Mozilla Adds Perplexity AI to Firefox Browser, Makes Search Conversational

In Focus

• Mozilla has added Perplexity AI to its web browser, Firefox
• Firefox users have the option to use the AI answer engine or not
• AI-based search option is available to desktop users globally
• Mozilla also launched Browser Profiles and Visual Search tools

Mozilla has added Perplexity to its browser, Firefox. According to TechCrunch, Firefox adds Perplexity AI at a time when AI firms and startups are launching their own AI-powered web browsers. Instead of developing its own AI services, Mozilla Firefox now allows users to switch their default search engine for an AI-based search option within its browser.

How Firefox Conversational Search with Perplexity Works

The company says bringing the Firefox Perplexity search option to its browser allows it to provide conversational responses along with citations. This allows users to validate information without navigating multiple tabs.

This is different from the conventional Google search where results appear as a list of web links. The Perplexity AI search engine on Firefox can be accessed through the unified search button located at the address bar.

Users can switch to Perplexity AI whenever they wish and set their preferred search engine from Firefox’s settings menu. Mozilla says the AI feature gives users more control and makes browsing smarter while maintaining privacy.

“This addition reflects our shared commitment to choice: You decide when to use an AI answer engine, or if you want to use it at all,” Mozilla said in a blog post.

Mozilla’s move is very similar to Google’s, which added Gemini AI to Chrome browser last month in a bid to boost competitiveness.

AI Answer Engine Available to Desktop Users

Mozilla started testing integration with Perplexity AI in Germany, the U.S, and the U.K. back in June 2025. At the time, the company had not determined whether Perplexity AI would become a permanent feature on its web search providers.

“Earlier this year, we gave you more choice in how you search by testing Perplexity, an AI-powered answer engine, as a search option on Firefox. Now, after positive feedback, we’re making it a fixture,” the company stated on its website.

Mozilla already has Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo as permanent web search providers. Last month, DuckDuckGo expanded its paid subscription plan to include access to advanced AI models.

Mozilla has added the AI answer engine permanently and made it accessible to desktop users globally. The company said the AI search option feature will be added to mobile devices in the coming months.

Perplexity AI-powered search comes to Firefox weeks after the AI startup launched an AI agent that automates email management for Max subscribers. The launch of the AI-powered email management tool marked Perplexity’s debut into the workspace automation space since it launched the Comet web browser back in July 2025.

A Sneak Preview of Perplexity AI Search Option:

• AI search provides conversational responses and citations
• Users can switch their default search engine for an AI-based search option
• AI search engine is accessible via the unified search button on the address bar
• Mozilla conducted AI search tests in Germany, the U.S, and the U.K.

A New Visual Search Powered by Google Lens

Mozilla unveiled a visual search tool supported by Google Lens. The tool allows users to conduct searches with images on desktop computers. Any image can be treated as a search query by right-clicking and selecting the “search image with Google Lens” option on the drop menu.

To access this feature, users must set Google as their default search engine. With the visual search feature, users can:

• Find related items, objects or places
• Copy or search text using images
• Discover ideals for learning, research, or travel

Browser Profile Feature Available to All

Besides integrating Perplexity AI to Firefox, Mozilla also made its browser profile feature accessible to all. Browser profiles are designed to enhance organization and prevent data mix-ups from different activities.

With this feature, Firefox users can switch between different browser setups. They can separate work browser tabs from school or personal browsing tabs or dedicate profiles for projects. Mozilla says each profile runs independently, which facilitates better organization and enhances focus.