What Makes Some AI Browsers Actually Autonomous?

Most AI browsers today add chat features to regular browsing. However, a few are starting to demonstrate what we call "agentic browsing" - they can navigate websites independently, complete tasks without step-by-step instructions, and make decisions about what to do next. This agentic browsing approach is quite different from having an AI assistant that waits for your commands.

AI AI Productivity

AI Web Browsers Benchmark: Complete Selection Guide 2026

Sena Sezer

updated on Feb 3, 2026

See our ethical norms

We tested 10 AI-powered browsers by running identical tasks across each platform: webpage summarization, multi-site research, form automation, and cross-tab workflows. We documented which features worked as advertised and which failed during actual use.

Three major developments in 2026 changed the landscape:

OpenAI launched GPT-5.2 with “Thinking” tier reasoning and introduced a mid-tier ChatGPT Go plan,
Google rolled out Auto Browse to Chrome Premium subscribers, enabling autonomous task completion,
Amazon sued Perplexity over Comet’s automated shopping behavior, the first legal challenge to agentic browser technology.¹²³

What you’ll get: A comparison of 10 browsers tested across 4 categories, updates on product launches, and concrete examples of what each browser can and cannot do.

Browser	Primary Unique Value	Best For
ChatGPT Atlas	Browser with memories and agent mode	ChatGPT users who want automation
Perplexity Comet	Autonomous agentic AI	Research professionals needing multi-site tasks
Arc Max	Context-only AI (no chat)	Users wanting subtle AI without chatbots
Edge Copilot	Microsoft 365 integration	Enterprise users in Microsoft ecosystem
Brave Leo	Privacy + local storage + BYOM	Privacy-conscious users, no signup needed
Opera Aria	150+ local AI models	Tech enthusiasts (when it works)
Sigma AI	Multimedia generation	Content creators (limited browser functionality)
Dia Browser	AI-first experience	Early adopters testing new paradigms
Google Disco	Generates web apps from tabs (GenTabs)	Researchers managing multi-tab workflows
Strawberry Browser	Background automation + screen learning	Power users willing to pay for alpha software

AI Web Browser Benchmark Results

Most AI browsers fall between two extremes: chatbots awkwardly grafted onto Chrome, or genuinely useful tools that handle multi-step research tasks. Testing revealed significant accessibility barriers; agent capabilities sit behind $20-200/month paywalls, several browsers can’t actually see the pages you’re viewing, and security vulnerabilities allow malicious websites to hijack AI commands.

Perplexity Comet went from $200/month exclusivity to completely free in October 2025. It can browse autonomously and complete multi-step tasks across websites.
ChatGPT Atlas was launched on October 21, 2025, for macOS only (Windows/iOS/Android will follow). Free users get basic features. Agent mode, in which ChatGPT controls your browser, requires ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or Pro ($200/month).
Brave Leo works immediately without signing up. Completely free, with conversations stored locally on your device rather than on cloud servers. Privacy-focused but less powerful than paid alternatives.
Microsoft Edge Copilot handles content well if you’re already paying for Microsoft 365. Otherwise, you’re getting a stripped-down experience.
Arc Max has clever right-click features but no traditional chat interface. You cannot simply ask it questions; you must trigger specific actions.
Opera Aria promises more than 150 local AI models. In practice, it frequently fails to analyze the actual page you’re viewing, defaulting to generic responses instead.
Mozilla Firefox will release AI Controls in version 148, allowing users to disable AI-powered features, such as chatbots, summaries, and suggestions, through a centralized dashboard.
Google Disco was launched in December 2025 as a Google Labs experiment (waitlist-only, macOS). Rather than being a traditional browser with AI added, Disco generates custom web applications from your open tabs. When asked to “plan a trip to Japan,” it generates an interactive travel planner with maps, calendars, and booking links.

Most advanced capabilities sit behind paywalls. The free tiers are intentionally limited to push upgrades.

1. AI Response Quality Testing

I asked each browser to summarize AIMultiple’s homepage and a 3,000-word technical article on agentic AI for cybersecurity.

Task: “Summarize AIMultiple’s main page”

We asked each browser to summarize AIMultiple’s homepage and a long technical article on agentic AI for cybersecurity.

Perplexity Comet: Navigated to the site independently, analyzed content, and delivered structured summaries with specific examples.

ChatGPT Atlas: Analyzed pages through its sidebar. When browser memory is enabled, it connects current content to previous browsing history. You can ask follow-up questions about specific sections without re-explaining the context.

Microsoft Edge Copilot: Correctly identified key sections, AI benchmarks, LLM calculators, and enterprise software insights. Solid understanding of business content.

Brave Leo: Accurately covered enterprise software insights, AI benchmarks, calculators, and the site’s transparency focus. Well-structured response.

Arc Max: Can’t perform standalone summarization. AI functionality only activates when you right-click specific page elements. There’s no chat interface where you can ask, “Summarize this page.”

Opera Aria: Failed both tests. Instead of analyzing actual page content, it provided generic LLM responses. The page context feature appears to be broken; it appears unable to see what you’re looking at.

Sigma AI: Unable to access external websites directly. The browser explicitly states that it cannot visit URLs and requires manual text entry to generate summaries, thereby severely limiting web summarization capabilities.

Strawberry Browser: Still in alpha. Early demonstrations suggest strong autonomous capabilities, but a comprehensive evaluation is not yet possible due to limited access.

Task: Long Article Analysis

Analyze article: Agentic AI for Cybersecurity: Real-life Use Cases & Examples

Perplexity Comet: Delivered structured analysis covering SecOps and AppSec use cases, cited specific examples (University of Kansas Health System, APi Group), and broke down benefits and challenges.

Microsoft Edge Copilot: Organized findings into clear sections: SecOps automation, AppSec uses, and implementation challenges.

Brave Leo: Covered autonomous AI operations, SecOps/AppSec applications, automation benefits, and challenges. Strong grasp of technical concepts, suggested follow-up questions.

ChatGPT Atlas: Analyzed the article with context awareness, breaking down technical concepts and offering to compare with similar articles from browser memory.

Arc Max: Provided detailed analysis across multiple attempts, but was repetitive. Captured key concepts like autonomous decision-making, real-time monitoring, and SOC automation, though less concise than competitors.

Opera Aria: Context functionality broken. Defaulted to generic responses instead of analyzing the actual article.

2. Feature Accessibility Analysis

Perplexity Comet: Previously available only to Max subscribers at $200/month. The company removed the waitlist and made Comet accessible to all users at no cost in October 2025. However, Amazon’s January 2026 lawsuit challenges the browser’s automated shopping capabilities, the first legal action against agentic browser technology.
ChatGPT Atlas: The free tier provides basic features. Agent mode requires ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or Pro ($200/month). OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Go in January 2026, a mid-tier subscription between Free and Plus that includes expanded agent capabilities and higher usage limits.⁴ Currently macOS only; Windows/iOS/Android versions in development.
Google Chrome: Auto Browse feature launched in January 2026 for Premium subscribers only. Enables autonomous task completion through the Gemini 3 AI side panel.
Microsoft Edge Copilot: Available through Edge browser at no cost. Enhanced functionality requires a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Brave Leo: Provides comprehensive functionality immediately with no subscription required. The free tier uses the Qwen 14B, Mixtral, and Gemma models. The Premium ($14.99/month) plan adds Claude Sonnet 4 and higher rate limits.
Firefox: Will introduce the AI Controls dashboard in version 148, allowing users to disable AI-powered features through centralized settings.
Arc Max: Offers unrestricted access but restricts interactions to contextual features, without a traditional chat interface.
Opera Aria: Available without payment, but core page context functionality doesn’t work reliably.

3. Web Content Processing Capabilities

Perplexity Comet navigates websites autonomously. Give it a task like “research flight prices to Dubai and summarize options,” and it opens tabs, reads multiple sites, and compiles results. Requires extensive screen access permissions. Amazon’s January 2026 lawsuit alleges that Comet violates the e-commerce platform’s terms by using automated agents that don’t correctly identify themselves in User-Agent headers.⁵
ChatGPT Atlas automatically processes page content via its sidebar. Maintains context across tabs. With the 2026 launch of GPT-5.2, OpenAI introduced “Instant” (speed-optimized) and “Thinking” (reasoning-optimized) tiers for different use cases.
Google Chrome Auto Browse (January 2026 launch) handles multi-step workflows autonomously through a fixed Gemini 3 AI side panel. Integrates with Gmail, Calendar, and Maps. Premium subscribers only.
Brave Leo consistently summarized webpages and analyzed technical articles across all tests. With the 2026 upgrade to Qwen 14B (replacing Llama 3.1 8B), response quality improved while maintaining privacy-first architecture.
Microsoft Edge Copilot effectively analyzed our cybersecurity article, organizing the content into structured sections with specific examples. Integration with Microsoft services is smooth if you’re in that ecosystem.
Arc Max offers right-click AI features. Hover over a link, press Shift, and get an instant preview. Command-F search lets you ask questions about page content rather than just find keywords. Fast but limited. The Browser Company announced Arc Explore (advanced autonomous browsing) and Live Folders (AI-curated RSS-style updates), entering beta.
Firefox is prioritizing user control over AI integration. Version 148 introduces an AI Controls dashboard that allows users to block or manage all generative AI features, a direct contrast to the “AI-first” approach of other browsers.⁶
Sigma AI has a capable chat interface, but can’t access external websites. You can chat about general topics, but not about what you’re actually browsing.
Strawberry Browser shows promise for multi-site research and automation. Still too early-stage for production use.
Google Disco processes web content differently from other AI browsers. Instead of analyzing the current page, it monitors all open tabs and chat history to understand your overall task.

4. Privacy and Access Trade-offs

Brave Leo stores conversations locally on your device. Doesn’t collect personal data. No cloud processing for conversations unless you explicitly enable it. No account required for the free tier. Zero IP logging or server-side records retained.
ChatGPT Atlas offers optional “browser memories” that track visited sites to personalize responses. You control what gets saved and can browse in incognito mode. By default, browsing content isn’t used for training unless you opt in. Data is stored for 30 days, then deleted.
Google Chrome Auto Browse requires access to all open tabs and Gemini chat history. The AI monitors browsing patterns across multiple tabs to understand context. Data processing is performed in the cloud on Google’s infrastructure.
Microsoft Edge Copilot integrates with Microsoft services, sending data to the cloud for processing. Clear policies on what gets stored. If you’re in Microsoft’s ecosystem, privacy practices are well-documented.
Firefox AI Controls gives users centralized control to disable all AI-powered features, chatbots, summaries, and suggestions, addressing privacy concerns through an opt-out rather than an opt-in architecture.
Arc Max shares data with AI partners (OpenAI), but uses zero retention policies. Data is processed but not stored. Transparent about which features require data sharing.
Opera Aria claims to be GDPR-compliant but frequently fails to implement privacy features correctly. Says it won’t use your data for training, but core functionality doesn’t work reliably enough to trust with sensitive browsing.
Strawberry Browser emphasizes local storage with user-controlled API access. Temporary cloud processing for AI features. Still in alpha, so privacy practices may evolve.
Google Disco requires access to open tabs and Gemini chat history to generate GenTabs. The AI monitors browsing patterns across multiple tabs to understand context and build relevant applications.

Summarize This Research

Testing Methodology

We tested each browser between August 2024 and January 2025 as they became available:

Sigma AI (August 2024)
Opera Aria (September 2024)
Brave Leo (October 2024)
Perplexity Comet free access (October 2, 2025)
ChatGPT Atlas macOS launch (October 21, 2025)
Microsoft Edge Copilot (November 2024)
Arc Max (January 2025)
Strawberry Browser (January 2025)
Google Chrome Auto Browse (January 2026)
Firefox AI Controls announced (February 2, 2026)

What we tested:

Webpage summarization: basic content extraction and complex article analysis
Interactive features: chat responsiveness, context awareness, navigation accuracy
Real-world usage: cross-tab functionality, privacy protection, accessibility without premium requirements

AI browsers split into two categories:

Smart assistants: Add AI chat and analysis, but you still control the browsing. Examples: Arc Max, Brave Leo, Microsoft Edge Copilot, ChatGPT Atlas sidebar.

AI agents: Browse autonomously, make decisions, and complete tasks without constant guidance. Examples: Perplexity Comet agent, ChatGPT Atlas agent mode, Google Chrome Auto Browse, Strawberry Browser.

Whether you need an agent depends on your workflow. If you’re researching a topic across dozens of sites, an agent saves hours. If you want quick summaries while reading, a smart assistant is enough.

Platform-by-Platform Breakdown

1. ChatGPT Atlas

ChatGPT runs directly inside your browser rather than as an extension. Every webpage displays an “Ask ChatGPT” button in the top-right corner that opens a sidebar without leaving the page.

ChatGPT subscribers who want automation without switching between browser and ChatGPT tabs. macOS users only (Windows/iOS/Android versions in development with no release date).

You already pay for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or the new Go plan. You regularly need to cross-reference information across multiple tabs. You want ChatGPT to remember details from sites you visit.

OpenAI launched GPT-5.2 with “Instant” (speed-optimized) and “Thinking” (reasoning-optimized) tiers. Introduced ChatGPT Go, a mid-tier subscription between Free and Plus that includes expanded agent capabilities.

Core features:

Automatic context means ChatGPT sees what you’re looking at without copy/paste
Cursor chat: Hover over any text field to bring up ChatGPT for inline writing and editing
Browser memories (optional): ChatGPT remembers details from sites you visi,t view, archive, or delete memories anytime

Agent Mode (Plus/Pro/Go subscribers only):

ChatGPT navigates websites, fills forms, books reservations, and adds items to carts. You approve each important action before execution.

Example workflow: “Find Italian restaurants in downtown Seattle with availability Saturday night, and book a table for 4 at the one with the best reviews.”

Atlas opens multiple tabs, reads reviews, checks availability, and presents options. You approve the booking, and the reservation is completed.

Safety limits: Can’t run code, download files, install extensions, access other apps, read passwords, or use autofill data.

Search & Browse:

ChatGPT search opens with an AI-generated response, then provides tabs for traditional results, images, videos, and news. Maintains context across multiple tabs and websites.

Privacy & Data:

Browser memories are opt-in. Incognito mode is available for browsing, signed out, with no chat or saved memory. By default, browsing content isn’t used for training (you can opt in via data controls). Chat history is stored in accordance with your ChatGPT account settings. Data is retained for 30 days and then deleted.

Real limitations:

macOS only (no Windows/iOS/Android release date announced)
Agent mode requires a paid subscription (free users get a basic assistant only)
Browser memories can surface embarrassing or sensitive past browsing if enabled
No local model support

Pricing:

Free: Basic sidebar features
ChatGPT Go: Mid-tier with agent capabilities (new January 2026)
ChatGPT Plus: $20/month with agent mode
ChatGPT Pro: $200/month with priority access

2. Perplexity Comet

Comet completes multi-step tasks across websites without constant supervision. Tell it to “find the cheapest direct flight to Tokyo departing next Tuesday,” and it actually searches multiple travel sites.

Research professionals who need to gather information across 10+ websites. Users are willing to grant extensive screen access permissions for autonomous browsing.

When it makes sense: You spend hours comparing products, reading reviews, and checking multiple sites manually. You trust Perplexity’s security (see limitations below). You need free autonomous browsing (previously $200/month, now free).

Comet Assistant capabilities:

Cross-tab context maintains conversation across different websites
Screen awareness AI sees what you’re looking at without screenshots or copy-paste
Books restaurants, makes purchases, schedules meetings autonomously
Perplexity AI search is pre-installed as the default with AI-generated summaries and source citations

Mobile & Background features:

Mobile app in preview (voice technology for phone interfaces)
Background assistant (Max users) performs multiple tasks simultaneously while you’re away from the computer.

Real limitations:

Security researchers at Brave discovered a vulnerability allowing attackers to embed hidden instructions in web content. When you ask Comet to summarize a page, it might execute malicious commands without distinguishing them from legitimate content. This challenges automated shopping functionality
Requires extensive screen access permissions (can see everything on your display)
No offline functionality

Pricing: Free (changed from $200/month in October 2025)

3. Arc Max

Right-click AI features without a traditional chat interface. You trigger specific actions rather than asking open-ended questions.

Users who want subtle AI enhancements without chatbot interfaces. macOS users (Windows version available, but features are limited).

When it makes sense: You want instant link previews and smarter page search without learning new interaction patterns. You don’t want an AI chatbot constantly visible. You already use the Arc browser for other reasons.

AI capabilities:

“Ask on Page”: Use Command-F/Control-F to ask questions about webpage content instead of searching for keywords
“5-Second Previews”: Hover + Shift over links for instant webpage summaries (macOS only)

Browser automation & organization:

“Tidy Tab Titles”: Automatically rename pinned tabs with shorter, clearer titles
“Tidy Downloads”: Smart file renaming based on content and context
“Tidy Tabs”: Auto-organize tabs when you have more than six open

Real limitations:

No traditional chat interface (can’t ask “What’s the main point of this article?” without triggering the specific Command-F feature)
AI is locked behind specific interaction patterns that aren’t intuitive
Some features macOS-only
Can’t perform autonomous actions like Comet or Atlas agent mode

Pricing: Free (all Arc Max features included in the Arc browser)

4. Microsoft Edge Copilot

Microsoft’s AI assistant is built directly into the Edge browser with deep Office 365 integration.

Enterprise workers are already paying for Microsoft 365. Organizations standardized on the Microsoft ecosystem.

When it makes sense: You work primarily in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. You need AI that accesses your company’s Microsoft Graph data (calendar, emails, documents). Your IT department already approved Edge.

Copilot features:

Native AI sidebar in browser
Voice-activated interactions
Page analysis provides insights into current content
Content generation for emails, documents, and summaries within the browser

Microsoft ecosystem integration:

Office 365 connectivity: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Microsoft Graph access: Calendar, emails, documents across services
Teams integration for meeting scheduling
OneDrive for document access and sharing

Productivity features:

Shopping assistant: Tracks prices, finds coupons, compares products
Travel planning: Itinerary creation and booking assistance
Reading mode enhanced with AI summarization
Real-time webpage translation

Search & Browse:

Bing Chat integration: AI-powered search with conversation interface
Web Compose: Generates content directly in web forms
Instant webpage and PDF summarization

Real limitations:

Works best with a Microsoft 365 subscription (the free version feels incomplete)
Bing search integration is less comprehensive than Google or Perplexity
Privacy concerns for users outside the Microsoft ecosystem
No local model support

Pricing:

Free: Basic chat features
Microsoft 365: Full ecosystem integration (subscription required)

5. Brave Leo

Privacy-first AI assistant that stores conversations locally instead of in the cloud. No signup required.

Privacy-conscious users who want AI features without account creation or data collection. Users are willing to sacrifice cutting-edge capabilities for privacy guarantees.

When it makes sense: You won’t create accounts or share browsing data. You want AI that works immediately without configuration. You’re comfortable with slightly less powerful models in exchange for privacy.

Core capabilities:

Summarizes webpages, PDFs, and YouTube videos
Answers questions about the current page
Coding assistance
Voice input on mobile
Real-time search integration for current information

Privacy design:

No account required for free version
Conversations stored locally on device (not cloud servers)
Responses discarded after generation (not used for training)
Anonymous usage requests (can’t be linked to users)
No IP logging
No server-side records retained

Model choices:

Free tier: Qwen 14B (as of January 2026), Mixtral, Gemma models
Premium ($14.99/month): Claude Sonnet 4, higher rate limits
Bring Your Own Model (BYOM): Connect local models via Ollama or third-party APIs like GPT-4 using your own keys

Browser integration:

Built into the Brave sidebar, address bar, and full-page mode
Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Page context awareness: Webpages, PDFs, YouTube videos
Multi-tab context for working across multiple tabs

Real limitations:

Free models are less capable than ChatGPT or Claude
Can’t perform autonomous actions like Comet or Atlas agent mode
No image generation (privacy prevents cloud processing)
Qwen 14B is still learning edge cases compared to GPT-4

Pricing:

Free: Qwen 14B, Mixtral, Gemma
Premium: $14.99/month (Claude Sonnet 4, higher limits)

6. Opera Aria

Opera promises 150+ local AI models with built-in model management, but the page context feature, which is the most critical functionality, doesn’t work.

Who uses it: Tech enthusiasts willing to tolerate broken features for local model experimentation.

When it makes sense: You want to test local LLM variants and don’t care about browser integration. You prioritize model variety over reliability.

Core claims:

150+ local LLM variants from 50 model families
Download and delete models directly in the browser (2-10 GB storage per model)
Supported models: Llama, Phi-2, Gemma, Vicuna, Mixtral
Image generation using Google’s Imagen
Image analysis with OCR and visual understanding (upload up to 3 images)

Integration:

Built into the Opera sidebar and address bar
Cross-platform support
Page context awareness
Quick access via Ctrl+/ or Cmd+/

Real limitations:

Page context is broken: During testing, Opera Aria consistently failed to analyze actual webpage content. Instead of summarizing the article you’re reading, it provides generic responses based on query keywords.
This makes it nearly useless as a browser assistant
Local models work fine for general chat, but if it can’t see what you’re browsing, what’s the point?
Claims GDPR compliance, but core functionality doesn’t work reliably

Pricing: Free

7. Sigma AI

Chat interface with image generation capabilities, but it can’t access external websites.

Content creators who want multimedia generation tools packaged as a browser rather than actual web browsing AI assistance.

When it makes sense: You want GPT-5.1, Gemini 2.5, image generation, and music creation in one interface. You don’t need the AI to analyze webpages. You’re looking for a creative tool, not a research assistant.

Features:

AI Chat with multiple conversation modes
Image generation
Compose feature for content creation
SEO-friendly content for blogs and marketing

Model Selection:

Multiple AI Models: GPT-5.1, GPT-O3, Gemini 2.5 Flash, Gemini 2.5 Pro
Multimedia Generation: Pictures, videos, music, and other multimedia content

Integration:

Pre-installed SigmaGPT extension
Cross-platform support
Dual search mode: Traditional search or AI conversations
Built-in crypto wallet

Real limitations:

Cannot visit URLs: The browser explicitly states it cannot access external websites
You must manually input text to get summaries
For a “browser” assistant, this is a fatal limitation
It’s a chatbot that happens to be packaged as a browser, not an AI browser

Pricing: Free

8. Dia Browser

Experimental AI-first browser from The Browser Company (makers of Arc), built from scratch as an AI-native experience rather than adding AI to existing browser architecture.

Who uses it: Early adopters willing to test paradigm shifts in how browsers work. Users are comfortable with incomplete features and frequent changes.

When it makes sense: You want to experiment with AI-native browsing concepts. You’re willing to provide feedback and tolerate instability. You already use Arc and trust The Browser Company’s development approach.

AI Assistant Capabilities:

AI-First Architecture: Built from the ground up as AI-native, not AI-enhanced traditional browser
Conversational Interface: Full AI chat for natural language web interaction
Intelligent Navigation: AI understands and navigates web content autonomously based on intent
Context-Aware Assistance: Deep understanding of browsing context across sessions and workflows
Advanced Task Automation: AI performs complex multi-step web tasks without manual intervention
Content Synthesis: Combines information from multiple sources into unified responses

Integration & Features:

Part of The Browser Company’s broader AI browsing strategy
Advanced Context Understanding: Deeper AI integration than Arc Max’s contextual features
Task-Oriented Design: Optimized for completing complex web-based workflows
Cross-Session Memory: AI remembers and builds upon previous browsing sessions
Collaborative AI: AI acts as an active browsing partner rather than a passive assistant

9. Strawberry Browser

An alpha-stage browser focused on workflow automation with AI companions that learn by watching your screen.

Who uses it: Power users willing to pay for alpha software. Professionals who perform repetitive multi-site research tasks daily.

When it makes sense: You manually complete the same research workflows repeatedly. You’re comfortable with bugs and incomplete features. You want to beta test autonomous browsing before it’s mainstream.

AI capabilities:

AI companions work across websites autonomously
Screen recording learning: AI observes your actions and learns
Cross-website automation: Works behind login pages
Approval-based actions before execution

Advanced features:

Multi-site research: Gathers information from hundreds of websites simultaneously
Data organization: Automatically compiles research into spreadsheets
Content generation: Learns your writing style and voice
Form automation: Handles repetitive data entry

Pricing: $30/month (alpha access)

10. Google Disco

An experimental browser from Google Labs that generates custom web applications from your open tabs rather than functioning as a traditional browser with AI added.

Who uses it: Researchers managing complex multi-tab workflows. Users on macOS with Google Labs waitlist access.

When it makes sense: You regularly work with 20+ open tabs for a single project. You want AI to understand your overall task across multiple sites rather than analyze individual pages. You’re comfortable with experimental Google products that might be discontinued.

AI capabilities:

Integrated Gemini AI for conversational assistance
Workspace integration: Connection with Google Docs, Sheets, Drive
Multi-modal search: Combines text, image, and voice
Smart Tabs: Automatically organize and group related tabs

Core features:

Contextual assistance: Understands content across multiple tabs
Content summarization: Articles, documents, webpages
Research mode: Gathers information from multiple sources and compiles findings

Google ecosystem integration:

Gmail, Calendar, Meet integration
Google Drive access for document collaboration
Chrome extension compatibility
Cross-device sync: Android, ChromeOS, desktop

Real limitations:

Waitlist-only access (macOS only)
Experimental status means features change frequently
No guarantee Google won’t discontinue it (history of killing experiments)
Requires extensive tab access permissions
Not suitable for Windows or Linux users

Pricing: Free (waitlist required)

11. Google Chrome (Gemini Auto Browse)

New entry January 2026: Google launched Auto Browse for Chrome Premium subscribers, powered by Gemini 3 AI.

Chrome handles multi-step tasks autonomously through a persistent AI side panel. Ask it to “research trip to Paris including flights, hotels, and restaurants,” and it navigates websites, compares options, and compiles results.

Who uses it: Premium subscribers who want autonomous browsing without switching browsers. Users already in the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Drive, Calendar).

When it makes sense: You pay for Chrome Premium. You want AI automation without learning new browser interfaces. You trust Google’s data handling. You need integration with Google Workspace.

Auto Browse capabilities:

Autonomous navigation: AI browses websites and completes tasks without manual intervention
Multi-step workflows: Trip planning, form filling, shopping comparisons
Fixed AI side panel: Persistent across all tabs with broader integration across Gmail, Calendar, and Maps
Task memory: Maintains context across sessions

Integration:

Deep Google Workspace integration
Gmail, Calendar, Maps, Drive access
Cross-device sync
Chrome extension compatibility

Real limitations:

Premium subscription required (not available in free Chrome)
Requires extensive tab and screen access permissions
Data processed through Google Cloud infrastructure
Still in early rollout (may have bugs or limitations)

Pricing: Chrome Premium subscription required

12. Mozilla Firefox (AI Controls)

Firefox introduces a centralized AI Controls dashboard, scheduled for release in version 148 on February 24, 2026.⁷

Rather than integrating AI features, Firefox gives users tools to disable AI-powered features across the web and within the browser itself.

Privacy-focused users who want to opt out of AI features. Users are concerned about AI data collection. Organizations require strict AI usage policies.

You want to browse without AI features. You’re concerned about AI data collection and training. You need enterprise controls to block employee AI usage. You prioritize user agency over AI assistance.

AI Controls features:

Centralized dashboard: Block or manage all generative AI enhancements
Granular controls: Disable chatbots, summaries, and suggestions individually
Web-wide blocking: Controls work across websites, not just browser features
Enterprise policies: IT departments can enforce AI restrictions

Privacy approach:

Opt-out architecture (not opt-in)
No data collection for AI features you’ve disabled
Transparent about which features send data
User agency prioritized over AI capabilities

Real limitations:

Doesn’t add AI features (only controls/blocks them)
Users wanting AI assistance should use other browsers
Still in development (full feature set unclear)
May break websites that rely on AI features

Pricing: Free (included in Firefox 148+)

Security Risks in AI Agents’ Browsers

Security researchers at Brave discovered a significant flaw in Perplexity Comet’s implementation that enables attackers to manipulate AI actions via malicious web content.⁸.

Attack mechanism:

Attackers embed hidden instructions in web content (invisible text, HTML comments, social media posts)
Users request innocuous AI assistance, such as “summarize this page.”
AI processes malicious instructions without distinguishing them from legitimate content
AI executes unauthorized actions with full user privileges

Risk levels by browser type:

High Risk – Advanced Agentic Browsers:

Perplexity Comet: Documented vulnerabilities with partial mitigation
Strawberry Browser: Early development with extensive autonomous capabilities
Google Chrome Auto Browse: New January 2026 launch with autonomous navigation

Medium Risk – Limited Agentic Features:

Microsoft Edge Copilot: Reduced attack surface due to limited automation
Arc Max: Context-only features limit exposure
ChatGPT Atlas: Agent mode requires explicit approval for actions

Lower Risk – Assistant-Only Browsers:

Brave Leo: Focus on content analysis rather than autonomous actions
Opera Aria: Core functionality broken (ironically reduces risk)
Sigma AI: Can’t access external websites
Firefox: AI Controls allow complete feature blocking

Shared Features Across AI Browsers

Core AI Capabilities

Content Generation: All browsers offer text creation, writing assistance, and document generation
Webpage Summarization: Universal ability to summarize articles, pages, and web content
Translation Services: Multi-language translation capabilities across all platforms
Question Answering: Conversational AI for general queries and information requests
Content Analysis: Ability to analyze and extract insights from webpage content

Common Privacy Features

Data Handling Policies: All browsers have stated privacy policies
Optional Premium Tiers: Enhanced features available with subscriptions/accounts

Standard Integration

Cross-Platform Support: Most browsers support Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Browser-Native Integration: AI features built directly into the browser interface