OpenAI has rolled out its deep research tool to ChatGPT Plus subscribers as of February 25, 2025, allowing them to generate extensive reports on various topics that were previously exclusive to the $200 Professional subscription tier.
OpenAI expands deep research tool for ChatGPT Plus subscribers
Plus subscribers can now execute ten deep research queries per month, with potential increases expected in the future. OpenAI noted that the deep research process is “currently very compute intensive,” which has limited its availability to paying users, with no current plans to extend the feature to free users. In addition, ChatGPT Professional subscribers now have their monthly limit for deep research queries increased to 120, up from 100.
OpenAI’s $200 deep research will write reports for you but is it worth it?
Capabilities of ChatGPT’s deep research tool
The deep research tool is designed to autonomously analyze vast amounts of information from diverse sources and compile comprehensive reports. It can search the internet, examining thousands of sources to create unique research documents, completing this task in significantly less time than a human. The report compilation duration can vary based on complexity, taking anywhere from five minutes to over an hour. While generating reports, the tool provides a side panel that displays its ongoing processes and analyses.
As part of the rollout, OpenAI has enhanced the deep research tool, which now includes the ability to embed images with citations in reports and improved analysis of user-uploaded files. It is important to note that the deep research feature differs from the ChatGPT Operator, which serves as an autonomous AI agent capable of making reservations and contacting businesses.
OpenAI’s announcement extended access to the deep research feature to all paying users, including ChatGPT Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers. In addition to the ten queries per month for Plus users, Pro subscribers will receive an increase in their monthly quota to 120 queries, facilitating more extensive research efforts.
Competing tech companies, including Google and Perplexity, are also advancing their deep research tools, which have similar functionalities and reports. Google recently rolled out its own deep research agent to all Gemini Advanced users.
How to use it
The rollout of the deep research feature to ChatGPT Plus subscribers is currently underway, and users can expect its appearance in their accounts shortly. Since updates can take time to be implemented across all accounts, some subscribers may need to be patient to access the new tool.
Plus users will receive ten deep research queries per month as part of their plan. If users wish to utilize the new feature, they should compose their prompts as usual and access the Deep Research icon before sending their requests to OpenAI. The time taken to generate responses will depend on the complexity of the questions posed, with typical compilation times ranging from five to 30 minutes. OpenAI continues to highlight that deep research remains resource-intensive, which may delay availability for free users.
Featured image credit: OpenAI
