Deep Seek vs Chat GPT 29. Jul, 2025

Deep Seek vs Chat GPT: Exploring the New Frontier in AI Language Models

In the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence, few topics have generated as much buzz as the recent debate over Deep Seek vs Chat GPT. It’s not just industry insiders talking; everyone from tech journalists to everyday users is searching for the best ChatGPT alternative, especially as new tools hit the market claiming to be faster, cheaper, or packed with smarter features.

In this article, we’ll dive into the face-off between Deep Seek and Chat GPT, using insights and direct testing results from the episode “Deep Seek vs Chat GPT” on A Journalist’s Guide To AI.

We’ll walk through how Deep Seek, the Chinese Chat GPT alternative, stacks up against the competitor, explore the growing landscape of AI, and offer thoughtful takeaways for anyone considering which large language model (LLM) best fits their needs.

What is Deep Seek?

To understand the Deep Seek vs Chat GPT debate, let’s start with Deep Seek itself. Deep Seek is a relatively new AI language tool developed by a private company in China. Upon its release, Deep Seek caused tech sector tremors significant stock market shifts and a spike in media coverage all hinted at the tool’s disruptive potential.

Why the excitement? On paper, Deep Seek checks a lot of boxes:

Open Source: Developers can access the source code and build on the platform, fostering innovation by giving the wider community free rein to experiment and improve the model.

Cost Effective: Deep Seek is seen as a cheaper solution compared to many paywalled LLMs, largely due to its distinct approach to dataset building.

Efficiency: Claims of faster performance and comparable output quality to Chat GPT have helped position Deep Seek as a leading alternative to Chat GPT.

But does it deliver on these promises? Let’s break it down by comparing it directly with Chat GPT.

The Deep Seek vs Chat GPT Comparison: Putting the Models to the Test

From the transcript, Yumi Wilson, the podcast’s host, set up three tangible scenarios to test both tools. She used the same prompts for both Deep Seek and Chat GPT free version, focusing on real-world applications crucial for journalists and content creators.

Test 1: News Summaries

The first round put each AI tool to the test by asking for the top three news summaries of the day, constrained to 100 words at an eighth-grade reading level, the goal being maximum accessibility.

Chat GPT Results:

ChatGPT returned timely stories from credible sources like The Guardian, complete with publication dates and clickable links. The stories it picked were events that actually happened.

DeepSeek Results:

DeepSeek, by contrast, came up with summaries based on older content from 2023. It didn’t show source details or publication dates up front, those only became visible after some digging.

Takeaway:

This test highlighted a critical shortfall in Deep Seek’s current iteration: a lack of real-time data access. As Chat GPT has evolved to integrate live web search functionalities, it remains the stronger choice here especially for journalists who need reliable, current information. If you’re seeking the best free alternative to Chat GPT, real-time data access should be on your checklist.

Test 2: Headline Generation

The second test was all about crafting compelling headlines, something every media professional faces daily. Both tools were asked to generate headlines for a hypothetical OpenAI (Chat GPT’s parent) vs Deep Seek showdown, using up to 15 words, in active voice, targeting a lay audience.

DeepSeek’s Headline:

“OpenAI and DeepSeek engage in innovation race amid data use controversy.”

ChatGPT’s Headline:

“OpenAI sues DeepSeek for allegedly AI technology that sparking legal battle in tech industry.”

Analysis:

At first glance, ChatGPT’s headline stands out thanks to its strong active verb — “sues” adds urgency and punch. But there’s a major problem: as of the episode’s recording, OpenAI had not sued DeepSeek. That’s a significant factual error and a reminder that even advanced AI tools can fabricate details when not properly managed.

DeepSeek’s headline, while less sensational, stuck to the facts and avoided legal misrepresentation — which ultimately made it more trustworthy in this case.

Test 3: Press Release Writing

Next, Yumi tasked each AI with drafting a press release announcing Deep Seek’s latest model, within 150 words, targeting journalists and tech industry professionals.

Deep Seek’s Press Release Example:

Focused on Deep Seek’s leadership in AI, citing features like unparalleled performance and real-time decision making. However, it lacked a specific dateline or location and, according to an external analysis (performed using a third-party AI tool like Perplexity), leaned more on broad marketing language than hard facts.

Chat GPT’s Press Release Example:

Gave a dateline (“Hongzhu, China. February 24, 2025”), clear product details, and emphasized attributes such as exceptional reasoning and cross-industry adaptability. While the inclusion of a location and date followed standard PR structure, there were still grounds to question their factual accuracy, did the announcement really occur on that date?

Winner:

ChatGPT edged out DeepSeek by delivering a more structured, industry-standard release. Still, both models showed a solid understanding of press release formatting, underscoring the importance of fact-checking content, no matter which AI platform you use.

Deep Seek vs Chat GPT: Key Takeaways

1. Relevance of Data

When evaluating a Chat GPT alternative, the freshness and reliability of the data matter immensely. Deep Seek’s use of older data makes it less useful for tasks that demand real-time accuracy, something to consider if “staying current” is non-negotiable in your work.

2. Accuracy and Fact-Checking

Both Deep Seek and Chat GPT can generate impressive-sounding results, but neither is immune to generating outdated information or fabricating details. The responsibility still lies with the end user to double-check all outputs, AI is a starting point, not an infallible substitute for human judgment.

3. Open-Source Flexibility

Deep Seek’s open-source nature gives it a significant advantage for developers and researchers looking to customize or build extensions, one reason some call it the best Chat GPT alternative for tinkerers, educators, and those outside the English-speaking world.

4. Affordability and Access

With rising costs for premium AI models, a free alternative to Chat GPT like Deep Seek could be a game-changer for startups, students, and small business owners. That said, cost shouldn’t trump data reliability and basic functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Free Alternative to Chat GPT?

Currently, Deep Seek is topping lists as the best free alternative to Chat GPT for users interested in open-source, cost-saving options. However, if timeliness and data accuracy are your priorities, Chat GPT (even in its free version) still holds notable advantages.

Is Deep Seek the Best Chat GPT Alternative?

Deep Seek is shaping up to be the best Chat GPT alternative in certain aspects, especially for those seeking an alternative with open-source flexibility. However, for real-time news summarization and citation, it has ground to cover.

Why Consider an Alternative to Chat GPT?

    • Cost savings: Not everyone can afford paid AI plans.

    • Open-source customization: Developers often want to build on existing models.

    • Regional accessibility: Some tools, like Deep Seek, are designed with a global audience in mind.

What’s Next for Deep Seek?

The field is moving fast. As Deep Seek further develops, we can expect improvements in data freshness and output quality. The international AI arms race is only just beginning, and with more open-source and affordable platforms on the horizon, the “Deep Seek vs Chat GPT” debate isn’t going anywhere.

Final Verdict: Finding Your Fit

The showdown between Deep Seek vs Chat GPT signals an exciting new phase in AI language models. For now, Chat GPT maintains its lead for accuracy, timeliness, and citation of sources, making it a go-to for journalists and business professionals. Deep Seek, meanwhile, is a powerful emerging alternative, attractive for users interested in open-source projects or lower costs.

No matter which you choose, remember these tools are only as valuable as the diligence you apply to their use. Always fact-check, understand model limitations, and stay tuned, the next breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence. 

For a more detailed breakdown and hands-on results, check out the “A Journalist’s Guide To AI” podcast episode referenced in this article, and participate by testing your own prompts. As AI continues to evolve, being an informed, inquisitive user is the best way to discover which platform truly serves your work best.

Sponsor – Saspod

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