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OpenAI vs DeepSeek Comparison

Last updated:

OpenAI

Starting at $0.05 per million input tokens

  • Small Business
  • Medium Business

OpenAI develops the GPT family and sells access to it through its own API, with a rate printed per million tokens for every model. The published card separates the tokens a request reads from the tokens the model writes,…

DeepSeek

Starting at $0.15 per million input tokens

  • Small Business
  • Medium Business

DeepSeek trains open-weight reasoning and general models and runs a priced API alongside the weight releases, so the same family can be called over HTTP or hosted on your own hardware. The rate card is unusual in two way…

OpenAI vs DeepSeek — at a glance

FeatureOpenAIDeepSeek
Rating——
Reviews——
Starting price$0.05 per million input tokens$0.15 per million input tokens
Free trial No No
Free version No No
Best forSmall Business, Medium Business, Large EnterprisesSmall Business, Medium Business, Large Enterprises
CategoryLarge Language Models (LLMs)Large Language Models (LLMs)
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Browser Based (Cloud)SaaS/Web/Cloud, Browser Based (Cloud)
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnlineOnline

Key differences between OpenAI and DeepSeek

  • Pricing: OpenAI starts at $0.05 per million input tokens, while DeepSeek starts at $0.15 per million input tokens.
  • Deployment: OpenAI supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Browser Based (Cloud); DeepSeek supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Browser Based (Cloud).

OpenAI vs DeepSeek — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Large Language Models (LLMs) tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

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OpenAI vs DeepSeek: Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

OpenAI

Best for

Small Business, Medium Business, Large Enterprises

DeepSeek

Best for

Small Business, Medium Business, Large Enterprises

OpenAI typically suits Small Business and Medium Business. DeepSeek tends to fit Small Business and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

OpenAI develops the GPT family and sells access to it through its own API, with a rate printed per million tokens for every model. The published card separates the tokens a request reads ... Read More about OpenAI

DeepSeek trains open-weight reasoning and general models and runs a priced API alongside the weight releases, so the same family can be called over HTTP or hosted on your own hardware. The ... Read More about DeepSeek

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $0.05
  • Starts from $0.15

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

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How do OpenAI and DeepSeek Compare on Features?

Total Features

11 Features

9 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare OpenAI and DeepSeek on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Starting From

      • $0.05
      • $0.15

      Pricing Plans

      • gpt-5-nano

        $0.05

        per million input tokens

        • Input 0.05 dollars per 1M tokens

        • Output 0.40 dollars per 1M tokens

        • Smallest published model on the card

      • gpt-6-luna

        $0.10

        per million input tokens

        • Input 0.10 dollars per 1M tokens

        • Output 0.50 dollars per 1M tokens

      • gpt-6.1-terra

        $1.00

        per million input tokens

        • Input 1.00 dollars per 1M tokens

        • Output 5.00 dollars per 1M tokens

      • Browse all pricing plans
      • deepseek-flash

        $0.15

        per million input tokens

        • Off-peak input 0.15 dollars per 1M tokens on a cache miss

        • Off-peak output 0.60 dollars per 1M tokens

        • Peak input 0.30 and output 1.20

        Show more +

      • deepseek-v4-pro

        $0.66

        per million input tokens

        • Off-peak input 0.66 dollars per 1M tokens on a cache miss

        • Off-peak output 1.98 dollars per 1M tokens

        • Peak input 1.32 and output 3.96

        Show more +

      OpenAI vs DeepSeek: Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers / Consultants
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers / Consultants

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, OpenAI or DeepSeek?
      OpenAI and DeepSeek are closely matched with equal user ratings of -1.0. The right choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific Large Language Models (LLMs) needs.
      Do OpenAI and DeepSeek offer a free trial?
      Neither OpenAI nor DeepSeek currently lists a free trial.
      What is the starting price of OpenAI vs DeepSeek?
      OpenAI starts at $0.05 per million input tokens. DeepSeek starts at $0.15 per million input tokens.