OpenAI is making a significant shift in how it offers its Deep Research tool, now giving free ChatGPT users limited access without requiring a paid subscription. The company has rolled out a lightweight version powered by the o4-mini model, which is more cost-efficient while delivering high-quality results similar to the original Deep Research tool. This expanded access marks a major change, especially for users who previously had to pay for premium services.

New Features for Paid Subscribers

Previously, access to the Deep Research tool was restricted to subscribers of OpenAI’s Pro, Plus, Team, Edu, and Enterprise plans. These users had limited monthly inquiries, with Plus users allowed 10, and Pro users limited to 125. However, with the new changes, Plus and Team subscribers now receive an additional 15 queries per month. Pro users, who pay $200 monthly, get an extra 125 queries powered by the lightweight tool once they reach their original limit. Enterprise and Edu users will also gain access to this lightweight version next week, receiving 15 additional queries per month.

Free Users Gain Limited Access

For free users, the good news is that they are now able to access the o4-mini version of the Deep Research tool, with up to five inquiries allowed monthly. While the lightweight model produces shorter responses compared to the original, it still offers substantial capabilities and ensures high-quality results. OpenAI’s decision to provide free users with access to this tool is a notable step toward democratizing access to advanced AI-powered research.

How the Deep Research Tool Works

Deep Research is designed to analyze websites and various sources to create detailed reports with proper citations, making it an invaluable asset for research-heavy tasks. Despite the change to a more cost-effective version, OpenAI insists that the o4-mini tool still provides “nearly as smart” outputs. It operates on the o3 reasoning model, ensuring that the results maintain their integrity while significantly reducing operational costs.

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