ChatGPT is a writing tool and DeepSeek is a coding tool, so they do different jobs: pick by the job first. ChatGPT has the higher Solthar Score, 98 to 94. ChatGPT is free to start, with paid plans; DeepSeek is free to start, with paid plans.
| ChatGPT | DeepSeek | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Writing · Assistant | Coding · Assistant |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Solthar Score | 98/100 | 94/100 |
ChatGPT: what it does
The best-known AI assistant. Chat with it to write, answer questions, explain things and help with code. ChatGPT is free to start, with paid plans, with a free trial. Solthar Score: 98/100.
Key features
- Multimodal reasoning
- Custom GPTs
- Advanced voice
Strengths
- Best-in-class reasoning
- Huge ecosystem
Trade-offs
- Rate limits on free tier
DeepSeek: what it does
Open, remarkably capable reasoning models that upended the cost of frontier AI. DeepSeek is free to start, with paid plans, with a free trial. Solthar Score: 94/100.
Key features
- R1 reasoning model
- Open weights
- Very low cost
Strengths
- Frontier quality, tiny price
- Open to self-host
Trade-offs
- Hosted version raises data questions
Which should you choose?
Choose ChatGPT if best-in-class reasoning matters most to you. Choose DeepSeek if frontier quality, tiny price matters more. If you only try one, ChatGPT scores higher overall.