Model Comparison

DeepSeek-V3 vs Grok Code Fast 1Which is better in 2026?

Grok Code Fast 1 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. DeepSeek-V3 is 1.1x cheaper per token.

Verdict: DeepSeek-V3 vs Grok Code Fast 1 — which is better?

DeepSeek-V3 (by DeepSeek) and Grok Code Fast 1 (by xAI) 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 Grok Code Fast 1 is better at 1 benchmark (SWE-Bench Verified). Grok Code Fast 1 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

On price, DeepSeek-V3 is roughly 1.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.

Grok Code Fast 1 also accepts a larger context window (256,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.

Choose DeepSeek-V3 if…

  • cost matters — it's about 1.1x cheaper per token
  • you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune

Choose Grok Code Fast 1 if…

  • you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
  • you process long inputs — it offers a 256,000 token context window
  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Aug 2025

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

1 benchmarks

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

Grok Code Fast 1 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

Sun Jul 26 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 1.4x more expensive than Grok Code Fast 1 ($0.20/1M tokens).

For output processing, DeepSeek-V3 ($1.10/1M tokens) is 1.4x cheaper than Grok Code Fast 1 ($1.50/1M tokens).

In conclusion, Grok Code Fast 1 is more expensive than DeepSeek-V3.*

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

Lowest available price from all providers
Sun Jul 26 2026 • llm-stats.com
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input tokens$0.27
Output tokens$1.10
Best providerDeepSeek
xAI
Grok Code Fast 1
Input tokens$0.20
Output tokens$1.50
Best providerxAI
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue→

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

Grok Code Fast 1 accepts 256,000 input tokens compared to DeepSeek-V3's 131,072 tokens. DeepSeek-V3 can generate longer responses up to 131,072 tokens, while Grok Code Fast 1 is limited to 10,000 tokens.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
xAI
Grok Code Fast 1
Input256,000 tokens
Output10,000 tokens
Sun Jul 26 2026 • llm-stats.com

License

Usage and distribution terms

DeepSeek-V3 is licensed under MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed), while Grok Code Fast 1 uses a proprietary license.

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

Grok Code Fast 1

Proprietary

Closed source

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

DeepSeek-V3 was released on 2024-12-25, while Grok Code Fast 1 was released on 2025-08-28.

Grok Code Fast 1 is 8 months newer than DeepSeek-V3.

DeepSeek-V3

Dec 25, 2024

1.6 years ago

Grok Code Fast 1

Aug 28, 2025

11 months ago

8mo 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. Grok Code Fast 1 is available from xAI.

DeepSeek-V3

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

Grok Code Fast 1

xai logo
xAI
Input Price:Input: $0.20/1MOutput Price:Output: $1.50/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

DeepSeek
Less expensive output tokens
Has open weights
xAI
Larger context window (256,000 tokens)
Less expensive input tokens
Higher SWE-Bench Verified score (70.8% vs 42.0%)

Detailed Comparison

Interactive Arena

Judge for yourself.

Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-V3 and Grok Code Fast 1 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.

DeepSeek-V3
✓ Preferred
Grok Code Fast 1
Open in Playground
AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
xAI
Grok Code Fast 1

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek-V3 vs Grok Code Fast 1.

Which is better, DeepSeek-V3 or Grok Code Fast 1?

Grok Code Fast 1 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. DeepSeek-V3 is made by DeepSeek and Grok Code Fast 1 is made by xAI. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does DeepSeek-V3 compare to Grok Code Fast 1 in benchmarks?

DeepSeek-V3 scores DROP: 91.6%, CLUEWSC: 90.9%, MATH-500: 90.2%, MMLU-Redux: 89.1%, MMLU: 88.5%. Grok Code Fast 1 scores SWE-Bench Verified: 70.8%.

Is DeepSeek-V3 cheaper than Grok Code Fast 1?

Grok Code Fast 1 is 1.4x cheaper for input tokens. DeepSeek-V3 costs $0.27/M input and $1.10/M output via deepseek. Grok Code Fast 1 costs $0.20/M input and $1.50/M output via xai.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek-V3 and Grok Code Fast 1?

DeepSeek-V3 supports 131K tokens and Grok Code Fast 1 supports 256K 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 Grok Code Fast 1?

Key differences include context window (131K vs 256K), input pricing ($0.27 vs $0.20/M), licensing (MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed) vs Proprietary). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes DeepSeek-V3 and Grok Code Fast 1?

DeepSeek-V3 is developed by DeepSeek and Grok Code Fast 1 is developed by xAI.

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