Model Comparison

DeepSeek-R1 vs GPT-5 nanoWhich is better in 2026?

Comparing DeepSeek-R1 and GPT-5 nano across benchmarks, pricing, and capabilities.

Verdict: DeepSeek-R1 vs GPT-5 nano — which is better?

DeepSeek-R1 (by DeepSeek) and GPT-5 nano (by OpenAI) 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, GPT-5 nano is roughly 7.0x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.

GPT-5 nano also accepts a larger context window (400,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.

Choose DeepSeek-R1 if…

  • you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune

Choose GPT-5 nano if…

  • cost matters — it's about 7.0x cheaper per token
  • you process long inputs — it offers a 400,000 token context window
  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Aug 2025
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Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

No common benchmarks found

DeepSeek-R1 and GPT-5 nanodon'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

GPT-5 nano costs less

For input processing, DeepSeek-R1 ($0.55/1M tokens) is 11.0x more expensive than GPT-5 nano ($0.05/1M tokens).

For output processing, DeepSeek-R1 ($2.19/1M tokens) is 5.5x more expensive than GPT-5 nano ($0.40/1M tokens).

In conclusion, DeepSeek-R1 is more expensive than GPT-5 nano.*

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

Lowest available price from all providers
Sat Jun 13 2026 • llm-stats.com
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
Input tokens$0.55
Output tokens$2.19
Best providerDeepSeek
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano
Input tokens$0.05
Output tokens$0.40
Best providerOpenAI
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue→

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

GPT-5 nano accepts 400,000 input tokens compared to DeepSeek-R1's 131,072 tokens. DeepSeek-R1 can generate longer responses up to 131,072 tokens, while GPT-5 nano is limited to 128,000 tokens.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano
Input400,000 tokens
Output128,000 tokens
Sat Jun 13 2026 • llm-stats.com

Input Capabilities

Supported data types and modalities

GPT-5 nano supports multimodal inputs, whereas DeepSeek-R1 does not.

GPT-5 nano can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.

DeepSeek-R1

Text
Images
Audio
Video

GPT-5 nano

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

DeepSeek-R1 is licensed under MIT, while GPT-5 nano uses a proprietary license.

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

DeepSeek-R1

MIT

Open weights

GPT-5 nano

Proprietary

Closed source

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

DeepSeek-R1 was released on 2025-01-20, while GPT-5 nano was released on 2025-08-07.

GPT-5 nano is 7 months newer than DeepSeek-R1.

DeepSeek-R1

Jan 20, 2025

1.4 years ago

GPT-5 nano

Aug 7, 2025

10 months ago

6mo newer

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

GPT-5 nano has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-30, while DeepSeek-R1's cutoff date is not specified.

We can confirm GPT-5 nano's training data extends to 2024-05-30, but cannot make a direct comparison without DeepSeek-R1's cutoff date.

DeepSeek-R1

—

GPT-5 nano

May 2024

Provider Availability

DeepSeek-R1 is available from DeepSeek, DeepInfra, Together, Fireworks. GPT-5 nano is available from OpenAI.

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

GPT-5 nano

openai logo
OpenAI
Input Price:Input: $0.05/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.40/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

DeepSeek
Has open weights
OpenAI
Larger context window (400,000 tokens)
Supports multimodal inputs
Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens

Detailed Comparison

AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1
OpenAI
GPT-5 nano

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek-R1 vs GPT-5 nano.

Which is better, DeepSeek-R1 or GPT-5 nano?

DeepSeek-R1 (DeepSeek) and GPT-5 nano (OpenAI) 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 GPT-5 nano in benchmarks?

GPT-5 nano scores AIME 2025: 85.2%, HMMT 2025: 75.6%, GPQA: 71.2%, FrontierMath: 9.6%, Humanity's Last Exam: 8.7%.

Is DeepSeek-R1 cheaper than GPT-5 nano?

GPT-5 nano is 11.0x cheaper for input tokens. DeepSeek-R1 costs $0.55/M input and $2.19/M output via deepseek. GPT-5 nano costs $0.05/M input and $0.40/M output via openai.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek-R1 and GPT-5 nano?

DeepSeek-R1 supports 131K tokens and GPT-5 nano supports 400K 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 GPT-5 nano?

Key differences include context window (131K vs 400K), input pricing ($0.55 vs $0.05/M), multimodal support (no vs yes), licensing (MIT vs Proprietary). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes DeepSeek-R1 and GPT-5 nano?

DeepSeek-R1 is developed by DeepSeek and GPT-5 nano is developed by OpenAI.

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