Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A 2025 campaign targeted people searching for or downloading Perplexity’s Comet browser with lookalike websites, deceptive ads, third-party downloads, and fake mobile apps. The safest approach is to skip download ads and go directly to Perplexity’s official site. The reports document activity around Comet’s launch; they do not establish whether those specific sites or listings are still active today.
How the Comet download campaign worked
In a report dated October 23, 2025, PreCrime Labs, part of BforeAI, described scammers exploiting interest in Comet after its July 2025 launch. The lures appeared where people might look for the browser: in search results and social ads, on third-party download sites, and in mobile app listings. SecurityWeek reported on the campaign the following day.
BforeAI said its investigation examined more than 40 suspicious domains and URLs across several types of activity. Its summary separately lists 13 suspicious domains investigated, two critical-level Google Play app threats, and eight domains registered after Comet’s launch. These figures describe different scopes: the “over 40” figure is not a count of confirmed malicious domains.
Examples named in the reports include cometai.site, cometaibrowser.com, perplexitycomet-ai.com, cometbrowser.net, and aicometbrowser.com. They are historical examples from the 2025 reporting, not confirmation that those addresses currently host malicious content. SecurityWeek said BforeAI observed an increase in fraudulent domains promoting an executable version of Comet through third-party sites beginning in August 2025, alongside Google and social ads leading to fake sites.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Comet became free globally in October 2025, according to BforeAI’s report. That widened the potential audience for download lures beyond the browser’s original subscriber audience.
How to check whether a Comet download is official
- Go directly to Perplexity. BforeAI identified perplexity.ai as the official browser access route at the time of its report. Type the address yourself or use a trusted bookmark rather than following a download ad.
- Check the full domain before downloading. Look for misspellings, extra words, or a domain that merely includes “Comet” or “Perplexity.” A familiar logo or product name does not establish that a site is genuine.
- Avoid search and social ads offering the download. BforeAI recommended avoiding download ads and going to the official vendor site instead. An ad’s placement does not verify its destination.
- Be cautious with unfamiliar mobile apps. Check that the listing is genuinely published by Perplexity, and report suspected impersonation to the app-store provider. In October 2025, SecurityWeek reported that CEO Aravind Srinivas warned about a fake iOS listing: “The Comet app currently on iOS App Store is fake and spam and not from Perplexity.” That was a warning about the listing at that time, not a current status check.
What to do if you installed a suspicious browser extension
A separate 2026 case involved a malicious Chromium extension branded as Perplexity Search. Microsoft said it changed the default search provider and routed queries through a lookalike domain. Malwarebytes reported that Google removed the extension listing, but removal from the store did not uninstall it from browsers where it was already installed.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If you installed an extension resembling the one in that case, remove it manually in your browser’s extension settings. Microsoft’s general guidance for extensions is to check the publisher, domain, and requested permissions, watch for unexpected search-setting changes, and have organizations restrict untrusted extensions. This extension incident is distinct from the 2025 fake Comet download campaign; it does not show that campaign is still operating.
How the download scams differ from Comet’s AI-agent risks
Comet’s AI assistant has also been discussed in a separate security context: prompt injection. Trail of Bits said a pre-launch adversarial audit demonstrated four techniques that could extract Gmail content when Comet summarized an attacker-controlled page. That scenario concerns an AI agent processing hostile page content while it has access to browser context and actions. It is not the mechanism described in reports about fake download sites, ads, or apps.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Perplexity’s BrowseSafe materials describe defense in depth for prompt injection, pairing detection with user confirmation and tool-policy enforcement. These are the company’s descriptions of its mitigations, not independent confirmation of how effective they are. They address a different risk from impersonation during download.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Perplexity says about Comet data handling
Perplexity’s FAQ says Comet stores default data on the device, while personal searches may use open-tab and relevant browsing-history context. It also says page content may be processed on Perplexity’s servers to fulfill a request, credentials remain in the device’s secure vault, and access to integrations is opt-in. These statements describe Perplexity’s account of its data practices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
