The way we browse the internet is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have long dominated, but in 2025 and into 2026, a new wave of AI-first or agentic browsers has emerged. These tools embed powerful AI models directly into the browsing experience, allowing users to ask questions about pages, automate tasks, summarize content, and even perform multi-step actions autonomously.
Leading this shift are OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas and Perplexity’s Comet, both launched in 2025. They represent the forefront of “agentic” browsing, where AI doesn’t just assist—it acts. Other contenders, like Dia from The Browser Company (successor to Arc) and enhanced versions of Edge and Chrome, are also pushing boundaries. Here’s what you need to know about these innovations as of early 2026.
ChatGPT Atlas: OpenAI’s Productivity Powerhouse
Launched on October 21, 2025, ChatGPT Atlas is OpenAI’s dedicated web browser with ChatGPT integrated at its core. Initially released for macOS (requiring macOS 14+ and Apple Silicon), it remains the primary platform, though Windows, iOS, and Android versions are in development and expected soon.
Atlas transforms browsing into an action-oriented workflow. Key features include:
- A persistent ChatGPT sidebar that provides real-time assistance—summarizing pages, comparing products, analyzing data, rewriting text, or generating content based on the current view.
- Agent Mode (available in preview for Plus, Pro, and Business subscribers) enables autonomous multi-step tasks: navigating sites, opening tabs, gathering information, filling forms, booking reservations, or conducting research while explaining each step.
- Browser Memory for contextual recommendations across sessions (user-controlled and optional).
- Strong privacy options: control site access for ChatGPT, clear history, use incognito mode, or disable memory features.
- Easy import of bookmarks, passwords, and history from other browsers.
Atlas appeals to users already invested in the ChatGPT ecosystem, emphasizing efficiency and getting things done over pure research.
Perplexity Comet: The Research-Focused AI Assistant
Perplexity released Comet in July 2025, initially in limited access, before making it free and available worldwide by October. Built on Chromium for broad compatibility, it’s now accessible on macOS, Windows, and Android, with ongoing expansions.
Comet positions itself as a personal AI assistant for curiosity-driven exploration. Standout capabilities:
- Seamless integration of Perplexity’s real-time, citation-backed search engine into every browsing session.
- Highlight any text on a page to instantly ask questions, get explanations, summaries, or contextual insights without switching tabs.
- Comet Assistant handles tasks like in-depth research, tab/email organization, shopping comparisons, drafting content, or even simple site building—often with strong emphasis on source transparency and fact-checking.
- Workspaces for organizing research projects, plus tools like image descriptions and verifiable answers.
- Free for everyone, with premium options (Comet Plus at $5/month or included in Pro/Max plans) unlocking advanced models and features.
- Recent updates (into 2026) have enhanced the Assistant for faster, more accurate multi-site workflows and better reasoning.
Comet excels for users who value accurate, referenced information and quick discovery, making it a go-to for researchers, students, and fact-checkers.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Atlas vs. Comet
While both are Chromium-based for excellent web compatibility, their philosophies diverge sharply. Aspect ChatGPT Atlas (OpenAI) Perplexity Comet Primary Focus Task automation, productivity, and multi-step actions Research, fact-checking, and source-linked insights AI Core Deep ChatGPT integration with sidebar and Agent Mode Perplexity search engine + Comet Assistant Automation Strength Excellent (e.g., bookings, forms, sequences) Solid but more research-oriented Source Transparency Moderate (prioritizes efficiency) High (heavy emphasis on citations) Personalization Browser-wide memory (controllable) Session-based workspaces Platforms macOS currently; Windows/iOS/Android soon macOS, Windows, Android Pricing Free base; Agent Mode requires Plus/Pro/Business Free; premium add-ons Ideal For Task completion and ChatGPT loyalists Deep, accurate research
Other Players in the AI Browser Landscape
Beyond Atlas and Comet, several options stand out:
- Microsoft Edge with Copilot: A mature traditional browser with a powerful AI sidebar for summaries, chats, and contextual help—ideal for seamless daily use.
- Google Chrome with Gemini: Built-in AI for search enhancements, tab organization, and insights, though less agentic than the newcomers.
- Dia (from The Browser Company, formerly Arc): An experimental, AI-native browser focused on creative workflows, tab management, and automation—often lauded for its polished, innovative interface.
- Others like Brave (with Leo AI) or Opera One add AI layers but remain more traditional.
Key Considerations Before Switching
Advantages include dramatically faster workflows, reduced manual effort, contextual intelligence, and the ability to offload repetitive tasks.
Drawbacks involve privacy concerns (AI accesses more browsing data—always review controls), occasional inaccuracies or hallucinations, early-stage bugs in agent features, and potential security risks like prompt injection vulnerabilities.
For casual browsing, sticking with a traditional browser plus AI extensions may suffice. But for heavy researchers, shoppers, multitaskers, or productivity enthusiasts, these AI browsers can feel revolutionary.
As of February 2026, Atlas and Comet lead the pack, directly challenging Chrome’s dominance. If you’re intrigued, start with Comet (free and cross-platform) or Atlas (if you’re on macOS). The field evolves rapidly, with frequent updates promising even more capabilities ahead. The future of browsing is increasingly intelligent—and it’s already here.
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