Model Comparison

DeepSeek-R1 vs DeepSeek-V3Which is better in 2026?

Comparing DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-V3 across benchmarks, pricing, and capabilities.

Verdict: DeepSeek-R1 vs DeepSeek-V3 — which is better?

DeepSeek-R1 (by DeepSeek) and DeepSeek-V3 (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-V3 is roughly 2.0x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.

Choose DeepSeek-R1 if…

  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Jan 2025

Choose DeepSeek-V3 if…

  • cost matters — it's about 2.0x cheaper per token
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Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

No common benchmarks found

DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-V3 don'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

DeepSeek-V3 costs less

For input processing, DeepSeek-R1 ($0.55/1M tokens) is 2.0x more expensive than DeepSeek-V3 ($0.27/1M tokens).

For output processing, DeepSeek-R1 ($2.19/1M tokens) is 2.0x more expensive than DeepSeek-V3 ($1.10/1M tokens).

In conclusion, DeepSeek-R1 is more expensive than DeepSeek-V3.*

* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens

Lowest available price from all providers
Mon Jun 08 2026 • llm-stats.com
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
Input tokens$0.55
Output tokens$2.19
Best providerDeepSeek
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input tokens$0.27
Output tokens$1.10
Best providerDeepSeek
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue→

Model Size

Parameter count comparison

0.0M diff

DeepSeek-V3 has 0.0B more parameters than DeepSeek-R1, making it 0.0% larger.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
671.0Bparameters
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
671.0Bparameters
671.0B
DeepSeek-R1
671.0B
DeepSeek-V3

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.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
Mon Jun 08 2026 • llm-stats.com

License

Usage and distribution terms

DeepSeek-R1 is licensed under MIT, while DeepSeek-V3 uses MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed).

License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.

DeepSeek-R1

MIT

Open weights

DeepSeek-V3

MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed)

Open weights

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

DeepSeek-R1 was released on 2025-01-20, while DeepSeek-V3 was released on 2024-12-25.

DeepSeek-R1 is 1 month newer than DeepSeek-V3.

DeepSeek-R1

Jan 20, 2025

1.4 years ago

3w newer
DeepSeek-V3

Dec 25, 2024

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.

No cutoff dates available

Provider Availability

DeepSeek-R1 is available from DeepSeek, DeepInfra, Together, Fireworks. DeepSeek-V3 is available from DeepSeek.

DeepSeek-R1

deepseek logo
DeepSeek
Input Price:Input: $0.55/1MOutput Price:Output: $2.19/1M
deepinfra logo
Deepinfra
Input Price:Input: $0.85/1MOutput Price:Output: $2.50/1M
together logo
Together
Input Price:Input: $7.00/1MOutput Price:Output: $7.00/1M
fireworks logo
Fireworks
Input Price:Input: $8.00/1MOutput Price:Output: $8.00/1M

DeepSeek-V3

deepseek logo
DeepSeek
Input Price:Input: $0.27/1MOutput Price:Output: $1.10/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

DeepSeek

No standout differentiators in the data we have for this pair.

DeepSeek
Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens

Detailed Comparison

AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek-R1 vs DeepSeek-V3.

Which is better, DeepSeek-R1 or DeepSeek-V3?

DeepSeek-R1 (DeepSeek) and DeepSeek-V3 (DeepSeek) each have strengths in different areas. Compare their benchmark scores, pricing, context windows, and capabilities above to determine which fits your needs.

How does DeepSeek-R1 compare to DeepSeek-V3 in benchmarks?

DeepSeek-V3 scores DROP: 91.6%, CLUEWSC: 90.9%, MATH-500: 90.2%, MMLU-Redux: 89.1%, MMLU: 88.5%.

Is DeepSeek-R1 cheaper than DeepSeek-V3?

DeepSeek-V3 is 2.0x cheaper for input tokens. DeepSeek-R1 costs $0.55/M input and $2.19/M output via deepseek. DeepSeek-V3 costs $0.27/M input and $1.10/M output via deepseek.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-V3?

DeepSeek-R1 supports 131K tokens and DeepSeek-V3 supports 131K tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-V3?

Key differences include input pricing ($0.55 vs $0.27/M), licensing (MIT vs MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed)). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

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