Google Chrome and Apple Safari still hold the majority of market share, but their dominance relies on how aggressively they have woven generative AI into search. Chrome’s edge comes largely from this integration, yet 2026 has seen a wave of new entrants from well-funded startups and Big Tech. These companies bet that the browser is becoming less of a window onto the web and more like an assistant that gets things done for you.
AI-powered browsers
Perplexity’s Comet
Perplexity is the most recent startup to launch an AI-powered web browser. Called Comet, the company’s new product acts as a chatbot-based search engine. It can perform actions like summarising emails, browsing web pages, and sending calendar invites. It is currently only available to users with Perplexity’s $200/month Max plan, but there is a waitlist where people can sign up.
The Browser Company’s Dia
The Browser Company, the startup behind the Arc browser, recently introduced Dia, its AI-centric browser. It looks similar to Google Chrome but includes an AI chat tool. Currently available as an invite-only beta, Dia is designed to help users navigate the web more easily. It is able to look at every website that a user has visited and every website they are logged into. This enables it to help you find information and perform tasks. For instance, Dia can provide information about the page a user is currently browsing, answer questions about a product, and summarise uploaded files. To get early access to Dia, users have to be an Arc member. Non-members can join the waitlist.
Opera’s Neon
Another recent entry into the AI agentic browser war is Opera’s Neon. It has contextual awareness and can do things like researching, shopping, and writing snippets of code. Notably, it can even perform tasks while the user is offline. Neon is currently available on macOS and Windows. The subscription costs $19.90 per month.
OpenAI’s Atlas
OpenAI recently launched its AI-powered web browser, called Atlas. The browser allows users to ask ChatGPT about search results and browse websites within the chatbot instead of being directed to outside links. There is also an “agent mode” for users to ask ChatGPT to complete tasks on their behalf. Atlas was first rumoured to launch in July; however, it only became available on macOS in October. It is expected to arrive on Windows, iOS, and Android devices soon.
Aside
Backed by Y Combinator, Aside is an upcoming AI-first, browser-native automation platform built to autonomously complete tasks, fill out forms, and manage data on behalf of users. The company describes the experience simply: “Give it your passwords, browsing history, and browser context.” Unlike traditional automation tools that rely on integrations, Aside operates directly within the browser itself. This allows it to work across Gmail, Notion, Slack, Figma, and banking platforms.
Jatter
Jatter launched its AI-powered browser in June. It gives users the ability to ask questions about any webpage, uncover relevant insights, and receive personalised recommendations based on their browsing activity. Additionally, Jatter offers an integrated Notes app. It can learn from that content, summarise notes, and surface key details. Jatter is currently available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. It is free to use, but there is also an optional subscription for $10 per month.
Privacy-focused browsers
Brave
Brave is among the more well-known privacy-first browsers. It is popular for its built-in ad and tracker blocking capabilities. It also has a gamified approach to browsing, rewarding users with its own cryptocurrency called Basic Attention Token (BAT). When users choose to opt in to view ads, supporting their favourite websites, they get a share of the ad revenue. Additional features include a VPN service, an AI assistant, and a video calling feature.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is another browser that many people are probably already familiar with, thanks to its search engine by the same name. Launched in 2008, the company recently made significant investments in its browser to stay competitive by introducing generative AI features, such as a chatbot. It also enhanced its scam blocker to detect a wider range of scams, including fake cryptocurrency exchanges, scareware tactics, and fraudulent e-commerce websites. In addition to blocking scams, DuckDuckGo prevents trackers and ads, and it does not track user data. This results in fewer pop-ups for users.
Ladybird
Ladybird, led by GitHub co-founder and former CEO Chris Wanstrath, has an ambitious mission compared to other rivals. It aims to build an entirely new open source browser from scratch. This means it will not rely on code from existing browsers, a feat that has rarely been accomplished. Most alternative web browsers depend on the Chromium open source project maintained by Google, which is the most widely used base for many browsers. Like other privacy-focused browsers, Ladybird will offer features to minimise data collection, such as a built-in ad blocker and the ability to block third-party cookies. The browser has yet to be launched, with an alpha version scheduled for release in 2026 for early adopters. It will be available on Linux and macOS.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a Chromium-based browser created by one of the original developers of the Opera browser. Its biggest selling point is its customisable user interface, which allows users to change the appearance and enable or disable features. One unique feature is that the browser window changes colour to match the website being viewed. Other key features include ad blocking, a password manager, no user data tracking, and productivity tools such as a calendar and notes.
Niche browsers
Opera Air
Opera launched the Air browser in February, becoming one of the first mindfulness-themed browsers in the space. While Opera Air functions like a typical web browser, it includes unique features designed to support mental well-being. These features consist of break reminders and breathing exercises. Another feature, called “Boosts,” provides a selection of binaural beats to either help improve focus or relaxation.
SigmaOS
SigmaOS is a Mac-only browser featuring a workspace-style interface that emphasises productivity. It displays tabs vertically, allowing users to treat them like a to-do list that can be marked as complete or snoozed for later. Users can create workspaces — essentially groups of tabs — to better organise different activities, such as separating work from entertainment. This Y Combinator-backed browser has been around for a few years now and has most recently begun introducing more AI features. These include the ability to summarise various elements of a web page, such as ratings, reviews, and prices. It also has an AI assistant that can answer questions, translate text, and rewrite content.
Zen Browser
Zen Browser aims to create a “calmer internet” with its open source browser. Zen lets users organise tabs into Workspaces, and offers Split View to view two tabs side by side, among other productivity-focused features. Users can also enhance their browsing experience with community-made plug-ins and themes, such as a mod that makes the tab background transparent.
This story has been updated after publication to include newly launched browsers.
