DeepSeek R1 vs ChatGPT: The Best Free AI Model Compared

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. The tools mentioned are third-party platforms, and this blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI, DeepSeek, Apple, or any other company. Readers should always review official policies and terms of service before using AI tools for business or personal projects.

DeepSeek R1 vs ChatGPT: The Free AI Model Making Waves in the Industry

Artificial intelligence is advancing at a breathtaking pace, and a new name has suddenly caught global attention—DeepSeek R1. This model has quickly climbed to the top of the App Store charts, sparked heated debates within the AI community, and even made investors sit up and take notice.

Many early users are already calling it the best free alternative to ChatGPT. But does it really deliver on that promise, or is it just another passing trend?

In this article, we’ll explore what DeepSeek R1 is, how it compares to OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, and why it’s stirring up so much buzz in the tech world.

What is DeepSeek R1?

DeepSeek R1 is the latest reasoning model developed by the Chinese AI company DeepSeek. Unlike traditional language models that mainly predict the next word in a sentence, R1 is specifically built for multi-step reasoning, advanced problem-solving, and complex logic tasks.

This means it goes beyond casual conversation—it’s designed to handle coding, mathematics, and structured reasoning with near-human precision.

Why is DeepSeek R1 Gaining Attention?

The excitement around DeepSeek R1 isn’t just hype. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Comparable to GPT-4 Turbo – Early tests show performance on par with OpenAI’s premium model.
• Completely Free & Open Source – No subscription required, unlike GPT-4 Turbo which costs $20/month via ChatGPT Plus.
• Run Locally – Users can install DeepSeek R1 on their own devices, providing more privacy and independence from cloud servers.

This unique mix of power, accessibility, and transparency is exactly why the model is shaking up the industry.

The Cost Factor: Why Investors Are Watching

One of the most surprising headlines around DeepSeek R1 is its training cost. Reports suggest it was developed for under $6 million—a fraction of what leading AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic spend on similar models.

For businesses, the API pricing also highlights the cost advantage:

• DeepSeek R1: $219 per million output tokens
• GPT-4 Turbo: $60 per million output tokens

While the numbers may vary depending on usage, this stark difference has already made Wall Street pay attention.

DeepSeek R1 vs ChatGPT – Key Differences

Here’s how the two models compare:

• Reasoning Transparency: DeepSeek R1 displays its step-by-step reasoning, while ChatGPT only provides final answers.
• Reinforcement Learning: DeepSeek adjusts its reasoning in real-time when corrected.
• Coding Support: DeepSeek allows users to run HTML code directly in the app; ChatGPT does not.
• Writing Style: DeepSeek leans toward humor and creativity, while ChatGPT maintains a more polished, professional tone.

How to Use DeepSeek R1 on iPhone

Getting started is simple:

1. Download the app from the App Store (currently trending globally).
2. Sign in using Apple or Google.
3. Enable DeepSeek R1 in the app settings.
4. Optionally, turn on the web search function for real-time results.

Because iOS apps operate in a sandboxed environment, DeepSeek cannot access your personal data without permission, giving users peace of mind.

Running DeepSeek Locally on Mac or PC

Privacy-focused users can install DeepSeek on their own devices:

1. Download LM Studio.
2. Search for the DeepSeek R1 model.
3. Choose a version optimized for your hardware.

Running the model locally ensures that your data stays entirely on your device.

Privacy Considerations

Like most AI tools, DeepSeek does collect certain data such as keystroke patterns and IP addresses. However, this is comparable to what companies like OpenAI also gather.

For users who prefer maximum privacy, there are two options:

• Run DeepSeek entirely on local hardware.
• Use hosting providers outside of China, such as Together AI.

Real-World Performance: DeepSeek R1 vs GPT-4 Turbo

In real-world tests, here’s how the two compare:

• Math & Reasoning: DeepSeek often produced quicker, step-by-step solutions.
• Coding: DeepSeek offered real-time code execution, though ChatGPT’s output was more polished.
• Creative Writing: DeepSeek leaned toward humor and wit, while ChatGPT stayed professional.
• Apple Intelligence: Both models outperformed Apple’s AI, which struggled with basic tasks.

Final Verdict: Is DeepSeek R1 a Game-Changer?

DeepSeek R1 isn’t just another AI chatbot—it’s a serious competitor to ChatGPT and a clear sign of how open-source AI is evolving. Its mix of free access, high-level performance, and transparency makes it a strong choice for both developers and everyday users.

While OpenAI still holds advantages in areas like custom GPTs and voice features, DeepSeek R1 proves that the AI landscape is becoming more competitive than ever.

For anyone searching for a cost-effective, powerful, and open-source alternative to ChatGPT, DeepSeek R1 is definitely worth exploring.