DeepSeek is the AI chatbot created by the company of the same name. It’s an AI model that’s drawing significant attention in early 2025. With its R1 model, it has already outperformed ChatGPT in mobile app store rankings as well as in performance and reasoning tests.
The company and its models have garnered attention over the past few months, primarily because they’re open source. This feature makes them more accessible and demonstrates how far China has advanced in AI technologies.
What’s DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is the name of a Chinese company specializing in AI projects. It’s also the name of its AI chat—a proprietary alternative to Copilot, Gemini, and other market options. References to DeepSeek may refer to either the company or its AI chatbot.
This article focuses on the AI chatbot, a large language model (LLM) designed to assist with software development, natural language processing, and business automation.
DeepSeek is unique because it's open source, meaning anyone can access its internal workings. Users can install the model locally or use it freely. Developers or researchers can download it from GitHub and modify it for different applications, including commercial ones. This open approach contrasts with the secrecy of private models.
There’s a common misconception that proprietary and opaque code equates to superior quality. However, DeepSeek demonstrates that open source models can match—and in some cases surpass—those of private companies.
Another standout feature is the availability of DeepSeek’s native chatbot on its official website for free, with no subscription required to access its advanced model.
Compared to ChatGPT, DeepSeek often provides more concise, direct answers to similar questions. However, it maintains the same flexibility, allowing users to request detailed explanations or tailored responses.
Two AI Models in the Spotlight

DeepSeek is generating buzz in early 2025 for two specific AI models.
The first is DeepSeek V3, a long-run LLM that outperforms most AI systems, including some proprietary ones. This model surpassed Llama 3.1 405B, GPT-4o, and Qwen 2.5 72B in scheduling tests. These models, however, have far fewer parameters, which impacts performance comparisons.
What’s remarkable about DeepSeek V3 is its efficiency—it required only 2.788 million hours of training and cost $5.5 million to develop. By contrast, OpenAI invested nearly $80 million in training GPT-4. This makes DeepSeek V3 both cost-effective and 60% larger than Meta’s Llama 3.1 405B.
The second major model is DeepSeek R1, which specializes in reasoning and matches or exceeds the performance of OpenAI’s most advanced models in key math and programming tests. This marks the first time a free, open source Chinese model has rivaled Western leaders, challenging Silicon Valley’s dominance.
The R1 model, with 671 billion parameters, costs 90% to 95% less than its competitors. It achieved a 97.3% success rate in MATH-500 mathematical tests, compared to OpenAI’s 96.4%.
However, like Gemini and ChatGPT, DeepSeek is subject to the values of its home country. Developed in China, it adheres to regulations requiring it to “embody fundamental socialist values.” As a result, it avoids answering politically sensitive questions, such as those about Tiananmen or Taiwan’s autonomy.
China’s stricter state control over AI responses contrasts with the relative freedom of Western models, which are shaped by differing cultural and ideological values.
How DeepSeek Works
DeepSeek developed its AI models using pure reinforcement learning without pre-labeled data. This technical breakthrough, once thought impossible, paves the way for new training methods for AI systems.
Reinforcement learning allows the model to learn through trial and error, much like a person learns to ride a bike. Initial results are often erratic and imprecise, but the model refines its reasoning strategies over time.
After this initial training phase, DeepSeek combined the model with supervised training to polish and finalize the R1 version. This approach retained the model’s unique learning strategies while adding consistency and precision.

From a user’s perspective, the interface is similar to other models. It features a home screen with an input field and various controls, alongside a left-hand column displaying a chat history.
To use DeepSeek, users type a question in natural language. The model analyzes the query, searches its training database or the Internet, and generates an answer in natural language.
Thanks to its design, DeepSeek can interpret complex, lengthy questions and continue learning and improving. Users can access it online or through mobile apps for free.
What You Can Do With DeepSeek
DeepSeek’s capabilities are comparable to those of other AI models. Users can ask it questions about famous people, places, concepts, or virtually any topic, and it responds in real-time.
The model can explain complex subjects and analyze documents to extract key information. Users can also ask questions about the document’s contents.
DeepSeek is particularly useful for programming, enabling users to write, debug, or troubleshoot code. It also excels in solving mathematical problems.
For content creators, the model can generate ideas, create copy, compose poetry, and produce templates or article structures. It can also review and proofread text.
The input field includes three key buttons:
- A paper clip for attaching files.
- A DeepThink R1 button, which prompts the AI to “think” about its previous responses and provide a reasoned answer.
- A search button to retrieve information from the web, citing sources.
Each response includes options to copy the text, rate it positively or negatively, and regenerate the answer based on the original prompt.
To explore all the features of this AI model, learn how to download and install DeepSeek on your computer.
Images | Xataka On
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