Why I Switched from ChatGPT to DeepSeek: 4 Key Reasons

Since its inception, I’ve been utilizing ChatGPT, which continues to hold a prominent position in the landscape of AI chatbots. However, I’ve made the decision to transition to its latest rival, DeepSeek, and there’s a solid reason behind this choice.

1
DeepSeek Is Complimentary

DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company and its namesake chatbot. Its flagship models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, have gained attention for being more cost-effective to train and operate compared to similar models.

In contrast to ChatGPT and other AI platforms, DeepSeek is entirely free of charge. There’s no premium version, and the complimentary plan provides users with access to the top versions of the DeepSeek model. While ChatGPT has a free tier, its more advanced models require a subscription. ChatGPT Plus costs $20 a month, and ChatGPT Professional can set you back $200 a month. Many people find value in paying for high-end AI applications, but I find it difficult to justify such an expense when there are numerous excellent free alternatives available.

With DeepSeek, you can achieve results comparable to ChatGPT and other major AI tools without any cost. If an AI solution can deliver quality outputs for free, why wouldn’t I choose to use it?

2
It’s Nearly Open-Source

Another significant advantage of DeepSeek is its transparency regarding certain internal processes. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is effectively a black box, DeepSeek has made its model training parameters (weights) available to the public. However, this doesn’t equate to being fully open-source; the training code and datasets remain proprietary. Only the end results from the training process are publicly accessible.

This means the project cannot be entirely replicated, but DeepSeek and similar open-weight models represent a step forward. Users can adjust the weights within the DeepSeek model, allowing for retraining on custom datasets. Given enough examples, it’s possible to develop a tailored model that responds optimally to specific queries.

3
It Can Be Operated Locally

One of DeepSeek’s most significant advantages is its capability to operate locally. Many users of ChatGPT and other online AI chatbots find it frustrating to require an internet connection for access. All interactions with these models are dependent on external servers, putting you at the mercy of their infrastructure, privacy policies, and any potential server outages.

With DeepSeek, you have the option to install and run a version directly on your machine. This means you won’t have to send personal information to external servers and can work offline whenever necessary. Local access to a large language model (LLM) allows for experimentation without interruptions and offers consistent availability. The ability to operate DeepSeek from your own computer gives you unparalleled control.

4
The Reasoning Model Unveils More of Its Thought Process

Both ChatGPT-o1 and DeepSeek-R1 include a “chain of thought” method that provides insight into how the model evaluates the input prior to reaching a conclusion. ChatGPT tends to simplify this reasoning, offering a condensed response instead. In contrast, DeepSeek-R1 displays more of its “thought process,” allowing for easier identification of any reasoning errors and enhanced optimization of your prompts.

While there are various alternatives to ChatGPT, it remains the most well-known AI chatbot. DeepSeek, however, stands out as an exceptional and cost-free alternative.