What DeepSeek does
DeepSeek is an AI assistant and model family from Hangzhou-based DeepSeek. You can chat with it in a web app or mobile app, switch on DeepThink for step-by-step reasoning, or use Search to pull in web results. Developers reach the same models through an API that accepts both OpenAI and Anthropic request formats. Its main draw is low API pricing, with off-peak rates at half the peak price and a 1M-token context window.
Best for
- Everyday chat and reasoning on web or phone
- Developers who want a low-cost LLM API
- Teams already using OpenAI or Anthropic SDKs who want a drop-in backend
- Coding agents that need long context
Key features
DeepThink mode
Turns on a reasoning mode that works through a problem before answering; the API supports both thinking and non-thinking modes.
Web search
The chat app has a Search option, and the API now offers standalone Search and Fetch endpoints billed per request.
1M-token context
Both current API models (deepseek-flash and deepseek-v4-pro) accept up to 1M tokens of context, with output up to 384K tokens.
OpenAI and Anthropic compatible
The API accepts OpenAI-format and Anthropic-format requests, so tools like Claude Code or OpenCode can use DeepSeek as their backend.
Harness desktop client
DeepSeek Harness, a desktop agent client, is in developer preview.
DeepSeek pricing
DeepSeek has a free plan. The DeepSeek mobile app is listed as free on the App Store; API usage is billed separately from a prepaid balance. Paid plans start at $0.30 per 1M input tokens. Peak hours are 01:00-04:00 and 06:00-10:00 UTC on weekdays; all other hours are billed at half price. Cached input is much cheaper. Search and Fetch cost $0.75 per 1,000 successful requests. Fees come out of a topped-up or granted balance. Prices checked on the official site on Nov 9, 2026.
| App | $0 | Free download on the App Store |
|---|---|---|
| API: deepseek-flash | $0.30 per 1M input tokens (cache miss), $1.20 per 1M output tokens | Peak rates; off-peak is half |
| API: deepseek-v4-pro | $1.32 per 1M input tokens (cache miss), $3.96 per 1M output tokens | Peak rates; off-peak is half |
Source: DeepSeek pricing page
Pros and cons
What it does well
- API prices are low, and off-peak usage costs half.
- Works with existing OpenAI and Anthropic SDKs by changing the base URL.
- Large 1M-token context window on both API models.
Know before you sign up
- API access is prepaid: you top up a balance and usage is deducted from it.
- The deepseek-v4-pro model does not support image (vision) input.
- DeepSeek says prices may change and advises checking the pricing page regularly.
Alternatives to DeepSeek
HuggingChatChat with open-source AI models through Hugging Face.
ChatGPTAsk questions, create, and work with files in ChatGPT.
ClaudeWork through research, writing, files, and projects with Claude.
Google GeminiGet Google AI help for questions, research, and creative work.
GrokChat, search, reason, and create with Grok.
Chatbox AIWork across AI models in one app.
Questions about DeepSeek
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is an AI assistant and model family from Hangzhou-based DeepSeek. You can chat with it in a web app or mobile app, switch on DeepThink for step-by-step reasoning, or use Search to pull in web results. Developers reach the same models through an API that accepts both OpenAI and Anthropic request formats. Its main draw is low API pricing, with off-peak rates at half the peak price and a 1M-token context window.
Is DeepSeek free?
DeepSeek has a free plan. The DeepSeek mobile app is listed as free on the App Store; API usage is billed separately from a prepaid balance. Paid plans start at $0.30 per 1M input tokens. Peak hours are 01:00-04:00 and 06:00-10:00 UTC on weekdays; all other hours are billed at half price. Cached input is much cheaper. Search and Fetch cost $0.75 per 1,000 successful requests. Fees come out of a topped-up or granted balance. Prices checked on the official site on Nov 9, 2026.
How much does DeepSeek cost?
Paid plans start at $0.30 per 1M input tokens; plans listed on the official pricing page: App ($0), API: deepseek-flash ($0.30 per 1M input tokens (cache miss), $1.20 per 1M output tokens), API: deepseek-v4-pro ($1.32 per 1M input tokens (cache miss), $3.96 per 1M output tokens). Peak hours are 01:00-04:00 and 06:00-10:00 UTC on weekdays; all other hours are billed at half price. Cached input is much cheaper. Search and Fetch cost $0.75 per 1,000 successful requests. Fees come out of a topped-up or granted balance.
Who is DeepSeek best for?
Everyday chat and reasoning on web or phone, Developers who want a low-cost LLM API, Teams already using OpenAI or Anthropic SDKs who want a drop-in backend and Coding agents that need long context.
Where can I use DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is available on Web, iOS and API, according to its official site.
What are some alternatives to DeepSeek?
Similar ai assistants tools include HuggingChat, ChatGPT, Claude and Google Gemini. Compare them on the AI assistants page.