OpenAI has officially launched a new "lightweight" version of its ChatGPT Deep Research tool, making it available to all users, including those on the free tier, starting April 25, 2025. This significant update comes after the original Deep Research tool, which had been limited to paid subscribers since its unveiling in February 2025, gained popularity among users seeking in-depth information.
The lightweight version, powered by a version of OpenAI’s o4-mini model, is designed to provide concise research reports by scanning the web and compiling information on a requested topic. While it is not as capable as the full version, OpenAI assures users that it maintains the same "depth and quality" in its reports. Users can expect responses that are generally shorter but still informative.
According to OpenAI, the lightweight tool is significantly cheaper to operate, allowing the company to increase usage limits for all users. Free users can now run the lightweight version up to five times per month, while Plus, Team, and Edu users receive a total of 25 queries per month, which includes 10 full deep research tasks and 15 lightweight tasks. Pro users enjoy a more generous allowance of 250 tasks per month, split evenly between both versions.
As users reach the limit for the original Deep Research tool, the system will automatically switch to the lightweight version for further queries. This seamless transition aims to enhance user experience without requiring additional steps.
This move by OpenAI is seen as a response to the competitive landscape of AI research tools, particularly against rivals like Perplexity AI, which has offered a similar tool to all users for several months. Perplexity Pro subscribers enjoy unlimited access, while free users are limited to five queries per day.
In recent news, Ziff Davis, the parent company of PCMag, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, claiming that the company infringed on its copyrights while training and operating its AI systems. This legal challenge adds another layer of complexity to OpenAI's operations as it expands its offerings.
OpenAI's announcement about the lightweight version of Deep Research emphasizes its commitment to making advanced AI tools more accessible. The company stated, "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." This statement reflects OpenAI's ongoing efforts to balance quality and affordability in its AI services.
For users unfamiliar with the Deep Research tool, it functions by allowing individuals to submit questions or requests to ChatGPT, which then searches the web for the most relevant sources to answer the query. After gathering information, ChatGPT generates and displays a detailed report on the topic. This functionality has quickly become a trend in AI, with other companies like Google Gemini and xAI's Grok also developing similar features.
Previously, the full version of Deep Research was only available to paid subscribers, with a limit of 120 queries per month for Pro users and 10 for others. Depending on the complexity of the question, the full version could take as long as 30 minutes to produce results. However, the introduction of the lightweight version is expected to address these limitations and reduce wait times.
For instance, when testing the two versions with a query about the portrayal of time travel in film and television, the full version took 17 minutes to compile a detailed report, while the lightweight version completed the same task in just eight minutes. Although the lightweight version provided a shorter report, it still delivered valuable insights.
As OpenAI continues to innovate and enhance its offerings, the introduction of the lightweight Deep Research tool marks a significant step toward democratizing access to advanced AI research capabilities. With the growing demand for AI tools that can efficiently process and analyze information, this new version is poised to attract a broader audience.
The rollout of the lightweight version will also extend to Enterprise and Education users next week, around May 2, 2025, who will receive the same limits as Team users. This expansion highlights OpenAI's commitment to providing comprehensive AI solutions across various user segments.
With the increasing reliance on AI tools for research and information gathering, OpenAI's latest update reflects the company's responsiveness to user needs and market trends. As the competition in the AI landscape intensifies, users can expect ongoing improvements and innovations in the functionality and accessibility of AI tools.
The introduction of the lightweight version of the Deep Research tool is not just a technical enhancement; it represents OpenAI's strategic approach to maintaining its position in a rapidly evolving market. By offering a more accessible research tool, OpenAI is likely to attract new users and retain its existing customer base.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the demand for tools that can provide quick, reliable, and comprehensive information will only grow. OpenAI's lightweight Deep Research tool is well-positioned to meet this demand, providing users with a valuable resource for their research needs.
