DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: A Complete Comparison
DeepSeek and ChatGPT are prominent names in artificial intelligence. They use powerful language models and excel at accomplishing technical tasks with greater speed and lower cost.
However, they have some key differences. This blog will compare DeepSeek and ChatGPT, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which model is right for you.
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is an AI development company founded in May 2023 by Lian Wenfenda, based in Hangzhou, China. The company focuses on developing open-source LLM models. In January 2025, after releasing its R1 reasoning model, the company went global.
Unlike US competitors, DeepSeek is open-source, and developers can use its API to build their AI agents. DeepSeek has claimed to have invested significantly less ($6 million) than ChatGPT GPT-4 ($100 million). Some tech enthusiasts have referred to DeepSeek as the Sputnik moment of AI.
DeepSeek aims to make Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge to various tasks.
Core technology of DeepSeek
DeekSeek uses MoE or a Mixture of Experts, to solve a particular task. MoE refers to having a higher number of smaller āexpertā models and assigning a specific expert model to solve a distinct query. MoE enables DeepSeek to have a large parameter count for powerful capability and uses only a small fraction of these parameters to improve computational efficiency.
It includes advanced innovations like reinforcement learning, hierarchical entropy-gated MoE (HE MoE), and device-constrained expert allocation (DCEA). Reinforcement learning enables the model to assign the right expert model to solve a particular problem. The āHe MoEā refines the expert selection process, and the DCEA ensures that the experts are assigned based on available computing resources.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a generative AI model developed by OpenAI, an American artificial intelligence development company owned by Microsoft. OpenAI has developed a series of AI models:
- GPT-3.5 Turbo
- GPT-4 Turbo
- GPT-4
- o1-preview and o1-mini
- GPT-4o mini
- GPT-4o.
OpenAI offers a range of products, such as
- ChatGPT
- DALL-E 2
- Codex
- Whisper
- Scholar
- Open AI Gym
- OpenAI API.
Core technology of ChatGPT
ChatGPT or generative pre-trained transformer, uses natural language processing (NLP) to create human-like dialogue. It uses specific algorithms and deep learning (a subset of machine learning) to find patterns and form human-like text through transformer neural networks.
It was trained online to learn human language and then it started using transcripts to learn basic conversation.
An overview of the difference between DeepSeek and ChatGPT
DeepSeek and ChatGPT are the two most powerful AI models, catering to different needs and having distinct technical infrastructure. Here are the major differences between these two platforms:
Model architecture
- DeepSeekĀ Uses a āmixture of expertsā or an āMoEā approach. MoE is like having a team of experts only relevant experts are called for a specific problem. This enables DeepSeek to optimize performance and resources.
- ChatGPT Uses the ātransformer modelā approach in which all AI experts work on every task. They are consistent but less efficient.
Accessibility and cost
- DeepSeek is an open-source platform. This means it is freely available and can be customized for needs.
- ChatGPT is freemium. The basic features are free; however, advanced capabilities require a subscription fee.
Performance
- DeepSeek has shown great accuracy in mathematical questions, notably higher than most competitions. This makes DeepSeek excellent for working on technical problems.
- ChatGPT has stronger capabilities for understanding context and providing more subtle responses across a broader range of subjects.
Customizations
- DeepSeek offers more advanced customizations that require technical knowledge and expertise.
- ChatGPT is more user-friendly and offers a smooth user experience, making it accessible for people who have just started their data science journey.
Development Philosophy
- DeppSeek focuses on innovative AI training models and less powerful hardware. It is a perfect example of turning lemons into lemonade and shows how engineering can be so clever to build something despite resource limitations.
- ChatGPT takes a more traditional approach to developing its AI model capabilities.
Feature-by-feature Comparison of ChatGPT and DeepSeek
This section will compare and analyze DeepSeek and ChatGPT based on their features. This will help you understand how these two work and can help you choose the right tool.
Writing assistance
- ChatGPT and DeepSeek can help with documentation and content creation; however, they have different approaches. ChatGPT can produce engaging and conversational content. This can be great for explaining technical data to a non-technical person or stakeholder.
- DeepSeek is great at creating formal documentation content and technical scenarios. This is important for documentation projects and technical specifications.
Coding and technical queries
- ChatGPT provides a code assistant that explains the code. This tool is great for new data science learners.
- DeepSeek takes a more direct approach and generates codes faster. It can be great if you want a quick fix to coding challenges.
Brainstorming
- ChatGPT can provide various approaches to a single problem, enabling you to explore all the analytical possibilities.
- DeepSeek offers a limited approach; however, these approaches are more thorough. This can be useful for a specific strategy in detail.
Learning and research
- ChatGPT provides a tutorial-style approach, which is ideal for learning new subjects. It breaks large, complex information into smaller, understandable pieces.
- DeepSeek prioritizes precision and precision. This is effective for quick reference or fact-checking data.
Cost and efficiency
- DeepSeek is highly cost-effective, using energy-efficient hardware and edge deployments. It is open-source and can benefit organizations that are working with limited resources.
- ChatGPT is paid and offers subscription plans. These features are valuable for professional data work.
Privacy and ethical concerns
- This is one of the most crucial aspects, especially with sensitive data. ChatGPT follows strict Western data protection rules. This makes chatGPT a safer choice for strict data privacy-compliant projects.
- DeepSeekās content moderation policies and data storage practices might be a concern, especially with sensitive data.
Pros and cons of DeepSeek and ChatGPT
Before using these AI models, you must understand their strengths and weaknesses. We have compiled the advantages and limitations of DeepSeek and ChatGPT.
Pros of DeepSeek and ChatGPT
Cons of DeepSeek and ChatGPT
Which AI to use?
Considering your requirements is important when choosing the right AI model. Here you can explore which AI suits which user profile.
Technical users and developers
If you are focused on coding, data analysis, and technical documentation, DeepSeek is your guide. It provides flexible and cost-effective customizations and integrations into your project workflow. Despite this, extra verification steps for complex problems and analysis are performed.
General users, businesses, and content creators
ChatGPT is a great choice for creating interactive and engaging content for your stakeholders. This AI model has a user-friendly interface for creating refined content, documentation, and reports. ChatGPT supports both technical and non-technical.
Data privacy concerned users
ChatGPT strictly follows the Western privacy policies and regulations. It offers more transparent data handling policies and adheres to international privacy regulations.
ChatGPT Vs. DeepSeek
Conclusion
DeepSeek and ChatGPT are great AI models. Choosing between them requires a better understanding of the use case and technical requirements. Master Software Solutions provides custom AI agent development services to cater to your business needs. Schedule a free consultation call to discuss your business and see how we can help you.