Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity's Deep Research Tools: A Guide for Your Decision Making
Readyto dive into the realm of AI-powered research with the big three? Let's have a casual stroll through ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity's Deep Research features!
Curious about niche market research, scientific mysteries, or even fun facts about your favorite musical instrument? These tools are here to help! With their large language models, web searches, and reasoning capabilities, they'll transform the way you look for information.
But remember, time is the key ingredient here. A Deep Research query might take anywhere from 5 minutes to up to 30 minutes, depending on what you're asking. Fortunately, all the major players now offer free plans.
Now, why would you need these in-depth research tools when Google is just a click away? Well, let's say you need quick, detailed information on something Google won't spoon-feed you, like that obscure spare car part code you can't find anywhere. Or maybe you need to delve deeper into a company's share price outlook or learn more about a handpan, the instrument you just can't get enough of.
How do they work?
Deep Research combines the power of the open web, advanced language processing, and new reasoning algorithms. Simply type your question, and these AI pals might even ask clarifying questions, prepare a research plan, and set off on their info-hunt without breaking a sweat—all on their own!
You can follow along using a sidebar (or separate tab when using Perplexity) and witness the searches they're making, documents they're scanning, and details they're collecting.
These detailed reports might take up to 30 minutes, but only for those asking something truly complex. In my experience, all three tools whip up reports in a jiffy, churning out detailed answers in just 5-10 minutes.
So, when should you take advantage of Deep Research?
The sweet spot for these tools is when you can't find what you need on Google or simply don't have the time to sift through five different articles to get the basics.
I personally have used these research tools to find that elusive spare car part, research changes in a company's stock outlook, and satisfy my handpan obsession. If you're after quick answers, a simple Google search with an AI buddy will be faster. But for anything in between, these lightweight research counterparts are here to help.
How to master these Deep Research tools
The Deep Research tools of our three favorite AI chatbots are similar in operation. Type in your super clear, super specific query, hit the Deep Research button, and send out your query. You can even upload documents, images, or even spreadsheets as additional context if you need.
The limits of free Deep Research
But remember, with great power (and information) comes some restrictions. The free versions of these tools are limited, with Perplexity and Gemini offering the same quality of reports to free users as they do for their paid plans. However, these services cap the number of times you can use them, so watch those queries!
Upgrading to their paid versions removes these limits, providing unlimited access to Deep Research power. ChatGPT's free model, while excellent for regular use, doesn't produce in-depth reports. For full-length reports and more queries, their $20 per month plan will foot the bill.
The lowdown on testing these Deep Research tools
I put each platform through the same set of challenging Deep Research prompts: a beginner's guide for learning the handpan, a company's share price outlook in the market, and finding the part number for a spare wheel screw cover for my car (something even Google couldn't help me with).
ChatGPT Deep Research: Direct and straightforward
I found ChatGPT's Deep Research to be super straightforward and robust. The reports generated are straightforward, jam-packed with information, yet free of unnecessary details. When you make a Deep Research query, ChatGPT offers follow-up questions like a good detective. You can tell it to proceed without further questions, though.
It aced the handpan and stock research, but failed to find a specific buying link for the car part I needed (though it did find sellers in locations other than my country).
Gemini Deep Research: Shining in context and flexibility
Gemini's Deep Research is the Swiss Army Knife of these tools. Between its ability to edit research plans, access Google products, and its vast reasoning capabilities, it's well-rounded and versatile.
When you give it a Deep Research prompt, it creates a research plan and then lets you edit it. Unlike ChatGPT, it doesn't ask clarifying questions but focuses on integrating various Google services for broader thinking. It even considers local information (with your permission) to expand its search scope.
However, if you don't feel like editing the research plan, just give it the go-ahead, and it'll dive into its powerful search engine like a pro. Its downside? Sometimes it's a bit too wordy, and its default research plan might be too broad. My suggestion: edit it to focus on only the crucial points. But the bonus? You can effortlessly generate a podcast episode based on your report, thanks to its Audio Overviews feature!
Perplexity: The speed demon
Perplexity's Deep Research tool is, essentially, a high-octane search engine. It zooms through queries like a speed demon, often delivering results in just a couple of minutes. It shines with shopping links and research and is the easiest to use, though without additional questions or research plan editing.
The price you pay for speed? Sometimes, its Deep Research reports feel somewhat skimpy compared to ChatGPT and Gemini. But fear not, for it still provides solid information, just packaged in smaller portions. If you're after pure search power, Perplexity is the tool to beat.
These AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, aren't limited to just general web searches. They integrate with smart-home-devices, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and other gadgets, enhancing technology and artificial-intelligence research. They're useful when Google can't provide the necessary depth or time isn't on your side.
Deep Research isn't unnecessarily complex; it's a combination of the open web, advanced language processing, and new reasoning algorithms. With these tech tools, you can type a question, and they'll prepare a research plan, execute the search, and present the findings, all while integrating multipage documents and details.
If you find yourself in a situation where you're researching niche market trends, scientific mysteries, or even fun facts about your favorite musical instrument, these tools can assist you effectively. Their large language models and reasoning capabilities make them invaluable for anyone thirsty for knowledge.