On October 21, 2025, OpenAI officially introduced its first web browser with built-in artificial intelligence - ChatGPT Atlas. Atlas is equipped with a whole set of AI functions: the built-in assistant answers questions directly in each tab, adapts to the user's preferences thanks to its memory, offers a history search, and can even perform tasks on the user's behalf.
“This is a web browser built around ChatGPT, from the ground up, focused on interacting
with artificial intelligence,” explained OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during its online presentation. According to him, their new browser represents a “rare once-in-a-decade opportunity” to rethink the way users interact with the Internet.
Sounds impressive. But how does it work in reality? Let’s discuss below if the new browser delivers on its promises and has any chances to challenge giants like Google Chrome.
What is Atlas Capable Of?
Atlas is designed to transform the familiar ChatGPT into a universal assistant. In this browser, ChatGPT is embedded directly into web pages and accompanies the user all over the Internet, so there is no need for copying text and switching between tabs. It not only displays pages but also understands what a user is working on, summarizes articles, compares content, explains unclear topics, and can even interact with websites on the user's behalf. For example, you can ask it to reserve a table or fill out a form.
Atlas has the following key functionalities:
Integration with ChatGPT
Every time users open a site in Atlas, they will see an “Ask ChatGPT” button. It calls up a sidebar where you can communicate with AI in the context of the open page. If you're already using OpenAI language models, you can just log in to your account. Chat history and settings are automatically synced.
Memory
As you work with the browser, it becomes more accurate and useful. ChatGPT's memory is built into the browser, thanks to which the AI can take into account the details of past dialogues and use it for future requests. At the same time, users fully control what ChatGPT sees and remembers during a search. You can clear individual pages, the entire history, or open incognito mode to temporarily exit ChatGPT. If ChatGPT has memory enabled in the browser, it could recall the articles you visited last week and summarize the key points for you, instead of starting from scratch each time. For instance
Search Summary
The Atlas main screen replicates the ChatGPT interface. It features a query input line and suggestions. Open tabs and bookmarks are displayed at the top of the window.
When you input your search query, instead of a list of Google links, you get a ready answer from ChatGPT, along with its sources. This functionality is similar to the one offered by Google Chrome at the top of its search results, but it appears in a separate tab.
Then you can switch to the tab with the search results presented in a form similar to the search results provided in other browsers.
Agent mode
Atlas introduced the Agent Mode function, which allows ChatGPT to perform tasks independently using the browser context. AI can conduct research, analyze information, automate processes, plan events, and even book meetings. Currently, Agent Mode is already available in preview for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Business users.
OpenAI emphasizes that when developing the agent mode, the concern about keeping information about users, their data, and their devices secure while using the new agent mode was one of the main priorities. The company has spent thousands of hours on tests and security checks and implemented mechanisms that allow it to quickly adapt protection measures to new threats. "We will constantly monitor the system and eliminate any detected vulnerabilities," OpenAI says.
To reduce risks when accessing sites where the user is already authorized, the company introduced a number of restrictions:
ChatGPT cannot execute code in the browser, download files, or install extensions.
It does not have access to other apps or the computer's file system;
When working with sensitive sites (for example, banks), AI pauses actions so that the user can observe the process.
It is possible to use agent mode in "guest" mode, without logging into accounts, to minimize risks and access to personal data.
OpenAI recognizes that even with security measures, risks still remain. AI may make mistakes when performing tasks or encounter malicious hidden instructions on websites that cause it to act differently than intended, for example, by trying to access data from your accounts. So, OpenAI recommends users to be careful about what data they pass on to the agent, and to use "logout" when working with sensitive information.
Availability and subscription models
ChatGPT Atlas is currently on macOS, and OpenAI plans to release versions for Windows, iOS, and Android. The installer is available on the official website, and the installation process is standard, as with all apps. After installation, log in to your ChatGPT account and migrate your settings from Chrome or Safari. Some features, including advanced AI agent capabilities, are currently available only to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers. To lure people, OpenAI offers such an incentive as making Atlas the "default" browser and receiving 7 days of advanced ChatGPT features for free.
Early reviews
Atlas's most hyped feature, agent mode, has faced significant criticism. Users complained en masse about performance and frequent crashes. Many users have encountered the fact that the agent simply stops in the middle of the task and does not give any explanation.
A Reddit user conducted a direct comparison of Atlas with the Comet browser, confirming Comet was faster and efficient. A ZDNet journalist tried using Atlas to order groceries from Walmart. The agent was able to add items to the cart, but the process took significantly longer than manual entry. Minor errors in the product selection were also noted. Some reviews suggest that Atlas is a battery killer. One of the discussions on Reddit says: “It is an ultimate battery hogger. Not RAM, I am talking energy" with the comments confirming it.
The AI browser race
OpenAI's browser is a bit late to the game. There's already Comet from Perplexity, Dia from Arc, and several open-source options like BrowserOS. Google integrated its Gemini AI model into Chrome, which can explain web page content, summarize information from multiple tabs, and even restore closed sites. To stand out from this crowd, it needs to offer unique features. At first glance, ChatGPT doesn't offer any features that would make it worth switching from other neural browsers, except that its advanced features are included in ChatGPT subscriptions if you are already paying for one.
Bottom Line
ChatGPT Atlas marks an ambitious effort to bring browsing and AI assistance together in a single experience. By placing the power of ChatGPT directly into the web interface, ChatGPT Atlas introduces new features like memory and agent mode, which could reshape the way we interact with browsers. But while OpenAI promised a revolution, it released something more close to a beta version, where the agent-based mode is slow, error-prone, and unavailable to free users. The promise to "reimagine the internet" has yet to be delivered. For now, Atlas feels more like an exciting experiment than a daily driver. If OpenAI can refine stability and efficiency, it may eventually set a new standard for AI-powered browsing.
FAQ
What is ChatGPT Atlas?
Atlas is a web browser from OpenAI with built-in artificial intelligence. It features a built-in ChatGPT assistant that answers questions directly in each tab, adapts to the user's preferences thanks to its memory, offers a history search, and can even perform tasks on your behalf.
Which platforms is Atlas available on?
ChatGPT Atlas is currently on macOS, and OpenAI plans to release versions for Windows, iOS, and Android.
Do I need a subscription to use Atlas?
Basic browsing features are free, but advanced AI functions, including Agent Mode, are limited to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers.
What is Agent Mode?
Agent Mode allows ChatGPT to perform tasks independently using browser context, such as researching information, filling out forms, or planning events. Currently, it’s available for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Business users.
Is Atlas safe to use?
OpenAI has implemented several security measures. ChatGPT cannot execute code, download files, or access your system. Sensitive sites, such as banking pages, pause AI actions so that users can observe the process. OpenAI advises using agent mode in "guest" mode, without logging into accounts, to minimize risks and access to personal data.
How does ChatGPT Atlas compare to other AI browsers?
Atlas stands out because ChatGPT is built directly into the browser, rather than being an add-on or extension. It lets the browser interact with web pages, remember past activity, summarize content, and even perform tasks across tabs.
Can ChatGPT Atlas realistically challenge Google Chrome right now?
Not yet. OpenAI promised a revolution, but Atlas feels more like it is still in beta. The agent-based mode is slow, error-prone, and unavailable to free users. The promise to "reimagine the internet" has yet to be delivered.
