails, shop, and act as a personal assistant; Perplexity also offers Comet Plus, a paid tier that gives access to content from vetted publishers. Initial publishing partners include CNN, Condé Nast, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Le Monde and Le Figaro. Perplexity teases upcoming capabilities such as a mobile app and “Background Assistant,” which enables asynchronous multi-tasking across browser tasks—features that position Comet as a direct rival to other agent-enabled browser experiences and could influence how AI agents integrate with web browsing workflows.