DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Which AI Model is Better for Your Needs?

Although ChatGPT was the first AI tool to become mainstream, many others have popped up as well. Other tools like MidJourney and Gemini have emerged as key players, but nothing prepared the world for the emergence of DeepSeek. 

DeepSeek has had a steady stream of releases and launches of AI models but in January 2025, it released its best model yet. The model did what many others failed to do. Also, it is free and open-source unlike the leading AI tool, ChatGPT. Those factors led to the rise of the comparison dubbed “DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT”. 

In this article, we will stack these two tools against each other, and compare their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we will conclude with the best use cases for each tool. 

ChatGPT vs. DeepSeek at a Glance

DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT: The Big Differences 

Both models were developed to understand and generate human-like text and also perform reasoning tasks. However, their model architecture and performance differ.

1. Model Architecture

• ChatGPT 

ChatGPT uses a dense transformer model. When tasked, all the processing parameters are activated simultaneously for each task. This process endows ChatGPT with the ability to understand context. It is a more holistic approach to task completion. 

The process is further enhanced by Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). RLHF allows ChatGPT to pick up on the nuances of human conversation and reasoning. 

• DeepSeek

DeepSeek on the other hand uses a Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture. When tasked, it activates only the parameters most relevant to the specific task. This process of selective activation is what makes DeepSeek more efficient and excel at highly-logical tasks.

2. Performance and Efficiency

• ChatGPT (Consistently gets updated)

ChatGPT has consistently outshined DeepSeek in speed and accuracy. It processes queries faster without compromising precision. This stems from OpenAI’s extensive training datasets and powerful computation. 

A recent study compared both models and drew interesting conclusions. Results showed ChatGPT’s latest version not only responded more quickly but also provided more accurate results across a range of tasks. It also answered factual questions and summarized lengthy texts.

• DeepSeek 

DeepSeek, on the other hand, takes a different approach to processing information. No doubt it has strong reasoning abilities, however, it takes longer to generate responses. This is due to its step-by-step approach to problem-solving. Although this is beneficial for analytical tasks, it can slow down response times. 

Despite the longer wait time, DeepSeek has a huge advantage. Its reasoning process is transparent and allows users to trace the conclusion pathway. Through this, it can help with learning and logical analysis. This advantage is also useful in academic settings where things have to be vetted and double-checked to be accepted. 

Although DeepSeek leans towards logical reasoning tasks, it also generates factually correct responses: 

3. Customization

• ChatGPT (Close-sourced API)

ChatGPT has a closed-source architecture. This allows OpenAI to tightly control the development process. The result is constant evolution and updates of ChatGPT models. Over time, ChatGPT has become increasingly skilled at several tasks. However, this doesn’t provide customization for users. 

• DeepSeek (Open-sourced API)

DeepSeek is a free AI model. Plus, it’s open-sourced. They have allowed developers to access the underlying architecture and tweak it to their unique tasks. It also helps developers learn and sharpen their coding skills by continuously dabbling in the data structure and source code. 

DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT: Feature Comparison

1. Language Understanding and Generation

ChatGPT

• ChatGPT understands human language, can generate content, and hold a conversation. Although still within the category of Narrow AI, ChatGPT sometimes provides emotional sub-texts to conversations. 

• It has been trained on massive, diverse datasets. Therefore, ChatGPT can adapt to a wide range of topics. 
• Over time, the responses get better because ChatGPT uses reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) to enhance response quality. It learns what the user likes and preferences, and it then uses that information to tailor responses. 
• ChatGPT is capable of humor, storytelling, and persuasive writing, making it ideal for content creation.

• Many of its responses are human-like and natural sounding. 

DeepSeek

• DeepSeek is better suited to technical tasks and prioritizes precision and accuracy over good writing.
• Consequently, it performs well in detailed analyses like research summaries and scientific explanations.
• DeepSeek’s approach to tasks is a Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) model. It selects the most relevant neural pathways for each task for better efficiency.
• Unlike many other AI models, DeepSeek is less prone to hallucinations in technical tasks. It has been optimized for correctness over creativity. Despite this, it still displays a decent level of creativity:

• Users who want field-specific assistance would love DeepSeek over ChatGPT. 

2. Coding

ChatGPT

• ChatGPT can help generate simple to complex code, debug and give explanations. 
• It understands and can generate code in many programming languages. 
• The code it generates isn’t always correct. It may need multiple prompts to arrive at the correct code. 
• ChatGPT works fine for general programming tasks but it may struggle with highly technical algorithmic challenges.
• It is great with coding explanations. It translates the technicalities into simple language.

ChatGPT when prompted to write a piece of code: 

ChatGPT generates the code for the e-commerce store in three different languages. Then, it proceeds to give a list of things to expand on like payment. It also explains how the code works. 

DeepSeek

• DeepSeek is better at code generation and will solve algorithmic tasks more efficiently.
• It is more reliable for competitive programming.
• DeepSeek structures the generated code logically and reduces redundancy.
• It is better at understanding and optimizing large codebases.
• DeepSeek is good at the technical part of coding. Therefore, it may not always explain solutions as intuitively as ChatGPT.

Code generated by DeepSeek:

Right in DeepSeek, you can run the code: 

3. Multimodal Capabilities

ChatGPT

• ChatGPT is primarily text-based but recently, its abilities have expanded to include voice recording, files, and image generation. It also has visual abilities for image recognition.

• ChatGPT may undergo future updates that involve more advanced multimodal abilities
• ChatGPT can also be integrated with other apps that have multi-modal features. 

DeepSeek:

• DeepSeek was initially designed with multimodal capabilities (text, code, and images.)
• Due to its highly logical nature, it’s skilled at interpreting structured data and combining different formats.

Here, DeepSeek was asked a very technical question relating to the 4th dimension. The Deep reasoning feature was also activated:

• DeepSeek can understand and process information cross-modally.

4. Context Retention and Memory

ChatGPT

• ChatGPT retains short-term memory within a session and will recall earlier details in the conversation. 
• The memory is short-lived, however. ChatGPT may struggle with long conversations or referencing older parts of a discussion.

DeepSeek

• DeepSeek can maintain logical consistency in extended conversations.
• However, it can still lose track of earlier details in very long exchanges.

DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT: Which Is Better for Your Needs?

ChatGPT

• Creative Writing
• General Conversations.

DeepSeek

• Technical tasks
• Field or domain-specific tasks

The Bottom Line

Both ChatGPT and DeepSeek represent significant advancements in AI language models, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. By understanding their distinct capabilities, you can select the tool that best aligns with your objectives, ensuring optimal results in your AI-driven endeavors.

FAQs

1. Which AI Is Better Than ChatGPT?

There is no single AI that is universally better than ChatGPT. The best AI depends on your needs. For creative writing and general conversations, ChatGPT is a top choice. However, DeepSeek is better for technical tasks, and there are other models like Claude, Gemini, or LLaMA.

2. What Is Better Than DeepSeek?

It depends on the task. DeepSeek is great for technical tasks and structured responses, but ChatGPT is better for creativity and conversations. Other models like Claude and Gemini may perform better than DeepSeek in tasks that involve multimodal AI capabilities or reasoning.

3. Which Model Is Best for AI?

There is no quote on quote “best AI model”. It all comes down to the task being carried out. For general purposes, ChatGPT is an excellent choice. DeepSeek performs better on technical streamlined tasks.

4. Is DeepSeek Better Than ChatGPT for the Environment?

There is no clear data comparing the environmental impact of DeepSeek and ChatGPT. All AI models require significant computing power, which consumes energy. Generally, smaller and more efficient models tend to be more environmentally friendly. But if DeepSeek is optimized for lower energy consumption, it could be more sustainable.