Can Comet replace Google Chrome? An in-depth look at Perplexity’s new agentic AI browser.

The web Browse landscape, long dominated by Google Chrome, is facing an intriguing challenger with the official launch of Perplexity’s “Comet” – an agentic AI browser that promises to redefine how we interact with the internet. Released just two weeks ago, on July 9, 2025, to Perplexity Max subscribers, Comet is now gradually rolling out invite-only access to its waitlist, sparking considerable buzz and raising the question: can this AI-powered newcomer truly replace the reigning browser king?

Google Chrome currently holds a commanding lead in the browser market, with its share hovering around 65% globally in 2024. Its ubiquitous presence is largely due to its speed, simplicity, and deep integration with Google’s vast ecosystem of services like Gmail, Drive, and YouTube. For years, this integration has been a significant barrier for any aspiring competitor.

However, Comet isn’t just another browser. Built on the Chromium architecture – a move designed to facilitate a effortless transition for existing Chrome users by allowing easy import of extensions, bookmarks, and settings – Comet distinguishes itself with its core “agentic AI” capabilities. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has been vocal about Comet’s ambition to move beyond mere Browse, envisioning it as an “AI operating system” for white-collar workers.

At the heart of Comet is an intelligent sidebar assistant that can perform multi-step tasks autonomously. This isn’t just about summarizing webpages (though it excels at that); Comet can understand complex natural language commands and execute entire workflows. Imagine asking your browser to “find the best flight deals for a trip to Goa next month, compare prices across different airlines, and then book the cheapest one,” or “summarize all unread emails from a specific sender and draft a polite reply.” Early tests highlight its ability to automate tasks like grocery shopping on Instacart, manage email inboxes, schedule meetings, and even conduct complete market research across multiple tabs.

While Chrome has integrated some AI features, Comet’s fundamental design as an AI-first browser sets it apart. It aims to reduce “zero-click” searches, where users get direct answers without needing to navigate to external sites, thus keeping users within the browser environment for more complex tasks. This agentic nature, where the AI can “act” on your behalf across various online platforms, marks a significant shift from traditional Browse.

Despite its innovative features, Comet faces an uphill battle against Chrome’s entrenched user base and extensive ecosystem. Currently, access is primarily for paying Perplexity Max subscribers, and while free access will expand, some advanced AI features may remain behind a paywall. Performance and reliability are also areas to watch, as initial reviews suggest it can be slower than Chrome for standard Browse and may occasionally encounter issues with complex tasks.

Perplexity is actively pursuing pre-installation deals with smartphone makers, signaling a long-term strategy to challenge Chrome’s mobile dominance. The coming months will be crucial in determining if Comet can truly disrupt the browser market and convert its innovative AI capabilities into widespread user adoption, or if it will remain a powerful niche tool for productivity enthusiasts. The “AI browser wars” have officially begun, and the implications for how we interact with the internet could be profound.