Normally, AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Grok can search the web and give you quick answers. But if you need in-depth research on a topic, then their aptly named features come in handy — ChatGPT Deep Research and Grok Deep Search. These features don’t just pull a few quick search results. Instead, they comb through dozens of sources to provide you with a detailed report on your query. Today, we will see just how good Grok’s Deep Research is when compared to ChatGPT’s Deep Research AI model.
To find out, we tested both tools with various prompts. Here are five example test cases comparing ChatGPT’s Deep Research and Grok’s Deep Search.
| Feature | ChatGPT Deep Research | Grok Deep Search |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | February 2nd, 2025 | February 18th, 2025 |
| Reasoning Model | OpenAI o3 | Grok-3 Reasoning by xAI |
| Availability | Available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users | Currently free until servers max out. Need SuperGrok or X Premium + subscription |
| Subscription Plan | $20/month (Plus), $200/month (Pro) | X Premium – $20/month SuperGrok – $30/month |
Table of Contents
1. Shopping Decision
I like to read every review on the internet before buying a product. So, I gave this prompt to both tools:
I need to buy a laptop for video editing under $1500. What are my best options right now?Right off the bat, you can see a major difference. ChatGPT asks additional questions to better understand my specific needs. In fact, this was the case with all the prompts. This small feature makes ChatGPT’s results more tailored and useful compared to the more generic report generated by Grok. But let’s see how much this input impacts the final report from ChatGPT.
The Grok report suggested a list of options along with a detailed table. It highlighted the Acer Nitro 16 and the 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip as good choices. However, I am specifically looking for a Windows laptop. This issue could have been avoided if Grok had asked for more details upfront. Except for that, the list of products it suggested was quite good. In fact, Grok also displayed the entire reasoning process behind its recommendations, which ChatGPT did not provide.
On the other hand, ChatGPT suggested laptops with bigger screens and Windows laptops with RTX 3060 graphics cards. Though it recommended fewer options, they aligned with my specific needs. Additionally, it provided more detailed information about each laptop, including the pros and cons.
Winner: ChatGPT, for offering more personalized results and for its thoroughness and well-rounded perspective.
2. Research-Based
The previous example was heavily influenced by the additional details provided to ChatGPT. However, this time, I tested both tools without giving any extra information, using only this prompt:
Is there any credible research on the impact of blue light on sleep quality?The best part about Grok is that it provided key insights, bringing up important points from the report, which was quite useful. It also presented a table showcasing how blue light impacts sleep quality, duration, efficacy, latency, and more.
While Grok showcased the information in a better layout, ChatGPT brought out real research studies from sources like Harvard and SleepFoundation.org, explaining the research and results more deeply instead of just focusing on the conclusions. It also considered age and other factors when providing the information.
Winner: ChatGPT for detailed research, Grok for presentation.
3. Travel Suggestions
Next, I asked a question where there is no definitive answer with this prompt:
What are the safest travel destinations for solo travelers in 2025?ChatGPT asked for additional details, like my budget and the type of place I was looking for. However, I did not provide any further information. While offering these details could make ChatGPT’s report more personalized, I decided to keep the competition fair by not giving extra input.
In most scenarios, Grok typically searches more sources and delivers results faster than ChatGPT. However, for this particular report, both Grok and ChatGPT suggested similar cities and performed equally well. As usual, Grok provided a well-structured table with the city names and their GPI (Global Peace Index) scores. It also highlighted key places to visit in each city and included useful tips for solo travelers.
On the other hand, ChatGPT offered short paragraphs explaining why each place is considered safe but focused more on the safety aspect rather than specifically addressing solo travel.
Winner: Both ChatGPT and Grok performed well. Grok stood out for its better structure and specific focus on solo travel.
4. Technical Information
To test how well both models handle summarization, I used this prompt:
Can you summarize the key differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7?After asking for additional details, ChatGPT quickly provided a brief list of differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 before starting its research. Essentially, it offered a summary upfront, with more detailed information loading afterward.
As expected, Grok presented the information in a well-organized table, covering everything from the launch date to security features, bands, standards, and more.
On the other hand, ChatGPT struggled to generate a summary, failing a couple of times before eventually producing a result. However, the output wasn’t exactly a summary. Instead, it included long paragraphs, the history of both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, and focused more on the technologies behind them rather than their real-world applications. While the information was detailed, it wasn’t easy to skim through, which defeated the purpose of a quick summary.
Winner: Grok, for delivering the needed information in an easy-to-scan, summary-friendly format.
5. Detailed Prompt
Until now, the prompts were more generic in nature. However, I also tried detailed prompts with a focus on particular requirements:
Can you analyze the historical and economic factors that led to the rise of tech hubs like Silicon Valley, and compare them with emerging tech hubs in regions like India, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia?Both reports followed the prompt accurately. If this is for a quick-read online article, blog post, or a general audience, Grok is better. It is concise, engaging, and easier to digest. If this is for a research paper, white paper, or a deeply analytical piece for an expert audience, ChatGPT is better. It provides exhaustive details, historical context, and academic citations.
Winner: ChatGPT for a detailed answer, and Grok for a simple explanation.
Final Winner: ChatGPT Deep Research vs Grok Deep Search
In conclusion, ChatGPT Deep Research and Grok Deep Search both have their strengths. ChatGPT is great if you need detailed, personalized results. It asks follow-up questions and digs deeper, making it ideal for research-heavy tasks and academic work.
Grok, on the other hand, shines with speed and presentation. It provides well-structured, easy-to-read reports and is perfect for quick summaries or when you need information fast.
If you want more tailored and thorough insights, go with ChatGPT. But if you need a quick and clear overview, Grok is a solid choice. Your pick depends on whether you need depth or speed.
