DeepSeek is a free AI chatbot from the Chinese AI company DeepSeek. It is known for strong reasoning, coding and math, a DeepThink mode, web search and a huge context window. The chat app is completely free, and developers can use its models through a very low-cost API.
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek became one of the most talked-about AI tools after releasing powerful models at a fraction of the usual cost. Its chat app lets anyone ask questions, write, code and solve problems for free.
The DeepThink mode shows step-by-step reasoning for harder problems, and Search lets DeepSeek use live web results. Many DeepSeek models are released openly, and its API is one of the cheapest ways for developers to build with advanced AI.
DeepSeek key features
Free AI chat
Ask questions, write and brainstorm at no cost.
DeepThink mode
Step-by-step reasoning for complex problems.
Web search
Get answers using up-to-date web results.
Coding help
Write, explain and debug code.
File and image input
Upload files and images to analyse them.
Long context
Handle very long documents and conversations.
Open models
Many DeepSeek models are released with open weights.
Low-cost API
Build apps with advanced models at low prices.
Mobile apps
Use DeepSeek on iOS and Android.
DeepSeek pricing plans (2026)
The DeepSeek chat app is free with no paid consumer plan. Developers pay only for API usage by tokens.
Chat app
Free AI chat with DeepThink and web search on web and mobile.
API Flash
Fast, low-cost model for everyday tasks, billed per million tokens.
API Pro
Stronger model for hard reasoning and complex code.
Checked in October 2026. API prices change often and are lower during off-peak hours. Data is processed in China, so review the privacy policy. Confirm on the official DeepSeek API pricing page.
How to use DeepSeek
- 1
Go to deepseek.com and click Chat with DeepSeek.
- 2
Sign up with email or a phone number.
- 3
Type your question in the chat box.
- 4
Turn on DeepThink for harder problems or Search for current information.
- 5
Developers can create an API key on the DeepSeek platform.
Who should use DeepSeek?
Students
Solve math, science and coding problems for free.
Developers
Build apps with a cheap, powerful API.
Researchers
Test open models and long documents.
Everyday users
Get a capable free AI assistant.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Completely free chat app
- Strong reasoning and coding
- Open models available
- Very low API prices
Watch out for
- Data is stored in China
- Some topics are restricted
- Can be busy at peak times
- Fewer extra tools than ChatGPT
Best DeepSeek alternatives
DeepSeek is one of the best free AI chatbots, especially for reasoning, math and coding. It is a great option if you want strong AI without paying. Review its privacy policy before sharing sensitive information.
DeepSeek FAQs
Is DeepSeek free?
Yes. The DeepSeek chat app on web and mobile is free. Only the developer API is paid.
Is DeepSeek safe to use?
DeepSeek stores data in China. Avoid sharing sensitive personal or business data and review its privacy policy.
What is DeepThink in DeepSeek?
DeepThink is a reasoning mode that works through problems step by step.
Is DeepSeek better than ChatGPT?
DeepSeek is free and strong at reasoning and coding, while ChatGPT offers more features like image generation.
Is DeepSeek open source?
Many DeepSeek models are released with open weights that developers can download.
Who owns DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is made by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd., based in Hangzhou, China.
