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DeepSeek R1 vs Qwen

DeepSeek R1 and Qwen 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 R1Qwen
Product statusStatus not recordedStatus not recorded
VendorDeepSeekAlibaba Cloud
Rating★ 4.6★ 4.6
PricingFreeFree
PlatformsSelf-hosted, Model weightsWeb, Mobile
Key featuresDownloadable R1 weights, Reasoning-text generation, Separate Qwen/Llama-derived distilled variantsConversational assistant interface, Search documented in the 2025 Chat announcement, Artifacts documented in the 2025 Chat announcement
Headquarters——
Launched——
Open sourceYesNo

Key differences

  • DeepSeek R1 and Qwen carry the same editorial score (4.6★).
  • Both DeepSeek R1 and Qwen use a Free model.
  • DeepSeek R1 is open source (its code is public), while Qwen is proprietary.
  • DeepSeek R1 runs on Self-hosted, Model weights; Qwen runs on Web, Mobile.

DeepSeek R1 and Qwen 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 →

Qwen

Alibaba Cloud

Alibaba's hosted Qwen Chat assistant; the chat application, Model Studio API and downloadable Qwen models have separate access, pricing and licensing conditions.

Rating
4.6★
Pricing
Free

Editorial verdict

Treat Qwen Chat as a hosted application. Confirm its actual account features and price; evaluate Model Studio billing and downloadable-model licenses separately.

Strengths

  • Official materials distinguish Chat from developer API access
  • Dated documentation describes search and artifacts
  • A separately licensed model route exists for deployment evaluation

Key features

  • Conversational assistant interface
  • Search documented in the 2025 Chat announcement
  • Artifacts documented in the 2025 Chat announcement
  • Web and mobile entry points

Best for

  • Reviewable conversational drafting
  • Checking search references from a supported account workflow
  • Comparing hosted chat, API integration and model deployment requirements
Read the full Qwen 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
  • Qwen also lists: Conversational assistant interface, Search documented in the 2025 Chat announcement, Artifacts documented in the 2025 Chat announcement, Web and mobile entry points

Frequently asked questions

Is DeepSeek R1 or Qwen better?

DeepSeek R1 and Qwen carry the same editorial score (4.6★), so the better choice depends on your needs — see the feature and platform comparison above.

Which is cheaper, DeepSeek R1 or Qwen?

Both DeepSeek R1 and Qwen use a Free pricing model.

Are DeepSeek R1 and Qwen open source?

DeepSeek R1 is open source, while Qwen is proprietary.

What platforms do DeepSeek R1 and Qwen support?

DeepSeek R1 supports Self-hosted, Model weights; Qwen supports Web, Mobile.

What are the main features of DeepSeek R1 and Qwen?

DeepSeek R1: Downloadable R1 weights, Reasoning-text generation, Separate Qwen/Llama-derived distilled variants. Qwen: Conversational assistant interface, Search documented in the 2025 Chat announcement, Artifacts documented in the 2025 Chat announcement, Web and mobile entry points.

Visit DeepSeek R1 →Visit Qwen →

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