ChatGPT Atlas vs. Perplexity Comet: Comet referral rewards increased with the launch of Atlas, now you can earn 263 rupees

AI Battle Heats Up: Perplexity Boosts Comet Rewards After ChatGPT Atlas Launch

The competition in the AI-powered browser market just got more intense. Following the high-profile launch of ChatGPT Atlas, Perplexity AI has upgraded its referral reward program for its Comet browser, giving existing users a lucrative incentive to bring in new members.

Under the revised plan, Perplexity has increased the referral bonus from $2 to $3 (around ₹263) per successful invite. The change is clearly a strategic counter to OpenAI’s growing influence through Atlas, which has quickly gained attention for its integration of advanced conversational and browsing capabilities.

Perplexity’s Smart Move Against Atlas

The timing of Perplexity’s announcement leaves little doubt—it’s a direct response to the buzz surrounding ChatGPT Atlas. While OpenAI’s new browser integrates deep AI functionality with web navigation, Perplexity is doubling down on user acquisition to secure its place in the AI browser ecosystem.

The new Comet referral program rewards both the referrer and the new user. Existing users earn $3 when someone signs up through their unique referral link and asks their first question on Comet. Meanwhile, the new user receives one month of Comet Pro access for free, without needing to enter credit card details or make any payment.

This structure ensures that the new sign-ups are genuinely active users, not just passive registrations—helping Perplexity expand its active community base.

How the Comet Referral Program Works

Participating in the program is simple. Current Comet users share their referral links with friends, colleagues, or followers. When a new user uses that link to join and asks their first query within the Comet interface, the referrer automatically earns the reward.

This approach not only encourages user-driven growth but also promotes immediate engagement with the product. The company has made it clear that the reward is triggered only after the first interaction, not just upon registration—ensuring authentic participation and minimizing spam sign-ups.

Free Access to Comet Pro

New users who join through a referral gain access to Comet Pro for one month, a premium tier that offers faster responses, higher query limits, and priority computing resources.

For students, researchers, and professionals who rely on AI-based information tools, Comet Pro offers a smoother, more capable browsing experience. The trial gives them the opportunity to explore Comet’s premium features before deciding on a paid subscription.

This free period also serves as a strategic onboarding window for Perplexity—giving users firsthand experience of the performance improvements and exclusive tools that come with Comet Pro.

A Limited-Time Offer

Perplexity has not specified how long this enhanced referral program will remain active, labeling it a limited-time offer. This uncertainty is deliberate—it encourages users to act quickly and share referral links widely to maximize their earnings.

By rewarding both sides of the referral process, Perplexity aims to create a viral growth loop—where every new user can become a potential promoter, helping the platform scale organically.

The Growing Battle of AI Browsers

The timing of this initiative could not be more significant. OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas has entered the scene as a new AI-driven browser that combines conversational intelligence with real-time search, similar to what Comet already offers.

Perplexity’s decision to boost referral rewards reflects an aggressive user-retention strategy, ensuring that Comet remains a strong contender in this fast-growing space. The $3 incentive and free Pro access make the offer both appealing and practical—giving users a reason to try Comet even if they are currently experimenting with Atlas.

Why It Matters

Beyond user growth, the move also strengthens Perplexity’s ecosystem. By offering free premium access, the company can showcase the value of Comet’s advanced tools to first-time users. If they find it efficient and reliable, they are more likely to convert into paid subscribers later.

Meanwhile, rewarding existing users fosters loyalty and engagement, keeping the community active and expanding. This dual benefit makes the program a win-win strategy for both users and the company.

As the AI browser market evolves, it’s becoming clear that innovation alone isn’t enough—user engagement and retention are the new battlegrounds. With Zoho Pay entering fintech and ChatGPT Atlas pushing new boundaries in AI browsing, Perplexity’s latest move shows it is ready to fight for attention and adoption in the rapidly expanding world of intelligent web tools.