How do you typically find information online? You load a search engine, type in a query, and select websites that look promising. Alternatively, you use an AI search engine and look at the summary it generates. These approaches work well for basic or straightforward questions. But what if you need to go much deeper into a topic?
There is a much better way to gather and read information on a multi-dimensional topic, and it all happens while you make a cup of coffee, thanks to AI deep research tools.
Deep research lets you pose elaborate and layered questions to an AI. This AI dispatches agents to search through hundreds of different sources and compiles the findings into a multi-page report. Rather than get quick answers, you get detailed knowledge, including the information sources.
You can use deep research tools to conduct market research, explore topics, develop study plans, and compile detailed reports.
Popular deep research tools
There are several useful deep research tools. Here are the most useful and popular ones:
Gemini Deep Research: The first service to introduce deep research, and is still one of the best. Go to Gemini, select ‘Deep Research’ from the settings menu in the chat box, and type in your query. The AI will show you how it interprets your question, giving you a chance to make adjustments. Then it will take a few minutes to compile the report.
ChatGPT: The world’s most popular generative AI platform also has an excellent deep research service. Go to ChatGPT, select ‘Deep Research’ from the + menu in the chatbox, and pose your question. ChatGPT will ask for any clarifications to ensure accuracy, then start compiling the information. It also shows in real time how it collects the information. After several minutes, you’ll have a detailed report.
Copilot: Microsoft’s Copilot AI has a research mode that provides more in-depth answers than a regular search, especially if you ask multiple questions at the same time. It’s not as elaborate as some of the other tools here, but it will still provide a substantial amount of information. Head over to Copilot and select ‘Think Deeper’ in the chatbox menu.
Storm: A free tool developed by Stanford University, Storm creates in-depth wiki-style articles on topics that are very readable. You can download the reports as PDFs and maintain a library of topics on the site.
Elicit: If you’re seeking information from scientific papers and journals, then Elicit will become your best friend. Write your query and use the report feature to create in-depth write-ups that use information from academic sources.
NotebookLM: NotebookLM generates reports from the information you give it. It can also generate podcasts and explainer videos. Paste information into the notebook, then use the studio tools to generate an audio or video explainer in just minutes.
Things to know to get started
Before you begin, here are some key points to consider:
- These search services have free and paid versions, such as how many reports you can generate or how many of sources are checked.
- You can ask basic questions. But giving detailed instructions/prompts will get better results. Establish a context for your topic (for example: “I am doing market research”). Please list the various aspects you would like the research to cover. Be specific. Here is a helpful guide on how to create effective prompts.
- Use standard AI to create a deep research prompt for you. State what you want to do and instruct the AI to create a prompt for deep research. Then switch to deep research mode, and paste the generated prompt into the chatbox.
- These AIs can make errors, but fortunately, the reports include their sources. Check those sources to vet any crucial information.
Eager to generate your first reports? Then simply click on one of the links above, select ‘deep research’ where needed, and ask your question.
