OpenAI introduces cost-efficient, lightweight version of ChatGPT research tool

OpenAI has introduced a lightweight version of its ChatGPT deep research tool , designed to provide users with cost-efficient and faster responses while maintaining the depth and quality of research. This new version is powered by OpenAI’s o4-mini model, which is optimised for reasoning and data synthesis.

“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. Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect. Once limits for the original version of deep research are reached, queries automatically default to the lightweight version,” said the company.


ChatGPT’s lightweight deep research tool: Features and accessibility

The lightweight deep research tool is now available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, with plans to extend access to Enterprise and educational users next week. OpenAI has also made the tool accessible to free-tier users, offering five tasks per month. Paying users benefit from expanded usage limits , with the tool seamlessly switching to the lightweight version once limits for the original deep research are reached.


Enhanced efficiency

While responses from the lightweight version are shorter, they retain the structured logic and citations that users expect from the original deep research tool. OpenAI claims the lightweight model is cheaper to serve, enabling broader adoption without compromising the user experience.



“All Plus, Team, and Pro users now have expanded usage of deep research. Enterprise and Edu users will get access the following week, and will have the same usage levels as Team users. The lightweight version of deep research is starting to rollout today to all Free users,” added the company.