ChatGPT vs. DeepSeek: Which AI Model is Better?

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By the end of the year 2025, almost 75% of working professionals are going to rely upon AI tools(Forrester, 2025). For that, we need a clear winner between ChatGPT vs. DeepSeek so that you use the right tool.

We all know that AI has taken over almost every industry, changing how we work. Let’s answer some basic questions. First, why does this debate even matter? Why do we care which AI model is better, ChatGPT or DeepSeek? The answer is simple: almost every job demands AI tool proficiency, and companies are quick to get that little advantage over the competition. But is it all really working? Can you use any AI model without understanding its core functions? The short answer is no, but if you keep reading this blog, we’ll give you all the information that you need to get started with these tools.

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What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an OpenAI language model that’s renowned for being conversational and having natural language flexibility. It’s employed in ranging from emailing and creative content to writing code and resolving challenging questions. ChatGPT features a solid, easy-to-use interface that is compatible with virtually all platforms, thus becoming today’s business person’s best asset employed in marketing, customer services, education, and more.

ChatGPT has three plans to offer:

Basic:

This is a free plan which gives you access to multiple things like:

• Access to GPT-4o mini and reasoning
• Standard voice mode
• Real-time data from the web with search
• Limited access to GPT -4

Plus:

This is a popular plan for users who want extra access, and this would cost them 20$/ Month:

• You get extended limits on messaging, file uploads, advanced data analysis, and image generation
• Standard and advanced voice mode AI agents.
• Access to multiple reasoning models (o3-mini, o3-mini-high, and o1)

Pro:

This is the ultimate plan made for users who want to experience the best of GPT. This plan features some high-performing models and some impressive benchmarks, but it comes with a hefty price tag of $200/ Month:

• You get unlimited access to all reasoning models and GPT-4o
• You can use unlimited advanced voice assistants.
• Access to deep research and o1 pro mode, which uses more computing for the best answers to the hardest questions

What is DeepSeek?

Let’s start with an interesting fact about DeepSeek. DeepSeek is a new but extremely fast-growing Chinese start-up’s AI model. DeepSeek had a training price of $5.6 million, which means it comes down to a fractional amount. It costs 1/20th of the models like ChatGPT. 

DeepSeek is centered on enhanced and more advanced chain-of-thought reasoning called (Deep Reasoning). It is better than most traditional AI models like Gemini, Copilot, and GPT-4.

DeepSeek employs the latest training techniques, such as Mixture of Experts and Multi-head Latent Attention. It operates at much lower costs. Its susceptibility to open-source development also makes it highly attractive to technical experts who need top-level analytical skills for programming, financial analysis, and scientific experimentation.

Training Costs and Efficiency

One of the principal differences between these two models is the cost. Let’s see how it differs:

ChatGPT: Sam Altman, founder of Open AI, claims that their latest models have had very expensive training that cost roughly around 220 million USD. The best GPU chips, none other than Nvidia, power them.

DeepSeek: DeepSeek produces similar (and occasionally better) results at a small fraction of the cost. This was popular mainly because of its feasibility and efficiency. Chinese companies claim it came at a fraction of the cost of just 5.6 million dollars, which is a massive upgrade. This might attract a lot of investors as the cost is very low.

Breaking Down Complex Problems

When it comes to tackling multi-step problems:

ChatGPT has a decent reputation when it comes to doing all the basic tasks. For example, GPT can generate an image, shoot you a small video, write code, and much more. But most people aren’t satisfied with the level of results. The previous models did not use Sequential reasoning. Recently, ChatGPT launched a reasoning model that addresses this issue and has shown some significant improvements, but for that, you have to upgrade your plan.

DeepSeek is geared toward hard analytical challenges like doing SEO for a website. We have seen multiple times DeepSeek thriving in areas that require hardcore problem-solving. It has launched a feature called DeepThink, which is interesting for users who want to see the reasoning an AI model does behind these searches.

User Interface and Experience

Finally, let’s talk about usability:

ChatGPT has a very nice interface and a premium feel to it. It provides you with human-like conversations; you can talk to it, share your screen, and ask questions about it. You can do many tasks, but for a limited amount of time if you are on an unpaid plan.

DeepSeek isn’t quite as polished in UX yet, but the open-source and flexible nature will help you customize many things. In fact, you can see many improvements as the deep reasoning feature allows you to understand what it has been thinking. You get fewer features compared to ChatGPT, but it’s a matter of time.

Industry Trends and Benchmarks

• Performance: DeepSeek’s R1 model performs best on complex reasoning tasks, while ChatGPT achieves incredible speed (sub-2-second turnaround) for mundane tasks.
• Cost Efficiency: DeepSeek’s innovative training methods provide room for a thrifty budget, and therefore, it is a clear candidate for cost-effective deployments.
• Adoption: While ChatGPT takes precedence for creative endeavors, DeepSeek is rapidly gaining traction in analytical and technical uses.

Future Trends and Final Thoughts

What the future holds

• Hyperautomation: In 2025, we are looking at a world where every individual needs AI proficiency to stay relevant because we are expecting higher competition as to who uses these AI tools the best.
• Democratization of AI: Most AI tools like Misteral, Gemini, Co-Pilot, ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and many more are becoming accessible to everyone. This means that everybody, from small agencies to MNCs, could benefit from this change.

It’s your call whether you use ChatGPT or DeepSeek. Our goal is to keep you updated on all the recent models. If you are looking for a blog handle that will keep you updated about this, you can follow ValueX2. ValueX2 does more than educate people about AI tools. ValueX2 is here to empower working professionals by validating your skills and enhancing your resume. ValueX2 offers you certifications that can help you demonstrate your proficiency in modern AI tools and methodologies, giving you that extra edge in landing your dream job. We provide certifications from institutes like Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, and ICAgile. If you are looking for that extra push in your career, you know whom to contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best versions of ChatGPT and DeepSeek?

   ChatGPT has just launched its o3 model. The free version of ChatGPT provides access to the o3 mini reasoning model for a limited duration, whereas DeepSeek provides you with their R1 model, which is a high-end model at no cost.

2. Which model is better for my work?

   Both of these models compete against each other; after all, it’s the end user who eventually decides which model to use. There’s one perk for a GPT-4 subscription: you get access to multiple GPT-powered other tools, which is great. You’d have almost every tool, but if you’re considering going that high, we’ll bring you a full-fledged blog on Meta, and ChatGPT.

3. Can I expect any improvements in productivity by using these tools?

   You’ll see massive improvements in your day-to-day work if you start using them. We suggest that you start using them today. If you need a full guide on how to use these models best, comment on this blog, and we’ll do our best to give you all the information.

4. What future trends should I expect in 2025?

   In 2025, expect to see trends with new AI models and their new features; one cool example would be how, at the beginning of the year, Google came up with a screen share feature in Gemini 2.0. You have to keep yourself updated because even a month in AI time will feel like ages.