OpenAI has announced the launch of a lightweight version of the “Deep Research” tool for ChatGPT, now available to users on the free plan as well as Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers. The new version is powered by the o4-mini model and allows users to receive shorter, yet still meaningful reports on a chosen topic. From now on, free plan users can use the feature up to five times per month, while subscribers get higher limits — twenty-five tasks for Plus and Team, and two hundred fifty for Pro.
The lightweight version of deep research is powered by a version of OpenAI o4-mini and is nearly as intelligent as the deep research people already know and love, while being significantly cheaper to serve.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) April 24, 2025
Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and… pic.twitter.com/H2UD5GThVj
The lightweight version of “Deep Research” is automatically activated for subscribers if they have exhausted their request limit in the full version of the tool. The responses from this model are usually shorter, but retain the depth and quality users are accustomed to. OpenAI notes that the new model is significantly cheaper to operate, which allows the company to make the feature more accessible to a wider audience.
The “Deep Research” tool was previously available only to paid subscribers and allowed users to receive detailed analytical reports with source citations and search summaries. Now, thanks to the lightweight version, free plan users can also turn to AI for quick, structured information on a variety of topics — from product selection to educational questions.
OpenAI reports that next week, corporate and educational users will also gain access to the lightweight version of “Deep Research.” This decision allows a broader range of people to take advantage of ChatGPT’s analytics and information search capabilities without additional costs.
