DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: The Next Generation of AI Chatbots
OpenAI’s ChatGPT was launched in 2022 and has been the biggest name in AI chatbots until the emergence of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek in January 2025. The arrival of DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through the tech industry.
DeepSeek gained attention in tech circles for its performance on complex reasoning tasks and its powerful AI language model that’s surprisingly affordable. These two distinct strengths make it a serious rival to ChatGPT.
The question now is: “Is ChatGPT still the tool to use? Or does DeepSeek boast better capabilities?” Let’s examine the two leaders in the AI space, explore their strengths, uniqueness, and affordability.
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops open-source large language models (LLMs). Unlike many AI models that simply predict the next word, DeepSeek can think through multi-step problems in a logical way.
It currently has two flagship models:
- DeepSeek-V3: V3 excels in multitasking.
- DeepSeek-R1: R1 is designed for complex reasoning.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot built by the American company OpenAI. It interprets natural language input and generates responses that closely resemble human communication across an extensive range of subjects and tasks.
The ChatGPT model has undergone multiple iterations, with each version introducing significant enhancements in capabilities, knowledge, and reasoning. The latest versions are equipped to interpret images, manage extended conversations, and execute more complex tasks compared to their predecessors.
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT
DeepSeek and ChatGPT are both easy-to-use AI chatbots, so they’re widely similar. Let’s take a look at the major differences by examining their practical applications. These applications will help you understand which model delivers excellent results.
Writing Assistance
Both DeepSeek and ChatGPT are useful for brainstorming ideas, learning, and research. To test this, I tasked both DeepSeek and ChatGPT with creating an outline for an article on MLM and how it works.
I typed, “I’m writing a detailed article on What is MLM (Multi-level Marketing) and how does it work?”
Deepseek:
ChatGPT:
The results were both good – both chatbot models covered all the essential points I could include in the article. However, DeepSeek stood out by structuring the information in a way that closely mirrored my approach to the topic as a writer.
It also included important points such as: What is an MLM, its definition, detailed explanation on how it works, its controversies and risks, legitimate MLM and pyramid scheme, and examples – while ChatGPT gave a less structured reply.
Coding
In the next practical test, the task was to write a code for a simple calculator using HTML, JS, and CSS. This easy task was to check their coding skills.
Both AI chatbots provided the correct code but ChatGPT delivered in the first attempt. Deepseek’s version worked, but visually it was a little confused:
GPT’s was functional, and also made odd choices:
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Which One Should You Pick?
DeepSeek
The most significant difference between DeepSeek and ChatGPT is that DeepSeek is entirely free. In that aspect, high-volume AI chatbot users trying to avoid usage limits should go for DeepSeek.
DeepSeek is a more economical choice than ChatGPT provided you only need its text-based features (such as writing articles, scripts, brainstorming ideas, or assistance with code).
ChatGPT
Users hoping to generate images or use OpenAI’s “canvas” feature, as this functionality is lacking in DeepSeek.
ChatGPT is more suitable for users who speak languages other than English or Chinese, as DeepSeek’s performance tends to be weaker in languages outside those two main areas.
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Final Thoughts
As AI technology advances, both DeepSeek and ChatGPT will grow more sophisticated and intuitive. Perhaps one day, they’ll join forces to create the ultimate super-AI. But for now, let’s get the best of both worlds: affordability from DeepSeek, and features and polish from ChatGPT.
Which one have you used more?
