DeepSeek vs ChatGPT — the free AI challenger

Updated 2026-06-18 · DeepSeek became known as a low-cost ChatGPT challenger. The real question is quality, privacy and workflow — not price alone.

What is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company with models that compete with more expensive alternatives. V3 is the fast general model; R1 is aimed at reasoning.

Do not share customer data, trade secrets or sensitive information without approved data terms.

Results — DeepSeek vs ChatGPT

DeepSeek

—/10

hvilkenAI score

Language—/10

Instruction—/10

Speed—

Price—

OpenAI: GPT-5.5

7.1/10

hvilkenAI score

Language4.0/10

Instruction10.0/10

Speed—

Price$5.00/1M

Main finding: OpenAI: GPT-5.5 leads in today’s data. DeepSeek is interesting on price and coding, while ChatGPT is stronger as a product and ecosystem.

Price — the big difference

DeepSeek is often dramatically cheaper via API and offers generous free use. ChatGPT has broader product features, but the best features often require a subscription.

Privacy — the big trade-off

DeepSeek has a Chinese connection and should not be used for sensitive business information. For private, non-sensitive experimentation, it can be a strong free option. AI privacy.

Our recommendation

Private use

Worth trying for free, especially for coding and logic.

Students

Useful for coding, maths and explanations — but do not share sensitive material.

Businesses

Avoid DeepSeek for sensitive information unless your organisation has approved it.

Developers

Can be cost-effective for prototypes; assess data requirements before production.

FAQ

Is DeepSeek safe to use?

For general non-sensitive use: yes, with caveats.

Is DeepSeek better than ChatGPT?

On price and some technical tasks it can be strong. ChatGPT is broader as a product.

DeepSeek R1 vs V3?

V3 is fast and general; R1 is for reasoning.

Can I use DeepSeek at work?

Only for non-sensitive work if your organisation approves it.