In this article ChatGPT vs DeepSeek, we are going to explore the following topics:
What is DeepSeek and the team behind it
DeepSeek's unique capabilities and different models
Pricing comparison between DeepSeek and ChatGPT
ChatGPT's special features and pricing
Redditors' opinion on ChatGPT vs. Deepseek
Head-to-head performance tests in:
Image analysis
Riddle generation and solving
Coding capabilities
Web search functionality
A breakdown to help you choose between the two LLM models
By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of each LLM model's strengths and limitations to make an informed decision. Let's get started.
What is Deepseek?
DeepSeek is a powerful AI chatbot that offers capabilities similar to ChatGPT but with some unique features.
This free and open-source AI model is powered by the R1 model, which contains 670 billion parameters, making it the largest open-source language model available today.
Interestingly, while DeepSeek has gained attention for its AI capabilities, it's actually a side project of the company, and its main focus is its huge fund management.
People Behind DeepSeek
Founded in December 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek emerged from a strong financial technology background.
Liang, who graduated from Zhejiang University with degrees in electronic information engineering and computer science, primarily runs High-Flyer, a successful hedge fund that uses AI for investment decisions.
In fact, High-Flyer was the first quantitative hedge fund in China to raise over 100 billion yuan ($13m), showing that AI development is not the company's main focus but rather an extension of its financial technology expertise.
What Makes DeepSeek Different?
DeepSeek stands out in several ways from other AI platforms.
The company built its powerful AI model at a remarkably low cost of $6 million, compared to the estimated $100 million spent on ChatGPT-4.
This cost efficiency was achieved through innovative use of hardware, combining high-end Nvidia A100 chips with more affordable components.
Key features that set DeepSeek apart:
It uses a reasoning model that processes responses step-by-step, similar to human thinking
Requires less memory than competitors, reducing operational costs
Offers competitive performance in mathematics, coding, and reasoning tasks
Provides paid access at approximately 3% of what OpenAI charges
The platform has gained significant traction, becoming the most downloaded free app on the Apple App Store, though ChatGPT maintains higher total downloads overall.
Deepseek Capabilities
DeepSeek V3 demonstrates impressive capabilities across various benchmarks, particularly excelling in English language tasks, coding, mathematics, and Chinese language processing.
The model is built on a MoE (Mixture of Experts) architecture with 671B total parameters, though only 37B are activated at any time.
Key strengths across different domains:
English Language Processing
Achieves exceptional scores in complex tasks like DROP (91.6%)
Shows strong performance in MMLU-Redux (89.1%) for general knowledge
Demonstrates advanced reading comprehension abilities
Performs well in IF-Eval for prompt understanding (86.1%)
Coding Capabilities
Excels in LiveCodeBench with a leading score of 40.5%
Shows strong code editing abilities with 79.7% in Aider-Edit
Demonstrates competitive performance in Codeforces (51.6%)
Handles polyglot programming tasks effectively (49.6%)
Mathematical Reasoning
Outstanding performance in MATH-500 with 90.2%
Leads in AIME 2024 with 39.2%, significantly ahead of competitors
Shows strong capabilities in CNMO 2024 (43.2%)
Chinese Language Processing
Achieves top scores in CLUEWSC (90.9%)
Strong performance in C-Eval (86.5%)
Demonstrates superior bilingual capabilities compared to other models
These benchmark results indicate that DeepSeek V3 is particularly effective for tasks requiring complex reasoning, mathematical computation, and multilingual understanding.
Different Deepseek Models
DeepSeek has expanded its AI capabilities by launching several distilled models alongside its powerful main model.
These distilled models are smaller, more efficient versions that maintain strong performance while using fewer computational resources.
This approach makes AI technology more accessible and practical for various applications.
The company created two main families of distilled models: Qwen-based and Llama-based. Each family serves different purposes and offers various size options to suit different needs.
The Qwen-based family includes:
1.5B model: Excellent for basic math tasks
7B model: Strong mathematical reasoning with balanced factual knowledge
14B model: Enhanced problem-solving abilities
32B model: Top performer in advanced mathematical reasoning
The Llama-based family features:
8B model: Efficient balance of mathematical and factual reasoning
70B model: The most powerful distilled model, matching some capabilities of GPT-4
These models show particularly impressive results in mathematical tasks.
For example, the Llama-70B model achieves a 94.5% score on MATH-500, making it highly capable for complex mathematical problems. Additionally, these models maintain reasonable performance in coding tasks, though this isn't their primary strength.
This variety of models allows users to choose the right balance between performance and resource requirements for their specific needs, making advanced AI more accessible to a broader range of users and applications.
Deepseek Pricing
All the DeepSeek models are completely free to use and open source, so you can even run these powerful models locally offline.
If you want to use DeepSeek APIs, then you have to pay a small price, but compared to the ChatGPT API, it is only a fraction of the cost of the ChatGPT API.
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT Cost Comparison Analysis
DeepSeek-V3 demonstrates significant cost advantages over GPT-4o across both input and output processing.
This cost efficiency makes it an attractive option for businesses and developers looking to implement AI solutions at scale.
Key cost comparisons:
Input Processing Costs
DeepSeek-V3: $0.27 per 1M tokens
GPT-4o: $2.50 per 1M tokens
Cost Savings: 9.3x cheaper than GPT-4o
A significant advantage for large-scale text-processing tasks
Output Processing Costs
DeepSeek-V3: $1.10 per 1M tokens
GPT-4o: $10.00 per 1M tokens
Cost Savings: 9.1x cheaper than GPT-4o
The major benefit for applications requiring extensive AI-generated content
This pricing structure makes DeepSeek-V3 a more economical choice for organizations requiring large-scale AI processing capabilities, offering similar performance at a fraction of the cost compared to GPT-4o.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT has fundamentally transformed how we interact with artificial intelligence, making advanced AI capabilities accessible to millions worldwide. Since its launch, it has evolved from a simple chatbot into a comprehensive AI solution that handles everything from complex coding tasks to creative writing. Its impact spans across industries, from education to healthcare, demonstrating unprecedented versatility and reliability in AI applications.
With continuous improvements and regular updates, ChatGPT has maintained its position as a leading AI platform, consistently delivering high-quality responses and adapting to user needs. Its ability to understand context, provide detailed explanations, and engage in natural conversations has set new standards in AI communication.
Special Features
Well, some features in ChatGPT make it a whole lot better version than other LLM Models. Here are some of those
Advanced voice interactions with natural conversation capabilities across multiple languages
Built-in code interpreter for executing and testing code in real-time
DALL-E powered image generation and analysis capabilities for visual tasks
Limited access to the popular video generation tool Sora
Access to the GPT Store featuring specialized custom GPTs for various industries
Cross-session memory function that maintains conversation context and user preferences
Custom GPT creation allows users to build specialized AI assistants
Real-time web browsing for up-to-date information and research
Advanced data analysis and visualization capabilities
Integration capabilities with various tools and platforms
ChatGPT Pricing
Redditors' Opinion on Deepseek vs ChatGPT
It wouldn’t be a fair comparison if we didn't take into consideration Redditor's opinions. Based on ChatGPT 4, it is better than the DeepSeek Reddit discussion; users have shared varied experiences comparing DeepSeek and ChatGPT, with opinions divided on performance and value.
Here's an overview of the key perspectives:
Technical Performance: 'TechNerd10191', the original poster, found ChatGPT 4o superior for data science competitions and research, noting that while DeepSeek's initial advice seemed promising, the implementation often disappointed. 'lucellent', a top commenter, supported this view specifically for Python transformer code tasks.
Cost and Accessibility: 'Spooderman_Spongebob' highlighted DeepSeek's major advantage: it's significantly cheaper and can run on personal hardware. However, 'Hoodfu' countered that the infrastructure requirements make self-hosting impractical for most users.
Mathematical Capabilities: There was disagreement about mathematical performance. While 'Ganda1fderBlaue' found ChatGPT more accurate in mathematics, 'papermessager123' argued that DeepSeek's self-doubt feature actually helped with complex math problems.
Privacy Concerns: 'MountainAlive' raised security concerns about the iOS app, sparking a debate about data privacy. 'ArcticOctopus' noted suspicious similarities with TikTok's permissions, while '16less' pointed out that U.S. apps also collect user data.
NotEyepatch summarized the general consensus: while ChatGPT may be superior, DeepSeek offers a compelling free alternative that comes close to ChatGPT's capabilities. As 'iamintheforest' noted, DeepSeek's efficiency might become more important as the technology evolves, especially considering its significantly lower operational costs.
Many users, including 'nihilcat', cautioned against excessive hype, drawing parallels to previous AI releases that promised but failed to revolutionize the field.
Comparing ChatGPT and DeepSeek: Which LLM Performs Better?
To know in ChatGPT vs DeepSeek which one is actually better in practical application, let's test both LLM models head-on in different tests and see which one gives better output.
Test 1: Image Analyzation
Image credit: Behance
Well, in the image analysis, Deepseek can't process images at all; it can only read the text in the images. If you try to give images that don't have text, it simply refuses to take them, saying no text is found in the image. Then I took a random text-in-face image from Google and prompted both models.
While Deepseek gave completely wrong answers, ChatGPT said it cannot analyze images directly from images. In this test, ChatGPT gets the win because although it wasn't able to extract text, if given a better resolution, it might process it, and it can analyze normal images too, unlike DeepSeek.
Can you find the letter ‘moment” in the above image?
DeepSeek
Test 2: Riddle Generation and solving
So for the second test, I asked both models to generate a riddle themselves to beat their competitors, and both were able to give the answers. However, in a generation, ChatGPT also provided an explanation, hint, and answer, whereas DeepSeek just gave the riddle. But DeepSeek has a slightly more human-like response.
But to make sure that both models know each other's capabilities, I turned on the web search feature in both the LLM Models, and ChatGPT even gave me sources of the riddle it found, but DeepSeek didn't even show it was doing a web search. The winner of this test depends on preferences: ChatGPT is more explanatory, while DeepSeek is a little more human-like.
Test 3: Coding
It wouldn’t be a fair test if we had not compared both models' coding abilities. I prompted both models to generate and animate a CSS for a burning candle. Both models were able to generate the code; the Deepseek model looks a little better compared to ChatGPT, and its animation style is also better.
However, ChatGPT has now added a test code feature just like Claude, so now we can test the code directly. Therefore, ChatGPT takes the win here too.
ChatGPT
DeepSeek
Test 4: Web Search
For the last test, I tried the web search feature in both LLM models, asking them about the plans that China is implementing against the US Stargate, which we covered in our weekly AI newsletter. If you still haven't subscribed to our newsletter, subscribe now. We cover such important AI news every week and send it to your inbox in a summarised and easy-to-digest format.
Coming back to the test, while both gave accurate information, ChatGPT is much better because it provided me with direct answers and also gave me visual sources for the answers, while DeepSeek provided answers in a long format.
While making these tests, I also found a drawback in DeepSeek compared to ChatGPT: ChatGPT automatically creates a history with a name in the previous history box, but DeepSeek just labels it as a new chat.
Deepseek vs ChatGPT: What to Choose?
If you're trying to decide between DeepSeek and ChatGPT, understanding their strengths and limitations will help you make the right choice for your needs.
Performance & Core Features
ChatGPT maintains its position as the more polished and feature-rich option. It offers comprehensive capabilities including image generation, voice interactions, code testing, and custom GPT creation. Its user interface is more refined, with better chat organization and a more intuitive experience overall.
DeepSeek, while newer to the market, stands out for its impressive mathematical reasoning and cost efficiency. It particularly excels in tasks requiring complex calculations and offers strong performance in coding tasks. The platform also provides excellent Chinese language processing capabilities and can be deployed locally with proper hardware.
Cost Effectiveness
The cost difference between these platforms is substantial. DeepSeek's API pricing is roughly 9 times cheaper than ChatGPT for both input and output processing. This makes it particularly attractive for businesses requiring large-scale AI operations.
If you're a casual user, DeepSeek offers a capable free alternative to ChatGPT. However, remember that its feature set is more limited, particularly in areas like image processing and voice interactions.
Privacy & Local Deployment
DeepSeek's open-source nature makes it particularly appealing for:
Users concerned about data privacy
Developers wanting to understand LLM architecture
Organizations requiring offline AI capabilities
Researchers studying AI model behaviour
Teams needing customizable AI solutions
Users who want complete control over their AI interactions
Elephas: Your Universal AI Knowledge Assistant
Elephas redefines how you interact with AI, functioning as an AI-powered knowledge assistant that works with any LLM model. Unlike traditional AI tools, Elephas allows you to choose your preferred model - whether you want to use ChatGPT's API, run open-source models locally, or connect to other AI services, Elephas provides a consistent, feature-rich experience.
The platform offers advanced capabilities like Smart Reply, content repurposing, and custom snippets across all integrations. The platform's Super Brain feature transforms your personal documents, notes, and audio content into an intelligent knowledge base.
What makes Elephas unique is its versatility - you can process audio files, analyze PDFs, integrate with tools like Notion and Obsidian, and even use custom snippets for specialized tasks.
Whether you're working offline for privacy or online for enhanced capabilities, Elephas maintains its powerful features while adapting to your chosen AI model. It's not just about writing or coding - it's about making AI truly personal and accessible across all your knowledge management needs.
Deepseek vs. ChatGPT: The Best Choice?
So if we have to decide which is the best choice, then it depends on how you want to use the LLM model. Here is a quick overview of both the LLM models.
Choose ChatGPT if you:
Need a reliable, all-in-one AI solution
Require advanced features like image generation and voice interaction
Value a polished user experience
Work primarily with multimedia content
Need guaranteed uptime and support
Choose DeepSeek if you:
Want a cost-effective solution for large-scale operations
Focus mainly on mathematical and coding tasks
Need strong Chinese language capabilities
Prioritize privacy and data control
Want to learn about LLM architecture
Plan to deploy models locally
Are comfortable with a more technical interface
For most general users, ChatGPT remains the more practical choice despite its higher cost. However, DeepSeek offers a compelling alternative for those with specific technical needs, privacy concerns, or budget constraints.
FAQs
1. Is DeepSeek completely free to use?
Yes, DeepSeek's models are free and open-source for local use. If you want to use their API services, there is a small fee, but it's about 9 times cheaper than ChatGPT's API pricing.
2. Which platform is better for mathematical tasks?
DeepSeek shows superior performance in mathematical reasoning, achieving 90.2% in MATH-500 and leading in AIME 2024 with 39.2%. Its dedicated mathematical models make it particularly strong in complex calculations.
3. Can both platforms analyze images?
ChatGPT has better image analysis capabilities and can process various types of images. DeepSeek can only read text from images and refuses to process images without text content.
4. How much did it cost to develop DeepSeek?
DeepSeek was built for approximately $6 million, significantly less than ChatGPT-4's estimated $100 million development cost. This was achieved through innovative hardware combinations using Nvidia A100 chips with affordable components.
5. Can I run DeepSeek offline on my computer?
Yes, DeepSeek can be run locally offline since it's open-source. However, you'll need appropriate hardware infrastructure to support the model's requirements for effective operation based on the DeepSeek model you selected.
