Comparison

Tandem Browser vs Comet

Both Tandem Browser and Comet (Perplexity's AI browser) are part of the wave of browsers that take AI seriously as a first-class participant rather than a sidebar. They make different choices about openness, which AI model you can use, and where your data lives. This page is a balanced look at where each fits.

Note: Tandem Browser is in active development preview (v1.11.0). Comet is a production-grade, polished product. Some of the differences below reflect that maturity gap, not just architectural choice — please factor that in when deciding.

Side-by-side

Tandem BrowserComet
LicenseMIT (open source)Proprietary
Source availableYes — full repo on GitHubNo
Where it runsYour machine, local-firstCloud-hosted features
Model choiceBring your own (Claude, GPT, Gemini, OpenClaw, Ollama, LM Studio, custom)Perplexity-managed
Works offlineYes (with local model)No — needs cloud
MCP supportNative — 250+ toolsNo
Multi-agentYes — multiple agents in one browserSingle AI
Remote agents over TailscaleYesN/A
UX polishDeveloper preview — rough edgesProduction-grade, refined
Install effortClone repo, npm installDownload installer
SupportCommunity via GitHub DiscussionsPaid tiers with support
PriceFreeFree + paid subscription tiers

Choose Tandem Browser if...

  • You need full control over which AI model the browser uses
  • Privacy or local-first is a hard requirement (e.g. work data, regulated industries)
  • You want to script, extend, or audit the browser via MCP, HTTP, or source code
  • You run multiple agents (mixing Claude, OpenClaw, local Ollama, etc.) and want them in one browser
  • You're comfortable with development-preview software and willing to file issues

Choose Comet if...

  • You want a polished, production-ready experience right now without rough edges
  • Perplexity's search and model integration is already part of how you work
  • You prefer a managed product with paid support over self-hosted software
  • You don't need to bring your own model or audit the source
  • You want a one-click installer rather than cloning a repo

What both share

Both reject the "AI sidebar bolted onto a normal browser" pattern. Both treat browsing as something an AI should be able to participate in directly, not just observe. The category is young and there's genuine room for multiple approaches — Comet's polished managed-product approach and Tandem Browser's open-source local-first approach are both legitimate answers to "how should browsers and AI work together."