OpenAI brings ‘lightweight’ deep research tool to free ChatGPT users

OpenAI is making the “lightweight” version of its ChatGPT deep research tool available to users on the free plan, as well as Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers.

In a post on X, the company said, “We've noticed many of you love using deep research, so we’re expanding usage for Plus, Team, and Pro users by introducing a lightweight version of deep research in order to increase current rate limits.”

“We’re also rolling out the lightweight version to free users,” it added.



This new version, powered by OpenAI’s o4-mini model, is described as “nearly” as capable as the original deep research tool. However, according to the company, it is cheaper to operate, allowing them to offer higher usage limits.

According to OpenAI, if users hit their cap on the full version, the system will automatically switch to the lightweight one. This change gives Plus, Team, and Pro users broader access to deep research features.

“Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect,” the company said.

The lightweight version will also be rolled out to Enterprise and educational accounts next week, offering the same access levels as Team users.

OpenAI first introduced the deep research tool in February. Other tech giants, including Google and Microsoft, have launched similar tools—Google’s arrived in December, and Microsoft introduced its version in March as part of Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Earlier this week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company has doubled the hourly rate limits for the GPT-4o and GPT-4-mini-high models for ChatGPT Plus users, aiming to enhance access and usability for advanced users.

Altman also confirmed that, starting April 30, the legacy GPT-4 model will be phased out of ChatGPT, with GPT-4o becoming the default model for all users.