UC News

ChatGPT vs. DeepSeek: How the two AI titans compare

I tested both AI platforms – here’s the one I chose

headshot of Stephen Kenney By Stephen Kenney
11 minute read March 21, 2025

For most of 2024, OpenAI’s ChatGPT seemed to have taken over the artificial intelligence world.

Between its market dominance and the company’s sizable investments into AI infrastructure, it seemed like no one could catch up with ChatGPT.

Then, in January, DeepSeek stole the show. Seemingly overnight, the Chinese AI startup developed an open-source large language model competitive with ChatGPT at a fraction of the cost. Since then, leading innovators have begun to rethink the idea that more graphic processing units, or GPUs, automatically means a better AI product.

To learn whether DeepSeek is a true competitor for ChatGPT, I tested both AI platforms to compare side by side. As a key pillar of Southwest Ohio’s innovation ecosystem, the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub serves as a center of AI research and innovation for the region. We compare a variety of platforms and tools such as top AI tools for business.

What’s the difference?

Both ChatGPT and DeepSeek are large language models (LLMs), so they're AI tools meant to interpret and generate human language. Users can write prompts on either platform and receive responses based on information that’s been crawled from across the internet.

While ChatGPT and DeepSeek have similar goals and capabilities, they’ve had contrasting rises to prominence. Below is a breakdown of a few differences I found between the AI tools:

ChatGPT vs. DeepSeek, compared
ChatGPT DeepSeek  

· Widely considered the world’s leading AI program

· LLM launched in November 2022

· Developer: San Francisco, California-based OpenAI

· Training cost: Over $100 million

· Upstart AI tool rivaling ChatGPT’s prominence

· LLM launched in January 2025

· Developer: Hangzhou, China-based DeepSeek AI

· Training cost: Reportedly $6 million

  

DeepSeek’s ability to craft impressive responses shocked global innovators – especially since it required significantly less money and processing power than ChatGPT. Its rise also called into question the United States’ supposed leadership in the AI race and made experts reconsider the formerly accepted belief that the most powerful AI model would automatically be the best.

While OpenAI’s LLM uses a transformer-based architecture to generate responses, DeepSeek uses a mixture of experts (MOE) model. Basically, ChatGPT crawls its full database for each query while DeepSeek only pulls from a narrow subset of data related to the specific search. This leads the latter to achieve comparable results for cheaper and with far less processing power than ChatGPT.

ChatGPT vs. DeepSeek, tested

While ChatGPT and DeepSeek both boast impressive models, I could only choose one as the AI frontrunner. To determine my top choice as of March 2025, I gave a variety of specific prompts to each platform and compared each one's answers for accuracy and helpfulness.

I requested brevity in responses to allow for the inclusion of screenshots in this article. Here are the results of my firsthand comparison between ChatGPT and DeepSeek:

It’s recommended that entrepreneurs prepare a brief statement outlining their startup’s product, mission and value, also known as an elevator pitch. While I’d never recommend that founders directly paste an elevator pitch from AI, I do suggest exploring ChatGPT and DeepSeek for inspiration.

ChatGPT’s response:

Our telemedicine platform connects individuals with licensed mental health professionals through secure, convenient online sessions. We provide personalized care, support, and resources to help people manage their mental well-being from the comfort of their homes. With flexible scheduling and accessible tools, we make mental health support more affordable and accessible for everyone.

DeepSeek’s response:

"Meet MindEase, a telemedicine platform revolutionizing mental health care. We connect users with licensed therapists via secure video calls, offering affordable, on-demand support. With AI-driven matching and self-help tools, MindEase makes mental wellness accessible anytime, anywhere. Because everyone deserves peace of mind."
  • Top vote: DeepSeek
  • ChatGPT 0, DeepSeek 1

While both AI tools offered similar statements, DeepSeek went further in crafting an engaging response. Its startup is “revolutionizing mental health care” through “on-demand” support, backing that claim up with examples such as “AI-driven matching and self-help tools.” DeepSeek’s final sentence also provides a pithy statement that connects to customers, unlike ChatGPT’s example.

Creativity is rarely considered one of generative AI’s strengths – it’s pulling information from what’s already online, after all. I gave ChatGPT and DeepSeek an open request to design a French-inspired dinner and added a few constraints to see how the AI tools would manage.

ChatGPT’s response:

Main: Ratatouille Side: Mixed Green Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette Ingredients & Cost: 1. Ratatouille: 2 zucchini ($1.50) 2 eggplants ($2.00) 1 bell pepper ($1.00) 1 onion ($0.50) 2 tomatoes ($1.00) Olive oil & herbs ($1.00) 2. Salad: Lettuce ($1.00) 1 cucumber ($0.50) Dijon mustard & vinegar ($1.00) Total: ~$9.75 Directions: 1. Ratatouille: Saute onion, bell pepper, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes with olive oil and herbs. 2. Salad: Toss lettuce, cucumber, and Dijon vinaigrette. This meal is healthy, easy, and affordable!

DeepSeek’s response:

Menu: 1. Ratatouille (Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs) - $5 2. Herbed Quinoa (Quinoa, parsley, thyme, olive oil) - $2 3. Green Salad (Mixed greens, vinaigrette) -$2 4. Fresh Baguette (Gluten-free) - $1 Total: $10 Prices based on bulk buying and seasonal produce. Bon appetit!
  • Top vote: ChatGPT
  • ChatGPT 1, DeepSeek 1

While DeepSeek’s menu added creative touches like herbed quinoa, I appreciated ChatGPT’s more in-depth response. I asked for conciseness from both tools, but DeepSeek’s failure to provide a specific cost breakdown, any cooking directions or the number of each ingredient needed left much to be desired.

ChatGPT and DeepSeek can accurately write using Python and other basic computer programming languages. I asked each AI tool to calculate the first 10 Fibonacci numbers – a sequence where the next number is the sum of the two numbers directly before it – and explain the coding function in simple terms.

ChatGPT’s response:

Python Script: python # Function to calculate Fibonacci sequence def fibonacci(n): sequence = [0,1] #Starting values for Fibonacci sequence for i in range(2, n): next_number = sequence[i-1] #Sum of the last two numbers sequence.append(next_number) #Add the new number to the list return sequence # Calculate the first 10 Fibonacci numbers fibonacci_numbers = fibonacci(10) #Print the result print(fibonacci_numbers) Explanation for Non-Coders: The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. It starts with 0 and 1, and each following number is found by adding the last two numbers together. In the script: 1. We define a function called fibonacci(n) to generate the sequence up to n numbers. 2. It starts with the numbers 0 and 1. 3. Then, we keep adding the last two numbers together to get the next one, and we keep repeating this process until we have 10 numbers. 4. Finally, the script prints out the list of these numbers. So, the first 10 Fibonacci numbers are [0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34].

DeepSeek’s response:

python # Python script to calculate the first 10 Fibonacci numbers fibonacci = [0, 1] #Start with the first two numbers for i in range(2, 10): # Loop to generate the next 8 numbers fibonacci.append(fibonacci[i-1] + fibonacci [i-2]) #Add the last two numbers print(fibonacci) Explanation for non-coders: This script creates a list of the first 10 Fibonacci numbers, where each number is the sum of the two before it. It starts with 0 and 1, then calculates the next numbers step by step. The result is [0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34].
  • Top vote: ChatGPT
  • ChatGPT 2, DeepSeek 1

Generally, DeepSeek is considered the stronger AI program for coding. While both platforms easily found the first 10 Fibonacci numbers using Python code, ChatGPT’s response offered a step-by-step explanation that even most noncoders could easily follow.

It’s common for people to turn to AI options like ChatGPT and DeepSeek to create personalized workout plans. I asked each platform to build a difficult-to-design training regimen: one for an inexperienced runner who’s preparing for a 13-mile race in a week. 

ChatGPT’s response:

7-Day Half Marathon Training Day 1: Easy Run (3 miles) Run at a comfortable pace. Focus on breathing. Day 2: Cross-Training (30-45 min) Cycling, swimming, or elliptical. Stretch well. Day 3: Tempo Run (3-4 miles) Run at a challenging pace for 2 miles, then cool down. Day 4: Rest or Active Recovery Light walk or yoga. Stretch. Day 5: Long Run (5-7 miles) Run comfortably, focus on finishing. Day 6: Rest or Cross-Training (30 min) Walk, yoga, or light exercise. Day 7: Race Pace Run (2-3 miles) Run at your race pace, cool down. Tips: Hydrate, eat well, and get enough sleep. Start slow on race day and pace yourself..

DeepSeek’s response:

1-Week Half-Marathon Guide for Beginners Day 1-3: Run/Walk: 3-4 miles, alternating 5 mins running, 1 min walking. Focus: Build endurance, stay comfortable. Day 4: Rest or Light Activity: Stretch, yoga, or a 20-min walk. Day 5-6: Run/Walk: 5-6 miles, same intervals. Focus: Practice pacing and hydration. Day 7 (Race Day): Warm-Up: 10-min walk, light stretches. Race Strategy: Stick to run/walk intervals, hydrate, and enjoy! Tips: Wear broken-in shoes. Eat light, familiar foods before running. Listen to your body-don't push too hard. Good luck!
  • Top vote: ChatGPT
  • ChatGPT 3, DeepSeek 1

Again, ChatGPT won here for the nuance of its answers. While DeepSeek gave directions spanning multiple days, OpenAI’s tool provided instructions tailored specifically for each day of the routine. Running experts also emphasize the importance of cross-training and rest days; while ChatGPT incorporated that insight into its workout plan, DeepSeek nearly left it out.

Not all startup founders are social media gurus, which is why many turn to AI as they market their products. For this reason, I consulted ChatGPT and DeepSeek to see what they considered a strong Instagram post for an AI-driven nutrition app.

ChatGPT’s response:

Unlock Your Best Self with AI-Powered Nutrition! Ready to take control of your health? Our personalized nutrition app uses cutting-edge AI to create meal plans tailored just for YOU! Whether you want to boost energy, lose weight, or eat healthier, we've got you covered. What's inside: Customized meal plans AI-driven recommendations Track your progress with ease Delicious, balanced recipes Download now and start your journey to better health! #AI #PersonalizedNutrition #HealthGoals #WellnessJourney #SmartEating #NutritionApp

DeepSeek’s response:

Caption: Your perfect diet is just a tap away! Say hello to NutriAI, the app that uses cutting-edge AI to create a nutrition plan tailored JUST for YOU! Whether you're fueling for fitness, managing allergies, or just eating smarter, NutriAI has your back. Download now and get: Personalized meal plans Grocery lists made easy Real-time food tracking Expert tips to crush your goals Your health, your way. Let's make nutrition simple! Link in bio to start your journey! #NutritionMadeEasy #AIHealth #EatSmarter #NutriAI Visual: A vibrant, split-screen showing a phone with the app interface on one side and fresh, colorful meals on the other.
  • Top vote: DeepSeek
  • ChatGPT 3, DeepSeek 2

This time, DeepSeek gave users a more comprehensive response. From its enticing caption and smart use of bolding to mentioning a “link in bio” for Instagram, DeepSeek simply crafted a more thoughtful response. Plus, the suggestion for a visual offers users another insight ChatGPT lacked.

Math isn’t everyone’s strong suit, but ChatGPT and DeepSeek are able to solve and explain relatively simple problems. I put each AI tool to the test to see if they truly do know reading, writing and – just as importantly – arithmetic.

ChatGPT’s response:

Let's break this down step by step! Step 1: Find numbers without a 0: 1-digit numbers: Numbers 1 through 9 (9 numbers). 2-digit numbers: The tens and ones digits can each be any of 1 through 9, so there are 81 numbers (9x9). 3-digit numbers: The hundreds, tens, and ones digits can each be any of 1 through 9, so there are 729 numbers (9x9x9). Total numbers without a 0: 9 + 81 + 729 = 819 numbers. Step 2: Find numbers with a 0: There are 999 total numbers, so numbers with a 0 are: 999 - 819 = 180 numbers with a 0. Step 3: Calculate the probability: The probability is: 180/999 = 20/111 = 0.18. So, the probability is about 18%.

DeepSeek’s response:

To find the probability that a randomly chosen number from 1 to 999 has at least one 0 in its digits, follow these steps: 1. Total Numbers: From 1 to 999, there are 999 possible numbers. 2. Numbers Without Any 0: 1-digit numbers (1-9): 9 numbers (1, 2, ..., 9). 2-digit numbers (10-99): Each digit can be 1-9. So, 9 x 9 = 81 numbers. 3-digit numbers (100-999): Each digit can be 1-9. So, 9 x 9 x 9 = 729 numbers. Total without a 0: 9 + 81 + 729 = 819. 3. Numbers With At Least One 0: Subtract the numbers without any 0 from the total: 999-819=180 4. Probability: Probability = Numbers with at least one 0 / Total numbers = 180 / 999 Simplify the fraction by dividing numerator and denominator by 9: (180 / 9) / (999 / 9) = (20 / 111) Final Answer: 20 / 111
  • Top vote: DeepSeek
  • ChatGPT 3, DeepSeek 3

I found both AI tools’ responses simple to follow this time, but DeepSeek explained how to find probability while ChatGPT assumed knowledge of the concept. For this reason, I give DeepSeek a slight edge over OpenAI’s result, tying up our test between AI titans.

One of the most powerful assets of ChatGPT and DeepSeek is the ability to input documents, speeches and research papers and gain quick summaries. I asked each tool to provide key points and quotes from the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.

ChatGPT’s response:

Here are three key takeaways from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, along with corresponding quotes for each: 1. Call for Racial Equality Takeaway: King demanded equality for all people, regardless of race, and the fulfillment of the American promise of justice for all citizens. Quote: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'" 2. Nonviolent Protest and Justice Takeaway: King emphasized the importance of achieving justice through peaceful, nonviolent methods, rejecting the use of violence in the struggle for civil rights. Quote: "We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence." 3. Vision of a Unified Future Takeaway: King shared his vision of a future where people of all races live together in harmony, judging each other by character rather than skin color. Quote: "I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." These key takeaways reflect King's call for immediate change, nonviolent resistance, and a vision of a just, racially integrated future.

DeepSeek’s response:

Here are three key takeaways from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, along with corresponding quotes: 1. Vision of Equality: King dreams of a future where racial discrimination is eradicated and people are judged by their character, not their skin color. Quote: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." 2. Urgency for Action: He emphasizes that the time for change is now and delays are no longer acceptable. Quote: "We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism." 3. Hope and Unity: King expresses hope for a future where all people, regardless of race, can live together in harmony. Quote: "I have a dream that one day... little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." These takeaways and quotes capture the essence of King's message: a call for immediate action toward racial equality, a vision of a just society, and a hopeful outlook for unity among all people.
  • Top vote: ChatGPT
  • ChatGPT 4, DeepSeek 3

My final test once again came down to the details, as both AI tools provided a decent summary of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. ChatGPT crafted a more appealing response by not only highlighting his call for an “urgency for action,” but also by specifying the means for action – through “nonviolent protest and justice.” DeepSeek acknowledges King’s overarching goal of racial justice, but never alludes to how it should occur.

Final score: ChatGPT 4, DeepSeek 3

My AI test came down to the wire, but ChatGPT, in my opinion, narrowly claimed victory over its upstart rival. With that said, both AI platforms are powerful tools for boosting efficiency and innovation when used responsibly. Throughout my experience, ChatGPT and DeepSeek crafted similar responses to most prompts, revealing how programmatic responses are fast but often lack creativity and the “human touch.”

ChatGPT and DeepSeek each have additional benefits and drawbacks to consider:

  • DeepSeek is an open-source AI model, meaning it can be deployed locally on anyone’s software. Though ChatGPT began as open source (hence the name “OpenAI”), it now uses a closed-source model.
  • While DeepSeek is entirely free, ChatGPT offers a limited version that’s free along with a premium plan for $20 a month. The no-cost version will suffice for casual users, but they could run into limits on their daily number of queries and when uploading files.
  • OpenAI has powerful tools for image generation (DALL-E 3) and video generation (Sora), while DeepSeek doesn’t offer either capability.
  • DeepSeek’s servers are based in the People’s Republic of China and are subject to government censorship. Searchers who ask about controversial topics related to China or look for negative details about its government will not receive accurate information. DeepSeek censors itself – sometimes deleting correct responses in the process – by responding, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.”

Whether you choose ChatGPT, DeepSeek or another AI option, there’s much to be gained by giving these tools a chance. Startup founders and corporate leaders throughout the Cincinnati Innovation District and beyond are turning to top AI tools to boost business efficiency.

Just remember that AI tools are powerful supplements – not replacements – for human ingenuity. The key to innovating faster in 2025 comes from unlocking AI tools’ potential while recognizing the unique challenges and limitations the emerging technology still faces.

Featured image at top: Generative AI offers a suite of tools. Photo/Unsplash

Innovation Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.

Tags

Related Stories