AI features push new challengers into the browser fight

The browser is turning into a new distribution fight for AI, which matters for anyone watching how Google, Apple and newer software companies try to control daily internet habits. TechCrunch reported that Chrome and Safari still dominate overall, while a new crop of browsers is trying to win users with AI assistants, privacy tools and productivity features.

The shift is bigger than search boxes. Several new products are built around “agentic” AI, meaning software that can take actions for a user, such as summarizing information, filling out forms or creating calendar invites, instead of only returning links.

AI browsers move from search to tasks

Perplexity launched Comet in July 2025, according to TechCrunch. The browser combines chatbot-style search with web browsing and can summarize emails, review web pages and send calendar invites. Comet is available to Perplexity Max subscribers, a plan priced at $200 a month, and the company also has a waitlist.

The Browser Company, known for Arc, introduced Dia in beta last summer. TechCrunch reported that Dia resembles Chrome but adds an AI chat tool that can use context from visited sites and logged-in websites. The browser can answer questions about a page, summarize uploaded files and help users find information. Dia is free to download.

Opera joined the AI browser race in May 2025 with Neon. TechCrunch said Neon can research, shop and write code snippets, and can continue some tasks while a user is offline. Neon is available for macOS and Windows and costs $19.90 per month.

OpenAI’s Atlas had a shorter run. TechCrunch reported that OpenAI launched the AI browser last October with ChatGPT built into browsing and an agent mode for completing tasks. The company shut Atlas down in July 2026 and is moving some browsing features into ChatGPT’s desktop app and Chrome extension.

Y Combinator-backed Aside is taking the automation idea further. The company describes its browser-native platform as a way to complete tasks, fill forms and manage data using passwords, browsing history and browser context. TechCrunch reported that Aside works inside sites including Gmail, Notion, Slack, Figma and banking platforms.

Jatter, launched in June, lets users ask questions about any web page and receive recommendations tied to browsing activity, according to TechCrunch. It also includes a Notes app that can be summarized and searched by the browser. Jatter is available on Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, with a free version and a $10 monthly subscription.

Privacy and control remain major selling points

Brave is one of the better-known privacy-focused alternatives. TechCrunch noted that it blocks ads and trackers by default, offers a VPN, includes an AI assistant and has a video-calling feature. Brave also lets users opt in to ads and receive Basic Attention Token, its cryptocurrency, as a share of ad revenue.

DuckDuckGo, already known for search, has expanded its browser with generative AI features such as a chatbot, according to TechCrunch. The company also improved its scam blocker to detect fake crypto exchanges, fraudulent stores and scareware, while continuing to block trackers and ads and avoid tracking user data.

Ladybird is taking a different route. Led by GitHub co-founder and former CEO Chris Wanstrath, the project aims to build an open source browser from scratch rather than using Google-maintained Chromium code. TechCrunch reported that an alpha version is planned this year for Linux and macOS, with ad blocking and third-party cookie blocking planned.

Vivaldi, created by one of Opera’s original developers, is based on Chromium and focuses on customization. Its features include ad blocking, a password manager, no user data tracking, calendar and notes tools, and a browser window that changes color to match the current site.

Some challengers sell focus, not just speed

Opera Air, launched in February 2025, adds wellness-style features to a standard browser, including break reminders, breathing exercises and “Boosts,” a feature that offers binaural beats for focus or relaxation, according to TechCrunch.

SigmaOS is a Mac-only browser built around workspaces and vertical tabs. Users can organize tabs like tasks, mark them complete or snooze them. The browser is free, while a paid plan costing $8 per month unlocks more than three workspaces.

Zen Browser, an open source option, focuses on a quieter browsing experience. TechCrunch reported that it offers Workspaces, Split View for two tabs side by side, and community-made plug-ins and themes.

This story draws on original reporting from TechCrunch.