ChatGPT has had a “Deep Research” tool available since February, but it was previously limited to subscribers. Now, OpenAI is introducing a lightweight version of the tool to all users, including those on the free service. This new version provides shorter responses while maintaining the same “depth and quality” in its reports. OpenAI stated that the lightweight version, powered by OpenAI o4-mini, is nearly as intelligent as the original deep research tool but is significantly cheaper to serve.
OpenAI is also increasing the number of queries available to users. ChatGPT Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu users will receive 25 queries per month, Pro users get 250, and free users are limited to five queries with the lightweight version. Once the limit for the original deep research version is reached, queries will automatically default to the lightweight version.
This update helps ChatGPT stay competitive with rivals like Perplexity, which has already offered a similar tool to all users. Perplexity Pro subscribers enjoy unlimited access, while free users are allowed five queries per day. OpenAI is rolling out the lightweight version to free users as well as Plus, Pro, and Team accounts, with Enterprise and Edu users expected to get access next week.
