AI browsers tested: Comet leads, Atlas close

Comet tops the new AI browsers

AI browsers are reshaping how we surf the web, blending chatbots and automation directly into the tab you’re viewing. Recent releases and updates from OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, Microsoft and The Browser Company make it easier to ask questions about a page, summarize content and even let agents click and type for you. After testing the main contenders, one app has a slight edge—though the field is evolving fast.

What AI browsers do

Unlike traditional browsers, AI browsers can see what’s in your active tab and respond with context-aware help. Assistants answer questions or transform what’s on the page. Agent-style tools go further, taking actions like comparing prices, building carts and searching travel sites—often while you work in another window.

Assistant-style tools: Gemini and Dia

Gemini in Chrome

Rolling out to U.S. desktop and Android users, Gemini sits behind a sparkle icon and opens in a floating window. It can summarize videos, pull out key details and handle quick how-to guidance via a live voice mode. It’s a lightweight way to try AI browsing without switching from Chrome, but it doesn’t yet perform full agentic tasks.

Dia (Mac)

Built on Chrome’s foundation, Dia adds an AI side panel powered by multiple models and standout “skills” you can program and reuse. Budget Buddy finds cheaper alternatives while you shop; Colour Analysis suggests accessories based on your hair, eye and skin tones. The Daily Wrap skill can scan your browsing history to recap yesterday’s work and today’s to-dos—useful, but a reminder of the privacy trade-offs.

When Memory is on, Dia summarizes activity on company servers before sending it back for local storage. The Browser Company, now owned by Atlassian, says it doesn’t retain that data and that AI providers delete queries after processing.

Agent-style tools: ChatGPT Atlas, Comet and Edge

ChatGPT Atlas (Mac)

Agent Mode can navigate websites on your behalf. In testing, it searched for flights and surfaced good options, though it occasionally mis-clicked and took time to finish. Privacy controls include a site blocklist and a toggle to keep pages hidden from ChatGPT while you prompt. Agent Mode currently requires a paid ChatGPT plan.

Perplexity Comet (desktop)

Comet performs similar actions without a paid plan. In grocery tests, it built thoughtful carts (even emphasizing one-handed snacks for new parents), though it sometimes split items across retailers, complicating delivery. Comet is desktop-only for now; the company says a mobile app is coming soon.

Note: Dow Jones, publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has sued Perplexity over alleged copyright infringement.

Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode

Edge now supports “actions” with adjustable permission levels—from light (fewer prompts) to strict (always ask). It couldn’t add items to an Amazon cart in testing, but it did search and filter across retail and rentals, such as Wayfair, Airbnb and Facebook Marketplace.

Privacy and security basics

AI browsers process parts of webpages on remote servers. Companies say they try to redact sensitive data, but it’s not foolproof. Practical tips:

• Avoid entering medical, financial or confidential corporate information while prompting.
• Prefer local storage options when available, and use incognito for sensitive work.
• Limit agent use to trusted sites; agents can be susceptible to prompt-injection tricks hidden on pages.
• Consider using site blocklists and strict permission settings for agents.

Verdict

Perplexity’s Comet is the most compelling option today thanks to a solid, citation-focused chatbot, capable agent features and smart tab management. ChatGPT Atlas is a close second, especially for its granular privacy controls. Dia’s programmable shopping and productivity skills are genuinely helpful for Mac users.