From answering complex questions to generating code, ChatGPT dominated the AI market with its coding, reasoning, and creativity credibility. With the announcement of a cost-effective Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, breaking all the benchmarks, and also real-world tasking.
In this article, I will conduct an in-depth comparison of DeepSeek and ChatGPT, comparing in coding, writing, maths, and daily tasks. After reading this article, you will get to know which AI to use for a particular task. Without any further ado, let’s dive into a comparison.
Overview of DeepSeek and ChatGPT
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is an AI model developed by a Chinese startup, designed specifically for advanced reasoning, coding, and problem-solving. Unlike many proprietary AI models, it is an open-source model, allowing developers and researchers to tweak and enhance it according to their needs.
DeepSeek R1, the latest version, has demonstrated strong performance in mathematical calculations, logic-based reasoning, and programming tasks, making it ideal for developers and data analysts.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is one of the most widely used AI chatbots. It excels in natural language processing (NLP), conversational AI, and content creation. Unlike DeepSeek, it has multiple versions, including GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and GPT-4.5, which offer varying levels of intelligence and access.
ChatGPT is particularly powerful in engaging conversations, providing general knowledge, and generating creative content, making it a go-to AI assistant for writers, customer service teams, and students.
Key Feature Comparison
| Feature | DeepSeek R1 | ChatGPT (GPT-4) |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Yes (MIT License) | No |
| Reasoning Skills | Strong (math, logic, coding) | Good (but not specialized) |
| Conversational Ability | Limited (focus on problem-solving) | Excellent, human-like responses |
| Coding Ability | Strong (54.8% on HumanEval) | Very strong (67% on HumanEval) |
| Math Performance | 45.3% (GSM8K Benchmark) | 42.3% (GPT-4-turbo) |
| Multimodal Support | No | Yes (text + images) |
| Customization | Fully customizable | Limited customization |
| Pricing | Free & affordable token-based pricing | Free (GPT-3.5), $20/month (GPT-4) |
| Deployment | Self-hosted & API | API & web-based |
Performance Benchmarks with Real-Life Use Cases
To evaluate AI models, researchers use industry-standard benchmarks. Here’s how DeepSeek and ChatGPT compare across different AI tests, along with real-world applications:
1. Mathematical Reasoning (GSM8K)
- DeepSeek R1: 45.3%
- ChatGPT (GPT-4-turbo): 42.3%
- Winner: DeepSeek R1 (better at solving math problems)
2. Coding Proficiency (HumanEval Test)
- DeepSeek R1: 54.8%
- ChatGPT (GPT-4-turbo): 67%
- Winner: ChatGPT (better at code generation and problem-solving)
3. General Knowledge and Reasoning (MMLU Benchmark)
- DeepSeek R1: 71.8%
- ChatGPT (GPT-4): 86.4%
- Winner: ChatGPT (stronger in general knowledge understanding)
4. Logical Reasoning (ARC Benchmark)
- DeepSeek R1: 64.5%
- ChatGPT (GPT-4): 70.1%
- Winner: ChatGPT (better at abstract reasoning tasks)
Real World Testing
Content Creation
As a content writer, I use AI to frame the outlines, content ideas, and content gap. I tested both models to create an outline for a blog post on a debate of artificial intelligence. I asked “Create an outline for a blog post debating the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in education.”
DeepSeek Response:
It provided the same as ChatGPT, but suggested adding the FOQs, case studies with real life examples, and an infographic to make it visually appealing. It included the Pros and Cons of AI in Education and striking a balance. DeepSeek made the intro more casual than ChatGPT and suggested a few FAQs.
ChatGPT Response:
On the hand, ChatGPT provided the same as DeepSeek but did not suggest anything around content. Both chatbots provided the same content structure, but DeepSeek wins with add-on suggestions. While creating a blog post crafted in Canvas, where you can edit the content as you want. ChatGPT wins when it comes to making creative and engaging content.
Maths
DeepSeek Response:
In this test, I asked a geometry question to test math credibility, fed the question to both models. Here is what I asked, “A 10-meter vertical pole casts a 6-meter shadow on flat ground. At the same moment, a nearby building casts a 30-meter shadow. How tall is the building? DeepSeek answered well and also stated which concept was used in the problem, along with explaining the example before getting into the formula.
To determine the height of the building, we can use the concept of similar triangles. When two objects cast shadows under the same lighting conditions (e.g., the sun at the same position), the ratios of their heights to the lengths of their shadows are equal.
ChatGPT Response:
While ChatGPT answered quickly without giving any example of why it occurs, and stating all the terms used. Both models provided correct and the same answer with proper explanation.
Coding
DeepSeek Response:
In this process, I gave instructions to DeepSeek to write code using HTML, CSS, and JS to create a progress bar. I asked, “Create an HTML progress bar that fills from 0% to 100% over 5 seconds using CSS animations. Add a JavaScript button to reset it.”
DeepSeek gave code that functions well, with a hover function and Reset button. As you can see the image. The interface animation is not bad as I thought.
ChatGPT Response:
On the other hand, ChaGPT gave an impressive code compared to DeepSeek. The progress bar fills smoothly with animation, accompanied by a dynamic percentage display, but the start and reset button have no hover effect and a circular button.
Both models added some interface features, and DeepSeek missed dynamic percentage display as I didn’t mention in the prompt. GPT missed the add hover effect on the button, which DeepSeek did.
Pros and Cons of DeepSeek and ChatGPT
DeepSeek Pros:
- ✅ Open-source model allows full customization.
- ✅ Strong mathematical and logical reasoning capabilities.
- ✅ Great for coding and problem-solving tasks.
- ✅ Cost-effective and flexible deployment options.
- ✅ Privacy-friendly since it can be self-hosted.
DeepSeek Cons:
- ❌ Limited conversational capabilities; lacks fluency in general discussions.
- ❌ No multimodal support (cannot process images or other media).
- ❌ Less creative in generating engaging content.
ChatGPT Pros:
- ✅ Excellent natural language generation for engaging conversations.
- ✅ Strong creative writing and content generation capabilities.
- ✅ Multimodal support (handles text and images).
- ✅ User-friendly and easily accessible via OpenAI’s API and web app.
ChatGPT Cons:
- ❌ Proprietary and closed-source, limiting customization.
- ❌ More expensive, especially for GPT-4 usage.
- ❌ Weaker mathematical reasoning compared to DeepSeek.
- ❌ Requires an internet connection (no self-hosted option).
Which One Should You Choose?
Use DeepSeek If You:
- Need a cost-effective AI for coding, math, and logic-based tasks.
- Want an open-source model that can be customized.
- Prefer self-hosted AI rather than relying on cloud-based solutions.
- Are a developer, data analyst, or researcher who needs an AI tool for technical tasks.
Use ChatGPT If You:
- Need an AI for conversations, creative writing, and general queries.
- Want a more user-friendly experience without technical setup.
- Prefer multimodal capabilities (text + images).
- Are a content creator, marketer, or customer service professional looking for AI-powered assistance.
Conclusion
Both DeepSeek and ChatGPT are impressive AI models, but they serve different purposes. If you’re looking for a powerful open-source AI for coding and problem-solving, DeepSeek R1 is a great choice. However, if you need a well-rounded AI for conversations, content creation, and multimodal applications, ChatGPT is the better option.
I included real-world testing to check the model’s real performance, does it match the benchmarks or not? Choose a model that suits your requirements. I categorized where DeepSeek and ChatGPT fit. If you have any other model comparison, then suggest in comments, I will be happy to compare them.
Is DeepSeek Better Than ChatGPT for Essay Writing
No, ChatGPT creates more engaging and detailed context than DeepSeek in essay writing. DeepSeek primarily generates good context in technical aspects, but you can use it for structuring the outlines, and writing an argumentative essay.
Is DeepSeek Better Than ChatGPT for Math
DeepSeek is better in calculus, algebra, statistics than ChatGPT, whereas GPT is best for very complex and multi-step math problems.
Is DeepSeek Better Than ChatGPT for Coding
Yes, DeepSeek generates more accurate and concise codes than ChatGPT. While ChatGPT is better for explaining and learning the codes in the beginning stage.
I’m Ryker Alden, a writer, and contributor at DeepSeek Insider, where I craft queries, troubleshoot problems and create accessible tutorials. With a passion for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language models (LLMs), I focus on breaking down complex AI concepts into clear, simple language to engage and educate a broad audience.