Model Comparison

DeepSeek-V3 vs Kimi K2 BaseWhich is better in 2026?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Verdict: DeepSeek-V3 vs Kimi K2 Base — which is better?

DeepSeek-V3 (by DeepSeek) and Kimi K2 Base (by Moonshot 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 3 benchmarks (GPQA, MMLU, MMLU-Pro), while Kimi K2 Base is better at 3 benchmarks (C-Eval, CSimpleQA, SimpleQA). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Choose DeepSeek-V3 if…

  • you want predictable pricing at $0.27/M input and $1.10/M output

Choose Kimi K2 Base if…

  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Jul 2025
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Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

6 benchmarks

DeepSeek-V3 outperforms in 3 benchmarks (GPQA, MMLU, MMLU-Pro), while Kimi K2 Base is better at 3 benchmarks (C-Eval, CSimpleQA, SimpleQA).

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Thu Jun 25 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Model Size

Parameter count comparison

329.0B diff

Kimi K2 Base has 329.0B more parameters than DeepSeek-V3, making it 49.0% larger.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
671.0Bparameters
Moonshot AI
Kimi K2 Base
1.0Tparameters
671.0B
DeepSeek-V3
1000.0B
Kimi K2 Base

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).

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
Moonshot AI
Kimi K2 Base
Input- tokens
Output- tokens
Thu Jun 25 2026 • llm-stats.com

License

Usage and distribution terms

DeepSeek-V3 is licensed under MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed), while Kimi K2 Base 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

Kimi K2 Base

MIT

Open weights

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

DeepSeek-V3 was released on 2024-12-25, while Kimi K2 Base was released on 2025-07-11.

Kimi K2 Base is 7 months newer than DeepSeek-V3.

DeepSeek-V3

Dec 25, 2024

1.5 years ago

Kimi K2 Base

Jul 11, 2025

11 months ago

6mo 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

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

DeepSeek
Larger context window (131,072 tokens)
Higher GPQA score (59.1% vs 48.1%)
Higher MMLU score (88.5% vs 87.8%)
Higher MMLU-Pro score (75.9% vs 69.2%)
Moonshot AI
Higher C-Eval score (92.5% vs 86.5%)
Higher CSimpleQA score (77.6% vs 64.8%)
Higher SimpleQA score (35.3% vs 24.9%)

Detailed Comparison

AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Moonshot AI
Kimi K2 Base

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek-V3 vs Kimi K2 Base.

Which is better, DeepSeek-V3 or Kimi K2 Base?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. DeepSeek-V3 is made by DeepSeek and Kimi K2 Base is made by Moonshot AI. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does DeepSeek-V3 compare to Kimi K2 Base in benchmarks?

DeepSeek-V3 scores DROP: 91.6%, CLUEWSC: 90.9%, MATH-500: 90.2%, MMLU-Redux: 89.1%, MMLU: 88.5%. Kimi K2 Base scores C-Eval: 92.5%, GSM8k: 92.1%, MMLU-redux-2.0: 90.2%, MMLU: 87.8%, TriviaQA: 85.1%.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek-V3 and Kimi K2 Base?

DeepSeek-V3 supports 131K tokens and Kimi K2 Base supports an unknown number of 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 Kimi K2 Base?

Key differences include licensing (MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed) vs MIT). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes DeepSeek-V3 and Kimi K2 Base?

DeepSeek-V3 is developed by DeepSeek and Kimi K2 Base is developed by Moonshot AI.

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