AI browsers explained: What is an AI browser and who is it for

OpenAI Atlas

OpenAI’s launch of its new AI-powered browser, ChatGPT Atlas, has revived an old question: is it finally time to move on from traditional browsers like Safari or Chrome?

That topic came up in a recent Equity podcast (by TechCrunch) episode featuring Max Zeff, Sean O’Kane, and Anthony Ha, who examined whether AI browsers are genuinely useful or just another tech novelty. Despite the hype, none of them seemed ready to make the switch anytime soon.

Sean pointed out that countless startups have attempted to challenge Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, only to fail because browsers rarely make money on their own. The difference this time is OpenAI’s deep funding pool, which allows it to experiment without immediate pressure to monetise.

Max, who has tested both ChatGPT Atlas and rival AI browsers like Comet, said the benefits are minimal at best. “It’s a slight efficiency gain,” he explained. In practice, users often just watch the AI agent “click around a website,” completing trivial tasks like adding ingredients from a recipe to Instacart, a scenario few real users actually care about.

As per TechCrunch, beyond the novelty, there are questions about security and practicality. Anthony noted that as AI browsers grow, they might reshape the idea of the open web itself. “If these AI interfaces start filtering how we browse, traditional websites could become less relevant,” he said.

Max echoed that sentiment, describing the industry’s obsession with the so-called “agentic web”: a future where digital assistants browse for you, as conceptually interesting but not yet compelling in real use. “The value proposition for the average person just isn’t there today,” he said.

Sean admitted he hasn’t tried AI browsers yet, saying his workflow still depends on precise searches and document digging. “Maybe I’ll switch when Google finally kills Boolean search,” he joked, adding that most people still prefer the control and familiarity of conventional browsing.

The underlying question remains: if AI browsers promise to do the work for us, are they solving a real problem or just chasing the next big buzzword? For now, even those testing the latest AI tools seem unconvinced that everyday users are ready — or willing — to hand over the wheel.