Why Perplexity Wants Chrome

Why Perplexity Wants Chrome – The Real Truth You Should Know

Chrome welcome interface, focus of Perplexity’s $34.5 billion offer

When Perplexity AI, a three-year-old artificial intelligence startup, offered an unsolicited $34.5 billion in cash to buy Google’s Chrome browser, the tech world took notice. Chrome wasn’t for sale — yet this bid, more than double Perplexity’s own valuation, instantly became one of the most talked-about moves of 2025.

While many dismiss it as unrealistic, understanding why Perplexity wants Chrome reveals a deeper story about AI competition, market control, and the changing face of internet search.

Chrome is not just a browser — it’s the gateway to over three billion internet users worldwide. With a 70% global market share, it’s one of the most valuable digital platforms in existence.

The AI Advantage

Perplexity already operates its own AI browser, Comet, but it lacks mass adoption. By acquiring Chrome, it could:

Integrate its AI-powered search directly into a browser used daily by billions.
Compete head-to-head with Google Search and OpenAI’s upcoming AI browser.
Gain massive data flow for AI model improvements.

The Antitrust Moment That Makes This Possible

The timing of Perplexity’s bid is not random. In 2024, a U.S. federal court ruled that Google had maintained an illegal monopoly in search. The Department of Justice proposed divesting Chrome as a remedy.

Judge Amit Mehta is expected to issue a decision on remedies this month.
Even if ordered, Google could appeal, delaying any sale for years.
Perplexity’s bid positions it as a ready buyer if regulators force a split.

Can Perplexity Afford Chrome?

Perplexity’s July 2025 valuation: $18 billion
Funding raised so far: about $1 billion
Offer size: $34.5 billion (all cash)

The company says multiple unnamed funds have offered full financing, but no public details exist. This raises doubts about whether the bid is fully backed or a strategic posturing.

Why Google Is Unlikely to Sell

Selling Chrome would severely weaken Google’s ecosystem:

Search traffic loss → Direct impact on ad revenue.
Data loss → Less user behavior data for AI personalization.
Competitive risk → Handing a rival one of its most valuable assets.

Tech analysts compare it to “Starbucks selling its espresso machines” — possible only if legally forced.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet: “Selling Chrome would be an unprecedented proposal that could harm consumers and security,” making it clear Google intends to fight any forced divestiture. (Source: Reuters, BBC)

Industry Reaction to Perplexity’s Chrome Bid

Tomasz Tunguz (Theory Ventures): “Chrome may be ten times more valuable than the current $34.5B offer.
Heath Ahrens (Tech investor): “A stunt far below Chrome’s true value.”
Gabriel Weinberg (DuckDuckGo CEO): Estimated Chrome could fetch $50 billion+ in a forced sale.

Even critics admit the move sparks important discussions about browser control in the AI era.

The Bigger Picture – AI’s Browser War

Perplexity’s move is part of a growing battle:

Browsers are becoming AI-powered assistants.
Owning the browser means controlling the default search experience.
Rivals like OpenAI and Meta are investing heavily in AI-first browsing tools.

In this war, distribution matters as much as technology. Why Perplexity wants Chrome is simple — it’s the fastest way to own the gateway to the internet.

FAQs – Why Perplexity Wants Chrome

1. Will Perplexity buy Google Chrome?

It’s highly unlikely in the near future. While Perplexity wants Chrome and has made a bold $34.5 billion all-cash offer, Google has not put Chrome up for sale. Analysts believe Google will strongly resist selling Chrome unless legally forced by antitrust rulings.

2. Can I use Perplexity AI for free?

Yes. Perplexity AI offers a free version that lets you search and get AI-generated answers directly in your browser or app. There’s also a paid “Pro” plan with more advanced features and higher usage limits.

3. Why is Chrome getting sold?

Chrome is not officially for sale. However, the U.S. Department of Justice has suggested Google might need to divest Chrome as part of an antitrust case. This legal pressure is why companies like Perplexity are making offers.

4. Can I add Perplexity to Chrome?

Yes. You can add Perplexity’s AI search as a Chrome extension or bookmark its web app for quick access. This way, you can use Perplexity AI without replacing your browser.

5. Does Google own Perplexity?

No. Perplexity AI is an independent startup founded by Aravind Srinivas, with investors including Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and SoftBank. Google has no ownership stake in the company.

Conclusion

The $34.5 billion bid may never close, but it’s more than a publicity stunt. It’s a signal that in the AI era, the fight for user attention has shifted to the browser itself.

Even if Perplexity doesn’t get Chrome, its bold move will be remembered as a defining moment — when an ambitious AI startup openly challenged one of the most powerful tech empires in history.