The new “lightweight” deep research model is available now to free users, as well as those on several of the paid tiers.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is launching a new ‘lightweight’ version of its deep research tool that is cheaper to operate. As a result, the company has chosen to give access to the tool to free users.
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This new version is powered by OpenAI’s o4-mini model, and is said to be “nearly as intelligent” as the original deep research mode. The tool is used to produce lengthy reports including citations and summaries of its process. OpenAI adds that the lightweight version delivers responses that are “shorter while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect.”
Premium users will retain exclusive access to the standard deep research model, while the new lightweight version will be available to all users for free. Free users will only be able to use the model for five tasks per month. Paid users will continue to be rooted to the standard model until they hit their rate limits and then be switched to the lightweight model. This means Team and Plus users will get a total of 25 monthly tasks across both versions, and Pro users 250. Enterprise and Education users will get access next week at the same limits as Team and Plus users.
Open AI’s Deep research was first introduced to premium users in February 2025.