Introduction
Choosing a web browser today is not just about loading web pages fast. We want privacy, security, helpful tools, and maybe even AI that actually works. Two browsers that get a lot of attention lately are Comet Browser and Brave Browser.
In this post, we’ll look at both in clear, simple language. You’ll learn what each browser is good at, what problems they have, and which one might be right for you.
Overview — What Are These Browsers?
Brave Browser
Brave is a popular browser focused on privacy and speed. It blocks ads and trackers by default. It’s built on the Chromium engine — just like Chrome — so it works with most Chrome extensions.
Over time, Brave has added AI features through its built-in assistant called Brave Leo. Leo can answer questions, summarise pages, and generate content—all without logging your data.
Key points:
- Privacy by default (blocks ads and trackers)
- Supports Chrome extensions
- Has a built-in AI assistant (Leo)
- Works on desktop and mobile
Comet Browser
Comet is newer. It comes from Perplexity AI and is designed as an AI-powered browser rather than just a traditional browser. Comet can summarise content, automate tasks, and act on your behalf in some contexts.
It’s also based on Chromium, so it feels familiar. But the big difference is the deeper AI integration right into your browsing experience.
Key points:
- Integrated AI assistant (for search, summaries, tasks)
- Designed to reduce repetitive browsing work
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Android
- Free for everyone now, though some premium features exist
User Base & Popularity
Before we compare features, let’s talk about how widely each browser is used.
Brave
Brave has been around for years and has millions of users. In 2024, it had more than 77 million monthly active users and over 32 million daily users.
That’s a lot of people choosing Brave for everyday web browsing, privacy, and speed.
Comet
Comet is new (released in mid-2025) and growing. It doesn’t yet have the same level of usage stats available, but it has generated buzz in the AI community because it tries to rethink how browsers work, especially for research, summaries, and automation.
1. Privacy & Security — Which One Protects You Better?
Brave — Strong Privacy
Privacy is what Brave is known for.
It blocks ads and trackers automatically. It also uses features that make it harder for websites to track you (like fingerprint randomization).
Brave also doesn’t log what you do with its built-in AI assistant Leo. That means your browsing activity stays private even when you ask the browser to summarize a page or answer a question.
Comet — AI First, Privacy Second
Comet’s focus is on AI features, not privacy. Basic privacy protections are inherited from the Chromium base, but Comet doesn’t block as many trackers or ads by default.
More concerningly, independent tests and security reports have found real vulnerabilities in Comet’s handling of AI and web content, including prompt injection attacks and phishing risks. These could let malicious actors extract sensitive data or run commands without the user realising it.
Verdict on Privacy & Security:
- Brave leads if privacy and safe browsing are your priority.
- Comet needs improvements in security before it can match Brave’s protections.
2. AI Features — Which Browser Thinks For You?
Comet — Deep AI Integration
Comet’s AI is more than a chatbot. It’s built into the browser experience.
It can:
- Summarise web pages
- Answer questions across tabs
- Help automate tasks (like email workflows or pulling data)
That means Comet might feel like a smart assistant, not just a browser.
Brave — AI That Helps, Not Controls
Brave’s AI assistant, Leo, is simpler. It doesn’t try to automate your actions the same way Comet does. Leo can:
- Summarise articles
- Answer page-specific questions
- Work without a login and without data logging
Brave’s AI focuses on useful help while keeping your data private.
Verdict on AI Features:
- Comet has more aggressive AI tools that go beyond browsing to assisting tasks.
- Brave’s AI is more conservative but safer and privacy-centric.
3. Daily Use — Speed, Simplicity, and Comfort
Brave — Fast & Familiar
Brave is fast because it blocks ads and trackers. Pages usually load quicker, and browsing feels smooth.
It also supports Chrome extensions, so you can use most tools you’re already used to from Chrome. That makes switching easier.
Comet — Interesting, But Not Always Faster
Some users report Comet being snappier than Brave and Edge in certain tests. Reddit
That said, because of its deep AI features, it can feel heavier. On slower machines or mobile devices, performance may vary depending on what tasks you ask the AI to do.
Verdict on Daily Use:
- Brave feels more reliable and consistent for everyday browsing.
- Comet can be faster or more responsive when dealing with AI tasks, but not always in standard web navigation.
4. Extensions & Compatibility
Both browsers are based on Chromium. So they:
- Work with most Chrome extensions
- Support bookmarks, history, and settings import
- Run on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Brave has had more time to iron out compatibility issues, while Comet is emerging and still building features for full extension support.
5. Who Should Use Which Browser?
Breakdown:
Pick Brave If:
✔ You care about privacy and security.
✔ You want a fast browsing experience out of the box.
✔ You like the idea of built-in ad blocking.
✔ You want reliable AI help without complex automation.
Pick Comet If:
✔ You want a browser that acts like a smart assistant.
✔ You often read long articles or do research online.
✔ You don’t mind bleeding-edge AI features in exchange for potential risks.
✔ You enjoy automation and comparing information quickly.
Final Thoughts — Which Is Better in 2026?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
✔ Brave is stronger in privacy, security, and general browsing performance. It’s a safe choice for most people and everyday use.
✔ Comet is exciting if you love AI tools baked directly into your browser, but it has known security and privacy concerns that make it less suitable for sensitive use.
If you’re unsure, you can install both and test them side-by-side for a week. Try reading news, watching videos, checking email, and asking each browser to assist you. You’ll quickly see which one fits your habits.
Quick Feature Snapshot
Feature | Brave | Comet |
|---|---|---|
Privacy Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Security (Safe Browsing) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
AI Assistance | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Speed (Standard Browsing) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Automation & Tasks | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Extension Support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Conclusion — Real Choice, Real Trade-Offs
Brave and Comet serve two very different purposes:
- Brave is great as a daily driver — private, fast, and dependable.
- Comet is a next-level AI explorer — smart but still finding its footing in security and privacy.
Pick Brave for safe, everyday browsing. Pick Comet if you want AI-augmented exploration and are okay with emerging tech that is still being perfected.
