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DeepSeek R1 vs DeepSeek V3

DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3 are both Conversational AI tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, editorial scores, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Side-by-side comparison

AttributeDeepSeek R1DeepSeek V3
Product statusStatus not recordedStatus not recorded
VendorDeepSeekDeepSeek
Rating★ 4.6★ 4.7
PricingFreeFree
PlatformsSelf-hosted, Model weightsModel weights, Self-hosted code
Key featuresDownloadable R1 weights, Reasoning-text generation, Separate Qwen/Llama-derived distilled variantsVendor figure: 671B total parameters, Vendor figure: 37B active per token, MIT-licensed repository code
Headquarters——
Launched—2024
Open sourceYesNo

Key differences

  • DeepSeek V3 carries the higher editorial score (4.7★ vs 4.6★).
  • Both DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3 use a Free model.
  • DeepSeek R1 is open source (its code is public), while DeepSeek V3 is proprietary.
  • DeepSeek R1 runs on Self-hosted, Model weights; DeepSeek V3 runs on Model weights, Self-hosted code.

DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3 at a glance

DeepSeek R1

DeepSeek

DeepSeek's original downloadable R1 reasoning model and related distilled checkpoints, with model-specific licenses and self-managed computing costs.

Rating
4.6★
Pricing
Free

Editorial verdict

Consider the original R1 weights when you can evaluate outputs and operate the required stack; confirm any hosted R1 offer separately.

Strengths

  • Original model code/weights are published
  • Checkpoint and prompting guidance

Key features

  • Downloadable R1 weights
  • Reasoning-text generation
  • Separate Qwen/Llama-derived distilled variants

Best for

  • Reviewed reasoning or code experiments
  • Evaluating a specifically licensed checkpoint
Read the full DeepSeek R1 review →

DeepSeek V3

DeepSeek

Original 2024 DeepSeek-V3 Base/Chat weights and code: vendor-documented MoE architecture, MIT code and a separate model license; current hosted V3 access is unconfirmed.

Rating
4.7★
Pricing
Free

Editorial verdict

Evaluate original V3 as a specific downloadable release with separate code and weight licenses; verify infrastructure and any hosted version instead of borrowing today's API price or a frontier-quality claim.

Strengths

  • Published original Base/Chat weights and technical materials
  • Vendor-documented MoE architecture
  • Code and model-license documents available for review

Key features

  • Vendor figure: 671B total parameters
  • Vendor figure: 37B active per token
  • MIT-licensed repository code
  • Weights follow LICENSE-MODEL
  • Runtime costs depend on deployment

Best for

  • Pinned-release model research
  • License-aware self-hosting evaluation
  • Historical API and model migration inventory
Read the full DeepSeek V3 review →

Feature overlap

  • The two tools have no listed features in common — see both feature lists above.
  • DeepSeek R1 also lists: Downloadable R1 weights, Reasoning-text generation, Separate Qwen/Llama-derived distilled variants
  • DeepSeek V3 also lists: Vendor figure: 671B total parameters, Vendor figure: 37B active per token, MIT-licensed repository code, Weights follow LICENSE-MODEL, Runtime costs depend on deployment

Frequently asked questions

Is DeepSeek R1 or DeepSeek V3 better?

By editorial score, DeepSeek V3 scores higher (4.7★ vs 4.6★). Both are capable Conversational AI tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.

Which is cheaper, DeepSeek R1 or DeepSeek V3?

Both DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3 use a Free pricing model.

Are DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3 open source?

DeepSeek R1 is open source, while DeepSeek V3 is proprietary.

What platforms do DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3 support?

DeepSeek R1 supports Self-hosted, Model weights; DeepSeek V3 supports Model weights, Self-hosted code.

What are the main features of DeepSeek R1 and DeepSeek V3?

DeepSeek R1: Downloadable R1 weights, Reasoning-text generation, Separate Qwen/Llama-derived distilled variants. DeepSeek V3: Vendor figure: 671B total parameters, Vendor figure: 37B active per token, MIT-licensed repository code, Weights follow LICENSE-MODEL, Runtime costs depend on deployment.

Visit DeepSeek R1 →Visit DeepSeek V3 →

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