No one likes AI features baked into every single corner of apps they use daily, and I'm no exception. There have been many apps I've simply stopped using and switched to alternatives. No, it's not because I'm opposed to AI features. On the contrary, I'm all for them, and some AI tools like NotebookLM and Perplexity play a major role in my workflow. I even use an AI tool, Reclaim, to manage my chaotic calendar. Instead, it's simply because the AI features the majority of apps don't make a positive difference in my life whatsoever.

When I first heard talk about AI browsers, I assumed it would be just another gimmick and I braced myself for the usual overhyped AI features you'd barely use. However, I decided to let go of my doubt, and give AI browsers a shot anyway. Since then, I've tried multiple AI-powered browsers. And while I can't quite believe I'm saying this, I genuinely can’t imagine not using an AI browser in 2025.

AI browsers have actual time-saving features

The kind of AI features I've been waiting for all along

As I touched on lightly above, the problem with most companies integrating AI features into their tools is that they're adding them where they aren't really needed. The so-called AI enhancements feel tacked on, and instead of making things easier, they just create more friction. So, despite trying every AI tool or feature as soon as I get my hands on it, I'm always wary of what actually delivers value versus what’s just a company trying to fit AI in for the sake of hype. Fortunately, the AI browsers I've gone hands-on with aren't filled with unnecessary AI features I’ll never touch. There’s yet to be a single feature in an AI browser that I haven’t found myself naturally reaching for (beyond writing purposes).

For instance, with Comet, Perplexity lives 24/7 on the sidebar, and you can invoke it anytime by clicking the Assistant button at the top-right corner or using a keyboard shortcut. Opera Neon has a similar interface, and ChatGPT's new browser seems to as well. I use Perplexity to get a quick idea of things I’m working on frequently, and instead of needing to head to a separate tab, search the website, and wait for it to load, I can get a concise answer instantly, right within the browser.

Though I haven't had the opportunity to test out ChatGPT's Atlas in-depth yet, I often head to ChatGPT when I need to workshop an idea, and I already know the browser integration will save me even more time by keeping everything in one place.

AI browser assistants aren’t just chatbot interfaces fitted into a neat sidebar. They go far beyond that. Most AI browser assistants can understand the tab you’re browsing, the context of what you’re working on, and even suggest relevant information or actions without needing you to type a full query.

I use this contextual awareness to its fullest when watching YouTube videos. AI being able to summarize a lengthy webpage into a short and sweet summary is nothing new, but with AI browsers, you can do the same thing without ever leaving the tab. With Comet, all you need to do is hit the Alt and S keys on your keyboard. That’s it!

Agentic AI is where things start getting really interesting

Here's where it gets fun

The very first AI browser I tried myself was Opera's Neon. In a demo with Opera's team, they used Neon's Do functionality to order a pair of socks, and it was incredible seeing the browser handle everything on its own, only asking for input when it was time to add the payment details.

Since the day I attended that demo, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of browsers that can actually do things for you instead of just helping you find information. I later got access to Neon's developer build, and of course, the first thing I did was see how well Neon could actually do stuff. Since the day I first asked Neon to do something for me, the only time I've ordered coffee myself has been when I’m placing an order on my phone or in real life. Otherwise, when I’m ordering on my browser, I simply type a quick prompt to either Comet or Neon's assistant (I even have one saved as a shortcut now) and get on with my other tasks while the AI handles everything for me.

What I explained above is agentic AI — AI that’s capable of taking action on your behalf. Instead of just generating responses or summarizing content, agentic AI can actually perform tasks like navigating pages, filling out forms, or completing purchases without you lifting a finger (beyond typing a quick prompt). Every AI browser I’ve tested so far includes agentic AI, except Norton’s Neo, which is probably intentional for security reasons. Nonetheless, I personally find agentic AI a major leap from the typical assistant experience we’ve all grown used to, and it’s impressive seeing how far it’s already come in such a short time.

The best part is, I can ignore the AI when I want to

There when I want it, invisible when I don’t

When chatting with a friend who tried Perplexity's Comet (not media-affiliated), she mentioned that while she found the AI features cool, they weren’t something she’d use every day. Of course, she isn't the only one who thinks that. I’ve seen countless people on community forums and Reddit threads echo the same thought.

And honestly, that’s a valid point, and I completely agree. The beauty of these AI browsers is that the AI features don’t get in your way. You’re free to use them when you want to and ignore them when you’d prefer a normal browsing experience. Ultimately, what harm is there in having those features when they don’t interfere?

I find it similar to having Apple Intelligence on Apple devices. I don’t use the features every day (and frankly find most of them unnecessary), but I still appreciate having them there, and I often use some features like Clean Up. That’s the same appeal with AI browsers: they’re not meant to transform every second of your browsing, just to make certain moments smarter and smoother when you need them.

Privacy online is a myth at this point

There’s always someone watching

The biggest hesitation people have when trying or switching to an AI browser is, of course, privacy. But let’s be honest — if you’re already using Google, Bing, Facebook, or Instagram, you’ve long made peace with being tracked in some way. These platforms already listen, learn, and tailor your experience based on what you say, search, or scroll through.

If you’ve been talking to your family and friends about taking a trip to Hawaii in front of your phone, chances are you’ll start seeing ads for cheap flights or hotels within hours. That’s just how the modern internet works. Your data is constantly being analyzed to predict what you might want next. Using a full-fledged AI browser is just a modern example of the same thing. The difference is, this time, at least you’re getting something genuinely useful in return.

And frankly, I don’t do anything in my browser that I wouldn’t do anywhere else online. When I ask the browser’s built-in AI chatbot questions now, I’d have simply headed to those websites and asked the same thing before. Similarly, when it comes to the agentic aspect, I don’t ask it to do anything that I feel would genuinely put my privacy at risk. It’s just taking over the boring parts — tasks I’d be doing manually anyway. Besides, AI browsers also let you turn off most tracking or AI-driven features if you’re uncomfortable with them.

Switching just feels like going back in time

At this point, I think everyone’s well aware that AI is here to stay. It’s going nowhere, and its part in our day-to-day lives is only going to grow. If AI browsers are eventually going to be the future, I’d much rather embrace them now, while they’re still evolving, than wait until they become the default.