Model Comparison

DeepSeek-V3 vs GLM-5Which is better in 2026?

GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. DeepSeek-V3 is 3.2x cheaper per token.

Verdict: DeepSeek-V3 vs GLM-5 — which is better?

DeepSeek-V3 (by DeepSeek) and GLM-5 (by Zhipu AI) 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.

DeepSeek-V3 outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GLM-5 is better at 1 benchmark (SWE-Bench Verified). GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

On price, DeepSeek-V3 is roughly 3.2x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.

GLM-5 also accepts a larger context window (200,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.

Choose DeepSeek-V3 if…

  • cost matters — it's about 3.2x cheaper per token

Choose GLM-5 if…

  • you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
  • you process long inputs — it offers a 200,000 token context window
  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Feb 2026

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

1 benchmarks

DeepSeek-V3 outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GLM-5 is better at 1 benchmark (SWE-Bench Verified).

GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

Sat Jul 18 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Pricing Analysis

Price comparison per million tokens

DeepSeek-V3 costs less

For input processing, DeepSeek-V3 ($0.27/1M tokens) is 3.7x cheaper than GLM-5 ($1.00/1M tokens).

For output processing, DeepSeek-V3 ($1.10/1M tokens) is 2.9x cheaper than GLM-5 ($3.20/1M tokens).

In conclusion, GLM-5 is more expensive than DeepSeek-V3.*

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

Lowest available price from all providers
Sat Jul 18 2026 • llm-stats.com
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input tokens$0.27
Output tokens$1.10
Best providerDeepSeek
Zhipu AI
GLM-5
Input tokens$1.00
Output tokens$3.20
Best providerFriendliAI
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue

Model Size

Parameter count comparison

73.0B diff

GLM-5 has 73.0B more parameters than DeepSeek-V3, making it 10.9% larger.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
671.0Bparameters
Zhipu AI
GLM-5
744.0Bparameters
671.0B
DeepSeek-V3
744.0B
GLM-5

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

GLM-5 accepts 200,000 input tokens compared to DeepSeek-V3's 131,072 tokens. DeepSeek-V3 can generate longer responses up to 131,072 tokens, while GLM-5 is limited to 128,000 tokens.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
Zhipu AI
GLM-5
Input200,000 tokens
Output128,000 tokens
Sat Jul 18 2026 • llm-stats.com

License

Usage and distribution terms

DeepSeek-V3 is licensed under MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed), while GLM-5 uses MIT.

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

DeepSeek-V3

MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed)

Open weights

GLM-5

MIT

Open weights

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

DeepSeek-V3 was released on 2024-12-25, while GLM-5 was released on 2026-02-11.

GLM-5 is 14 months newer than DeepSeek-V3.

DeepSeek-V3

Dec 25, 2024

1.6 years ago

GLM-5

Feb 11, 2026

5 months ago

1.1yr newer

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-V3 is available from DeepSeek. GLM-5 is available from FriendliAI, ZAI.

DeepSeek-V3

deepseek logo
DeepSeek
Input Price:Input: $0.27/1MOutput Price:Output: $1.10/1M

GLM-5

friendli logo
FriendliAI
Input Price:Input: $1.00/1MOutput Price:Output: $3.20/1M
z logo
Unknown Organization
Input Price:Input: $1.00/1MOutput Price:Output: $3.20/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

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Key Takeaways

Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens
Larger context window (200,000 tokens)
Higher SWE-Bench Verified score (77.8% vs 42.0%)

Detailed Comparison

Interactive Arena

Judge for yourself.

Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-V3 and GLM-5 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.

DeepSeek-V3
✓ Preferred
GLM-5
Open in Playground
AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Zhipu AI
GLM-5

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek-V3 vs GLM-5.

Which is better, DeepSeek-V3 or GLM-5?

GLM-5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. DeepSeek-V3 is made by DeepSeek and GLM-5 is made by Zhipu AI. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does DeepSeek-V3 compare to GLM-5 in benchmarks?

DeepSeek-V3 scores DROP: 91.6%, CLUEWSC: 90.9%, MATH-500: 90.2%, MMLU-Redux: 89.1%, MMLU: 88.5%. GLM-5 scores t2-bench: 89.7%, SWE-Bench Verified: 77.8%, BrowseComp: 75.9%, MCP Atlas: 67.8%, Terminal-Bench 2.0: 56.2%.

Is DeepSeek-V3 cheaper than GLM-5?

DeepSeek-V3 is 3.7x cheaper for input tokens. DeepSeek-V3 costs $0.27/M input and $1.10/M output via deepseek. GLM-5 costs $1.00/M input and $3.20/M output via friendli.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek-V3 and GLM-5?

DeepSeek-V3 supports 131K tokens and GLM-5 supports 200K tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between DeepSeek-V3 and GLM-5?

Key differences include context window (131K vs 200K), input pricing ($0.27 vs $1.00/M), licensing (MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed) vs MIT). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes DeepSeek-V3 and GLM-5?

DeepSeek-V3 is developed by DeepSeek and GLM-5 is developed by Zhipu AI.