Is Chrome’s reign at risk?

Dear Reader,

The way you browse is about to change forever.

Flipped.ai’s weekly newsletter is read by more than 75,000 professionals, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and investors around the world.

This week, we explore Perplexity’s bold new move into web browsing with its AI-native Comet browser, a challenger to Google Chrome’s long-standing dominance. From built-in task automation and AI-driven search to smartphone pre-installation plans, Comet is shaping up to be more than just another browser; it’s a glimpse into the future of AI-powered browsing.

Join us as we break down what makes Comet different, how it stacks up against Chrome, and what its rise means for the rapidly evolving browser wars.

Can Perplexity’s Comet browser outshine Google Chrome?

Imagine a browser that doesn’t just show you web pages but acts like a personal assistant, handling tasks, summarizing content, and answering questions in real time. That’s the promise of Perplexity’s Comet, an AI-powered browser shaking up the web. With Google Chrome dominating over 60% of the browser market, can this new kid on the block really steal the crown? Let’s dive into what makes Comet special and whether it’s ready to challenge the king of browsers.

What is Perplexity’s Comet browser?

Comet is Perplexity’s bold entry into the browser wars, launched in July 2025 as an AI-native alternative to traditional browsers like Chrome. Unlike standard browsers that rely on you to navigate and search, Comet uses agentic AI—a fancy way of saying it’s a browser that thinks and acts for you. Built on the Chromium framework (the same tech that powers Chrome), it feels familiar but supercharges your experience with Perplexity’s AI-driven “answer engine.”

Think of it as a browser with a brain. Instead of sifting through endless search results, Comet delivers concise, AI-generated answers, complete with source links, and can even perform tasks like booking a restaurant or summarizing a YouTube video. It’s currently available to Perplexity Max subscribers ($200/month) or via an early access waitlist, with plans for broader access soon.

Why does it matter?

The rise of AI browsers like Comet signals a shift in how we interact with the web. Traditional browsers like Chrome are great for displaying pages, but they leave the heavy lifting research, task management, and decision-making to you. Comet flips this by embedding AI that understands your intent and does the work for you.

This is a big deal because

• Time savings: By automating repetitive tasks and summarizing content, Comet frees up time for professionals, students, and creators.

• Smarter research: Its ability to compile insights from multiple sources makes it a game-changer for anyone doing deep dives, from academics to content creators.

• Market disruption: With Google facing antitrust scrutiny that could force it to sell Chrome, there’s an opening for AI-driven upstarts like Perplexity to grab market share.

Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, sees Comet as more than a browser—it’s a step toward an “operating system” for the internet, where AI handles everything from shopping to scheduling.

How does Comet stack up against Chrome?

Google Chrome is a giant, with a 70% share of the mobile browser market and deep integration with Google services like Gmail and Drive. Its speed, vast extension library, and cross-device syncing make it a go-to for millions. But Comet brings some serious heat to the competition:

• Search experience: Chrome relies on Google Search’s link-heavy results, while Comet’s answer engine delivers direct, AI-generated responses with source citations.

• AI capabilities: Chrome is testing Gemini integration, but it’s not as seamless or autonomous as Comet’s Assistant, which can navigate websites and complete tasks unsupervised.

• Privacy: Comet offers native ad-blocking and user-controlled data settings, appealing to privacy-conscious users. Chrome, meanwhile, has faced criticism for limiting ad blockers.

• Task automation: Chrome’s AI features (like AI Overviews) are more about enhancing search than taking action, while Comet can book meetings or shop on your behalf.

However, Comet has hurdles:

• Cost: The $200/month Perplexity Max subscription is steep, limiting early adoption.

• Reliability: Complex tasks like shopping can fail due to current AI limitations, though Perplexity says this will improve.

• Market inertia: Chrome’s pre-installed status on most devices and user habits make switching a challenge.

Here’s a quick comparison of how Comet stacks up against Google Chrome across key features:

While Chrome dominates in maturity and ecosystem depth, Comet clearly differentiates itself through built-in AI and automation features.”

The road ahead for Comet

Comet’s potential to replace Chrome hinges on a few key moves. Perplexity is already in talks with smartphone makers to pre-install Comet on devices, a strategy that could boost its reach to “tens of millions” of users by 2026. A partnership with Airtel to offer free premium AI features to mobile users in some markets is another smart play.

But the competition isn’t standing still. OpenAI is rumored to be building its own AI browser, and Microsoft’s Edge is rolling out Copilot-powered features. Chrome’s upcoming AI updates, expected at Google I/O, could close the gap. For now, Comet’s edge lies in its agentic AI, which feels like a glimpse into the future of browsing.

Final take: A browser revolution or just hype?

Comet isn’t just another Chrome alternative—it’s a bold reimagining of what browsing can be in an AI-first world. With built-in task automation, context awareness, and a focus on productivity, it feels more like a digital co-pilot than a browser.

But replacing Chrome entirely? That’s a tall order. Chrome’s massive ecosystem, free access, and deep user habits make it a tough nut to crack.

Still, Comet’s early buzz, unique AI features, and potential smartphone partnerships suggest it could carve out a significant niche—especially if Perplexity makes it more accessible beyond premium users. And with Google facing antitrust pressure, the timing couldn’t be better for innovation in how we browse.

What do you think? Could Comet become your go-to browser, or is Chrome still king?
Hit reply and tell us or share this with a friend who’s ready to browse differently.

Flipped.ai: Revolutionizing Recruitment with AI

At Flipped.ai, we’re transforming the hiring process with our turbocharged AI recruiter, making recruitment faster and smarter. With features like lightning-fast job matches, instant content creation, CV analysis, and smart recommendations, we streamline the entire hiring journey for both employers and candidates.

For Companies:
Looking to hire top talent efficiently? Flipped.ai helps you connect with the best candidates in record time. From creating job descriptions to making quick matches, our AI-powered solutions make recruitment a breeze.

Sign up now to get started: Company Sign Up

For Job Seekers:
Explore professional opportunities with Flipped.ai! Check out our active job openings and apply directly to find your next career move with ease. Sign up today to take the next step in your journey.

Sign up and apply now: Job Seeker Sign Up

For more information, reach out to us at [email protected].

Want to get your product in front of 75,000+ professionals, entrepreneurs decision makers and investors around the world ? 🚀

If you are interesting in sponsoring, contact us on [email protected].

Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and innovation together!

Best regards,

Flipped.ai Editorial Team