4 Open-Source Alternatives to OpenAI's $200/Month Deep Research AI Agent
The Deep Research AI Agent by OpenAI is a powerful tool for research, but its premium price of $200 per month may not be feasible for everyone. Thankfully, the open-source community has developed some impressive alternatives that are both cost-effective and customizable. Here are four open-source AI research agents that can compete with OpenAI's offering:
1. Deep-Research

Deep-Research is an iterative research agent that autonomously generates search queries, scrapes websites, and processes information using AI reasoning models. It provides a structured approach to deep research tasks.
Key Features:
- Autonomously generates search queries
- Scrapes websites for information
- Uses AI reasoning models
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/dzhng/deep-research
2. OpenDeepResearcher
OpenDeepResearcher is an asynchronous AI research agent designed for comprehensive research. It utilizes multiple search engines, content extraction tools, and LLM APIs to provide detailed insights.
Key Features:
- Utilizes multiple search engines
- Uses content extraction tools
- Integrates LLM APIs
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/mshumer/OpenDeepResearcher
3. Open Deep Research

Open Deep Research is a lightweight AI research agent that leverages Firecrawl search and extraction mechanisms. It allows users to reason with any LLM of their choice.
Key Features:
- Leverages Firecrawl search and extraction mechanisms
- Allows users to choose their LLM
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/nickscamara/open-deep-research
4. DeepResearch by Jina AI
DeepResearch by Jina AI is an advanced AI research assistant that replicates OpenAI's search, read, and reasoning workflow. It integrates multiple search engines and uses an AI-driven approach for extracting and summarizing information.
Key Features:
- Replicates OpenAI's search, read, and reasoning workflow
- Integrates multiple search engines
- Uses AI-driven approach for extraction
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/jina-ai/node-DeepResearch
These four open-source AI research agents offer powerful alternatives to OpenAI's Deep Research AI Agent. With robust search capabilities, AI-powered extraction, and reasoning features, researchers can automate and optimize their workflows without incurring high costs. Since all options are open-source, users have complete flexibility to modify, extend, and self-host these tools according to their needs.