DOAChatGPT vs DeepSeek: which one to choose?
We compare ChatGPT and DeepSeek on price, devices, difficulty and who each one suits, using the data on their DOA pages.
ChatGPT
OpenAI's general assistant for writing, reasoning, file analysis and coding. The most familiar starting point for almost any AI task.
DeepSeek
DeepSeek assistant for text and code. The web chat is usually free and strong at programming.
DOA verdict for writing
ChatGPT wins
88.5 ChatGPT · 82.6 DeepSeek / 100
Daily writing, studying and first contact with AI. Very easy to use and versatile.
Why
- DOA score in writing · ChatGPT: 93/100 vs 82/100
- Free version · DeepSeek: 92/100 vs 72/100
- Ease of use: tie
- Devices · ChatGPT: 5 vs 3
Pick DeepSeek if…
Study and write without a monthly fee. Very usable without paying.
How we decide: this verdict uses a formula of its own for comparisons, different from the DOA score: DOA score in writing (60%), free version (20%), ease of use (10%) and devices (10%). Data from each tool page, reviewed on 14 October 2026. How we calculate the DOA score and the verdict
| ChatGPT | DeepSeek | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | Browser · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone / iPad | Browser · Android · iPhone / iPad |
| Level | Easy | Easy |
| What it is for | Writing Getting work done Research Study Coding | Writing Coding Research |
| DOA score | 93/100 | 82/100 |
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On the overall DOA score, ChatGPT gets 93/100 and DeepSeek 82/100. It is an indicative rating: try both on a real task before you pay.
ChatGPT and DeepSeek side by side: plans, models and privacy
Only facts from their official sites, linking each source. If the site doesn't publish something, we say so.
Data checked on 9 October 2026.
| Item | ChatGPT | DeepSeek |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Unlimited text chats (with abuse guardrails). Limited uploads, image creation, voice and deep research.source: chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab) | The official site does not publish chat limits.source: deepseek.com (opens in a new tab) |
| Cheapest paid plan | Go: €8/month. Plus: €23/month (Spain prices on the official page).source: chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab) | No subscription plans shown for the chat; only API prices (pay as you go).source: deepseek.com (opens in a new tab) |
| Top plan | Pro: from €103/month in Spain, in three usage tiers. The help centre lists US$ prices: Pro 100, Pro 200 and Pro 500 at US$100, US$200 and US$500/month. Monthly billing only.source: chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab) · help.openai.com (opens in a new tab) | No subscription plans shown for the chat.source: deepseek.com (opens in a new tab) |
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| Documented features | Codex included (limited on Free and Go). Pro includes Pro models, Codex, deep research, image creation, memory and file uploads.source: chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab) · help.openai.com (opens in a new tab) | — |
| Privacy: does it train on your chats? | OpenAI may use your chats to train its models; turn it off in Settings › Data controls (“Improve the model for everyone”). Temporary chats are not used.source: help.openai.com (opens in a new tab) | It uses your inputs to train and improve its models. The policy recognises a right to opt out (email privacy@deepseek.com). Data is stored in China.source: cdn.deepseek.com (opens in a new tab) |
| Apps and platforms | Browser · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone / iPadper the DOA tool page (updated 14 October 2026) | Browser · Android · iPhone / iPadper the DOA tool page (updated 9 October 2026) |
| Best model in the DOA ranking | GPT-6.1 Sol: 92.4/100 · position 3AI models | DeepSeek V4.1 Flash: 71.1/100 · position 12AI models |
Key differences
- Plans: DeepSeek shows no subscription plans for the chat (only API prices); ChatGPT has Go (€8/month), Plus (€23/month) and Pro (Spain prices on chatgpt.com/pricing, 14 Oct 2026).
- Free limits: DeepSeek doesn't publish them; ChatGPT allows unlimited text chats with abuse guardrails.
- Training: DeepSeek uses your inputs for training, opting out is by email and data is stored in China; ChatGPT has a setting to turn it off.
The DOA model ranking averages two external sources. We show the best-scoring model among those our table places in a plan of each app.
Model quality: DOA model ranking (average of Arena and Epoch AI, no DOA opinion) →
ChatGPT is a better fit for
- Daily writing, studying and first contact with AI
- Teams that want one familiar general assistant
DeepSeek is a better fit for
- Study and write without a monthly fee
- Try coding ideas