What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI lab whose open-weight V-series and R-series models rival leading proprietary models. Its free chat app offers reasoning, web search and file reading, and its API is among the cheapest available.
Best for: Developers, Budget-conscious users.
Key features
- DeepThink reasoning
- Web search
- File upload
- Open-weight models
- Low-cost API
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to use with strong reasoning
- Open weights you can self-host
- Very cheap API
Cons
- Data stored in China, a concern for some organisations
- Servers can be busy at peak times
DeepSeek pricing
| Pricing model | Free |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, API |
| Launched | 2023 |
Prices change often. Check the DeepSeek website for current plans.
Our verdict
DeepSeek scores 8.5/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: free to use with strong reasoning. The main drawback: data stored in China, a concern for some organisations. If it isn't the right fit, ChatGPT is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI lab whose open-weight V-series and R-series models rival leading proprietary models. Its free chat app offers reasoning, web search and file reading, and its API is among the cheapest available.
Is DeepSeek free?
Yes. DeepSeek is free to use.
What are the best DeepSeek alternatives?
Popular alternatives include ChatGPT, OpenAI API, GitHub Copilot, Cursor.
Who is DeepSeek best for?
DeepSeek is best for developers, budget-conscious users.