Model Comparison
DeepSeek-R1-0528 vs DeepSeek-R1Which is better in 2026?
Comparing DeepSeek-R1-0528 and DeepSeek-R1 across benchmarks, pricing, and capabilities.
Verdict: DeepSeek-R1-0528 vs DeepSeek-R1 — which is better?
DeepSeek-R1-0528 (by DeepSeek) and DeepSeek-R1 (by DeepSeek) are two of the AI models people compare most. Here is how they stack up on benchmarks, price and capabilities, and which one to pick in 2026.
On price, DeepSeek-R1-0528 is roughly 1.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Choose DeepSeek-R1-0528 if…
- cost matters — it's about 1.1x cheaper per token
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped May 2025
Choose DeepSeek-R1 if…
- you want predictable pricing at $0.55/M input and $2.19/M output
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
DeepSeek-R1-0528 and DeepSeek-R1don't have any common benchmark datasets to compare. They may have been evaluated on different testing suites.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, DeepSeek-R1-0528 ($0.50/1M tokens) is 1.1x cheaper than DeepSeek-R1 ($0.55/1M tokens).
For output processing, DeepSeek-R1-0528 ($2.15/1M tokens) is 1.0x cheaper than DeepSeek-R1 ($2.19/1M tokens).
In conclusion, DeepSeek-R1 is more expensive than DeepSeek-R1-0528.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Model Size
Parameter count comparison
DeepSeek-R1 has 0.0B more parameters than DeepSeek-R1-0528, making it 0.0% larger.
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Both models have the same input context window of 131,072 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 131,072 tokens.
License
Usage and distribution terms
Both models are licensed under MIT.
Both models share the same licensing terms, providing consistent usage rights.
MIT
Open weights
MIT
Open weights
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
DeepSeek-R1-0528 was released on 2025-05-28, while DeepSeek-R1 was released on 2025-01-20.
DeepSeek-R1-0528 is 4 months newer than DeepSeek-R1.
May 28, 2025
1.1 years ago
4mo newerJan 20, 2025
1.5 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Provider Availability
DeepSeek-R1-0528 is available from DeepInfra, DeepSeek, Novita. DeepSeek-R1 is available from DeepSeek, DeepInfra, Together, Fireworks.
DeepSeek-R1-0528
DeepSeek-R1
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
DeepSeek-R1-0528
View detailsDeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
View detailsDeepSeek
No standout differentiators in the data we have for this pair.
Detailed Comparison
Interactive Arena
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-R1-0528 and DeepSeek-R1 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
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FAQ
Common questions about DeepSeek-R1-0528 vs DeepSeek-R1.