Everyone’s asking about DeepSeek vs ChatGPT and which one is better. But before I answer the question I have two observations, ok maybe three, that’ll provide food for thought
First up, the way China’s free AI-powered chatbot, DeepSeek, (with a look and feel very similar to Open AI’s ChatGPT) entered the AI race was stunning.
DeepSeek didn’t just lace up its shoes and head to the start line.
It came out of nowhere, as an underdog, and blazed its way to the finish line, leaving every other AI platform (Gemini. Claude, Perplexity, Grok etc,) wondering what the heck just happened!
Secondly, let’s talk about the timing of its debut.
DeepSeek was released on the same day the world’s top tech titans stood directly behind President Trump at his inauguration.
The photos beamed across the world made for a powerful story and signalled that America’s AI, and its tech in general, had new friends, and close political allies.
DeepSeek’s debut felt like China was making a statement, saying: “Ahh, this is the perfect time to release our model, let’s show the US they’re not as big as they think.”
Thirdly, we’ve got to talk about the impact of DeepSeek’s release.
The market turbulence hit chip manufacturers hard and also rattled the US dollar. The pants-down surprise of the tech titans was startling, and Trump’s declaration that “America must catch up,” reinforced how much AI is going to be used as a geopolitical tool.
How’s that for context?
But you’re not here for context only so I’m going to do my very best to make sure by the end of this post you have a deep appreciation for which AI model – DeepSeek or ChatGPT- you should be investing your time in.
Here’s a note of caution though.
Technology changes, AI morphs and changes every second.
My take in this post, written specifically for small biz owners, may not be current next week or even tomorrow.
And yet, as I promise to update the information as more shifts occur, I hope my observations give you a taste for how I think about exploring AI and finding what works best for me
And how AI knowledge and its implementation are available to you, once you lean in, and make the time.
Let’s dive in.
DeepSeek AI and ChatGPT
Let’s put the two AI models into a ring for a quick glance.
DeepSeek AI: new disruptor, an open-source powerhouse that’s making developers rethink how AI models should work.
Supposedly it was built on Open AI’s back, aka dataset (still not confirmed) which means it can do all ALMOST things ChatGPT can do.
Plus it’s a developer’s dream for enterprise-level applications with a focus on providing industry-specific solutions.
ChatGPT: the reigning champion, synonymous with AI itself. This LLM has a two-year head start on DeepSeek and also an established track record in content writing, customer support, video creation, etc.
When I think about this ChatGPT vs DeepSeek debate, it reminds me of the popular fashion TV show “Who Wore It Better?”
Or maybe this AI knockout should be renamed: “Who Did It Better?”—because this isn’t about looks, it’s about the AI models’ performance.
Also, can we be real and talk about cost for a second?
A tech stack isn’t cheap.
The price of a good tech stack could buy your groceries for a year. 😅
And as a small business owner trying to keep costs low, dropping a paid AI platform for a solid free alternative sounds tempting.
But you’ve got to understand what you’re working with.
Here’s a note of caution though. Technology changes, AI morphs and changes every second.
My take on this post written specifically for small biz owners, may not be current next week or even tomorrow.
And yet as I promise to update the information as more shifts occur, I hope my observations give you a taste of how I think about exploring AI and finding what works best for me
And how the AI knowledge and its implementation are available to you, once you lean in and make the time.
What is DeepSeek AI?
When folks go down the Google rabbit hole searching for answers in the DeepSeek vs ChatGPT race, two things stand out as differentiators: open source and cost.
We’re going to get to cost a bit later but I want to address open source and what does it even mean?
Without getting into the weeds; I need you to think of open source as access.
Your ability to get behind a wall of some kind and work on something, view the behind-the-scenes, so to speak.
ChatGPT started as an Open Source but changed its tune citing the need to have a closed model for safety, business, and strategic reasons.
But facts are facts
Open AI also needed to generate revenue just to be able to sustain its rapid advancements and all the computing expenses needed to run ChatGPT
“Corporate greed for the win,” is what some critics said.
And that’s why there is this big hoopla about DeepSeek.
It’s the exact opposite of being closed and putting things behind a paywall.
DeepSeek is open-source.
That simply means developers and business owners like you and I can tinker with it, modify it, and make it our own.
I think the fact the people could access DeepSeek for free was what got it the most applause.
Developers were cheering.
Some of DeepSeek’s many advantages include:
- Open-source – Unlike ChatGPT, DeepSeek isn’t locked behind a paywall. It’s designed to be more accessible for developers who want full control over how they use AI.
- Built for coding – I asked my developer about this. He described it as a powerful tool for the work he does: debugging, code generation, and AI-assisted development.
- Tailored for industry specificity – It can handle complex queries, data analysis, and decision-making tasks in sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics.
- Alternative to big AI – If you’re looking for something outside of OpenAI’s ecosystem; DeepSeek is a good alternative with a familiar interface. *** Just don’t ask it about Taiwan or Tiananmen Square though***
Now, before this seems like a ChatGPT pity party, I want you to jump ship, and together let’s focus on the AI model that’s already a household name
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is sort of like the mothership, right? I mean before Open AI released its Large Language Model (LLM) and before the emergence of ChatGPT dominated the news cycle around the world, AI wasn’t real to us.
It existed in other formats for sure but ChatGPT made the words Artificial Intelligence functional. A tool we could use in ways we hadn’t before.
ChatGPT has become the go-to AI assistant for just about everything.
Why? Because it’s:
- Super user-friendly – You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it. Just type in a question and get an instant AI-generated response.
- Ridiculously versatile – So if you’ve tried it, you know it does copy, marketing, research, coding etc.
- Always improving – OpenAI has kept on rolling out new updates, making the model smarter, faster, and better over time.
Of course, it comes at a price—literally. But hold that thought, I’m getting to it soon.
DeepSeek Vs ChatGPT: Performance in Natural Language Processing
If you’ve been around on my blog for a while, you know my main currency is language—words, copy, storytelling.
So let’s say after spending thousands of hours on AI, I know a thing or two about what makes AI feel engaging, human, and natural.
Now, granted, I’ve guided AI to match my brand voice. But still, when I compare DeepSeek and ChatGPT…
I’ll give Sam Altman’s baby the nod here over the AI model from China.
After my guidenace, I got ChatGPT to match my tone, syntax, and brand voice with 99% accuracy.
Such a game changer but there was one red flag.
Even when ChatGPT gets something wrong, it still sounds convincing.
And if you don’t fact-check, cross reference, you could end up believing and spreading AI-generated, hallucinatory misinformation just because it’s wrapped in a smooth, butter-like delivery.
Where DeepSeek Stands
DeepSeek is still ironing out its delivery. It was noticeably slower than ChatGPT at the time of my first testing and, while its language capabilities are good, they aren’t quite great yet.
I tested them both with this prompt I created for a video series.
ChatGPT gave me a more natural-sounding output using the same input that I also placed into DeepSeek.
That said, DeepSeek works well with a structured prompt.
If you’re still using generic, half-baked prompts, don’t expect magic.
AI is only as good as the instructions it gets. That is true of both DeepSeek and ChatGPT
If you refine your prompts, DeepSeek can deliver structured, well-organised responses—but it takes a bit more effort.
Natural Language Processing Verdict: Who Wins?
For business owners, content creators, and writers—even casual users—ChatGPT wins this round.
The language fluidity, response speed, and adaptability are hard to beat.
But if cost is your dealbreaker in selecting between the 2, don’t allow it to stop you from using AI.
DeepSeek is a really good free alternative—just be prepared to work a little harder to get the most natural-sounding copy.
For developers who just need clean AI processing—DeepSeek holds its own. It’s been said to deliver precise and relevant responses in complex scenarios and can tailor its output to meet specific business needs.
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Accuracy and Knowledge Base
This could be a story of AI stealing from AI, who—let’s be real—stole from the public in the first place.
So basically, a thief robbing a thief.
I’m writing this tongue in cheek, of course, but if the allegations hold up? What a story that would be.
There have been whispers (okay, maybe more than whispers) that DeepSeek AI was trained on ChatGPT’s outputs.
Meaning instead of just learning from public datasets, it may have been learning from ChatGPT itself—kind of like a student copying notes from the smartest kid in class.
Ok, ok we don’t have the receipts. Nothing has been confirmed. No one has publicly called a spade a spade.
So, for now, we’re leaving that as a very juicy, very unproven allegation.
Here’s what we do know.
Both ChatGPT and DeepSeek were trained on massive datasets—check. However, if ChatGPT is your GP then Deep Seek is your heart specialist.
What do I mean?
ChatGPT was trained on general data sets.
They’ve been clear saying that its diverse dataset includes books, articles, websites, and other publicly available text (like your own work and creativity, maybe)
ChatGPT is a general-purpose model.
However, DeepSeek stands tall with industry-specific datasets and is trained to address harder, domain-specific challenges.
For example, in investment, it can analyse market trends better, while in healthcare, it can assist with medical diagnoses.
A Powerful Advantage
However, only one of them has real-time access to fresh information.
If I’m being 100% honest, ChatGPT is starting to feel like an actual search engine.
Here’s a mini break down.
ChatGPT: If you need AI to pull in the latest data, news, trends, and updates, ChatGPT has you covered—at least the paid version does.
The free one? It’s stuck in September 2023, meaning anything beyond that? It doesn’t exist in its world.
DeepSeek on the other hand, is a different beast.
Since it’s open-source, its knowledge base isn’t updated by OpenAI—it’s entirely dependent on how (and if) developers choose to improve it.
There’s no built-in real-time browsing, so if you ask it about today’s breaking news or the latest AI trends, you’ll hear crickets.
The Verdict
- Need the latest information or to make AI your search engine? ChatGPT (GPT-4o) is your best bet for a wide range of topics and tasks.
- Want an open-source model you can modify? DeepSeek offers customisation and it’s a powerhouse in specialized industries like finance, healthcare, and logistics.
Infographic via: Sumit Arora found on Google
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Coding & Programming
I’m no coder, but I went straight to my systems administrator to get his take on this one.
He didn’t give me a long-winded answer. Nope. Instead, he quoted Rihanna when talking about DeepSeek:
“Shine bright like a diamond.” That’s it. That’s what I got out of him.
DeepSeek AI: Built for Developers
DeepSeek is open-source, and I’ve already talked about what that means.
In the coding world, open source really matters. It means you can modify, tweak, and train the AI for specific coding needs.
Sami, my systems expert, also pointed out that DeepSeek is fast and efficient for debugging, code generating complex scripts and solving programming problems with AI-assisted reasoning.
I don’t know much about coding, I follow Sami’s lead but if you’re a hardcore developer who likes to get your hands dirty and optimise tools to your own needs, DeepSeek is your new best friend.
ChatGPT : A Powerhouse, But It’s Closed Off
Let’s be clear—ChatGPT is still a beast when it comes to programming. But here’s the thing: it’s closed-source.
That means no behind-the-scenes tinkering. No modifying the AI model to fit your custom development needs. OpenAI keeps it locked down.
That being said, competition is a beautiful thing.
Since DeepSeek entered the chat, OpenAI is levelling up its game, and GPT-4o’s coding capabilities are sharper than ever.
The Verdict:
- DeepSeek: For hardcore developers who want full control → DeepSeek is the better pick.
- ChatGPT: For general coding help, debugging, and AI-assisted programming → ChatGPT still dominates.
DeepSeek Vs ChatGPT: Response Quality and Creativity
I think of creativity as flair.
And when it comes to AI, the final output—whether it’s written, drawn, or produced—shouldn’t feel like it was entirely created by a robot.
This isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s about how engaging, creative, and human-like the response you get from AI feels.
I keep coming back to January, when I had to write, produce, and direct a video series—and the absolute magic of using ChatGPT to do it.
(You can read the full creative experience with ChatGPT HERE.)
In this experience, ChatGPT delivered responses, script frameworks, and lists that were creative, nuanced, and deeply engaging.
How do I know? I tested the exact same prompts in DeepSeek and what I got was… good.
But I’m a trained and award-winning producer. I know the difference between good and great.
Where ChatGPT Wins
Whether you need a marketing campaign, a witty caption, or a storytelling-driven blog post, ChatGPT nails tone, pacing, and audience appeal better than DeepSeek. (Remember you’ve got to guide it to find your brand voice)
Where DeepSeek Stands
DeepSeek AI generates structured content well—very well. But in the experiment with my video series, DeepSeek lacked the creative flair that makes ChatGPT stand out.
Of course, I’ll spend more time testing and exploring. But for now, here’s my take.
The Verdict
- ChatGPT: The best choice for storytelling, marketing, and high-engagement content.
- DeepSeek: Great for structured responses—because let’s be real, not everything needs flair, right?
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Text-to-Video Generation
Let’s talk Sora. To get the full, unlimited power of this text-to-video beast, you’ve got to cough up $200 a month.
I tried it for one month only. And I loved it.
So now, I’m side-eyeing all my other subscriptions, seeing what I can cancel because $2,400 a year for Sora is a full-on financial commitment.
Sora (by OpenAI): The Gold Standard of AI Video
Sora is cutting-edge, game-changing, and a little terrifyingly good at what it does. It takes a text prompt and spits out highly realistic, dynamic, cinematic-level videos.
Is it perfect? No.
But it’s so ridiculously impressive wonder filmmaker Tyler Perry halted the build out of his studios and declared AI a Hollywood threat.
Sora once done well can be turned into a filmmaker’s dream, a marketer’s magic wand, and a content creator’s tool.
I get concerns about it’s impact on jobs and how the cost stacks up for a small biz owner.
But I get why someone would add it to their tech stack, especially those looking to create supplemental video content to help with marketing, etc.
DeepSeek AI: No Text-to-Video—At Least, Not Yet
DeepSeek is not in this race, at least at the time of writing and as far as the reports go.
DeepSeek excels at AI-assisted development, text processing, and structured responses.
But video generation is simply not in its toolbox.
For now, if you want AI-powered video magic, Sora is your best bet.
The Verdict
- For AI-powered video creation—Sora is unmatched.
- DeepSeek focuses on text-based and programming applications, not video generation.
Let’s make AI your VP Of Business and Content. . 💅🏼
Snag instant access to my guide book of 20 AI Prompts to rev up your content marketing team. Power up your knowledge with an AI playbook on how to build prompts that work and more. Link >>> HERE <<< or click the image below ⬇️
DeepSeek vs ChatGPT: Availability and Pricing
Until DeepSeek levels up in creativity, copy, and speed, I’ll keep spending on ChatGPT—but I’m still testing DeepSeek every day, waiting for those upgrades in the areas I care about most.
Now, let’s talk numbers. Because at the end of the day, AI is only useful if it fits your budget.
This is where competition changes the game.
When DeepSeek launched as a completely free, open-source model, OpenAI had to make moves to stay ahead.
- Released o3-mini, a free, lightweight AI model with improved reasoning.
- Dropped the price of ChatGPT Plus from $20 to $10 for new users (first three months).
So, how do the numbers stack up?
- ChatGPT (Free – GPT-3.5): Available to anyone, but limited in capability.
- ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4o): $20/month ($10 for new users under promo). Faster, smarter, and includes real-time browsing.
- Sora: $200/month—because high-end AI video generation doesn’t come cheap.
- DeepSeek AI: Completely free, open-source, no paywalls, no subscriptions.
It’s your call—and honestly, you won’t go wrong with DeepSeek if free, open-source AI is what you need.
At the same time, ChatGPT still needs work. Hallucinations, wonky responses, those occasional nonsense answers—it’s not perfect either.
So the real question which one: DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT.
The real questions are: What do you need in your workflows?
Are you willing to pay to get precisely what you need? Or will you hold out for free?
Because at the end of the day, your answer is the only answer that matters.
Snag instant access to my guide book of 20 AI Prompts to rev up your content marketing team. Power up your knowledge with an AI playbook on how to build prompts that work and more. Link >>> HERE <<< or click the image below ⬇️
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