Last checked Nov 2, 2026
What to look for in a computer agent
Three questions separate the agents that help from the ones that only demo well.
- Where does it act? Some agents work in a browser on the maker's servers, some in your own browser, and some in the apps on your desktop.
- When does it ask? A good agent goes ahead with ordinary steps and stops before anything is sent, bought or deleted.
- Can you start it without stopping work? Voice, a shortcut, or a chat window you already have open all save the trip to a separate app.
The agents, one by one
Arkemis (Windows and Mac). An assistant and computer agent you talk to or type to from a small notch at the top of the screen. It works in desktop apps, edits Word, Excel and PowerPoint through Office on Windows, does web tasks in its own background tabs, and acts in Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Notion and 100+ connected apps. Sending, buying and deleting always wait for your approval. Best for: people who want one assistant across their whole desktop, by voice or by typing.
ChatGPT (Windows and Mac). OpenAI's desktop app can use your computer through its Computer Use plugin in supported regions, and ChatGPT agent runs tasks in a browser on OpenAI's side. Best for: people who already live in ChatGPT and want it to reach into their computer.
Claude (Windows and Mac). Anthropic's desktop app offers computer use on paid plans as a preview, and Claude in Chrome works inside your own browser. Best for: long, careful tasks and writing-heavy work where Claude's answers matter most.
Microsoft Copilot (Windows 11). Copilot Actions lets an agent work with files and apps in its own separate workspace on the PC. It is an experimental feature and off until you turn it on. Best for: Windows 11 users who want what ships with the operating system.
Perplexity Comet (Windows and Mac). An AI browser whose assistant can browse and act on web pages for you. Best for: research and web tasks where everything happens in the browser.
Side by side
As described on each maker's public pages in November 2026. Features change often, so check the latest before you decide.
| Works in desktop apps | Works on the web | Voice | Platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkemis | Yes | Yes, in its own background tabs | Yes, hold a shortcut and talk | Windows, Mac |
| ChatGPT | Yes, Computer Use plugin | Yes, ChatGPT agent | Yes, ChatGPT Voice | Windows, Mac |
| Claude | Yes, preview on paid plans | Yes, Claude in Chrome | In the apps | Windows, Mac |
| Microsoft Copilot | Yes, Copilot Actions (experimental) | Yes | Yes | Windows 11 |
| Perplexity Comet | No, browser only | Yes | Yes | Windows, Mac |
How to choose
- You want one assistant for your whole desktop, by voice or typing, that asks before anything goes out: Arkemis.
- You already pay for ChatGPT or Claude and mostly chat: start with their desktop apps.
- You only need help on the web: an AI browser such as Comet is enough.
- You are on Windows 11 and want only what is built in: try Copilot Actions.