DeepSeek-V3 vs Grok-2 mini
DeepSeek-V3 leads the LLM Stats Score 15.7 to 8.7.
DeepSeek · xAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
DeepSeek-V3 leads the overall LLM Stats Score 15.7 to 8.7, ranking #216 overall.
In the 3 individual benchmarks reported for both models, DeepSeek-V3 wins 3; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose DeepSeek-V3
- overall performance matters — it scores 15.7 and ranks #216 on LLM Stats
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 3 of 3 exact shared results
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Dec 2024
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
Choose Grok-2 mini
- you are already invested in the xAI ecosystem
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
20 reported for DeepSeek-V3 · 8 for Grok-2 mini
DeepSeek-V3 outperforms in 3 benchmarks (GPQA, MMLU, MMLU-Pro), while Grok-2 mini is better at 0 benchmarks.
DeepSeek-V3 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Only DeepSeek-V3 specifies input context (131,072 tokens). Only DeepSeek-V3 specifies output context (131,072 tokens).
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Grok-2 mini supports multimodal inputs, whereas DeepSeek-V3 does not.
Grok-2 mini can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.
DeepSeek-V3
Grok-2 mini
License
Usage and distribution terms
DeepSeek-V3 is licensed under MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed), while Grok-2 mini uses a proprietary license.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed)
Open weights
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
DeepSeek-V3 was released on 2024-12-25, while Grok-2 mini was released on 2024-08-13.
DeepSeek-V3 is 4 months newer than Grok-2 mini.
Dec 25, 2024
1.7 years ago
4mo newerAug 13, 2024
2.1 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-V3 and Grok-2 mini side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about DeepSeek-V3 vs Grok-2 mini.