Model Comparison

DeepSeek VL2 vs DeepSeek VL2 SmallWhich is better in 2026?

DeepSeek VL2 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

Verdict: DeepSeek VL2 vs DeepSeek VL2 Small — which is better?

DeepSeek VL2 (by DeepSeek) and DeepSeek VL2 Small (by DeepSeek) 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 VL2 outperforms in 11 benchmarks (AI2D, ChartQA, DocVQA, InfoVQA, MathVista, MME, MMMU, MMStar, MMT-Bench, RealWorldQA, TextVQA), while DeepSeek VL2 Small is better at 3 benchmarks (MMBench, MMBench-V1.1, OCRBench). DeepSeek VL2 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

Choose DeepSeek VL2 if…

  • you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 11 of 14 shared benchmarks

Choose DeepSeek VL2 Small if…

  • you are already invested in the DeepSeek ecosystem

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

14 benchmarks

DeepSeek VL2 outperforms in 11 benchmarks (AI2D, ChartQA, DocVQA, InfoVQA, MathVista, MME, MMMU, MMStar, MMT-Bench, RealWorldQA, TextVQA), while DeepSeek VL2 Small is better at 3 benchmarks (MMBench, MMBench-V1.1, OCRBench).

DeepSeek VL2 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.

Sat Jun 27 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Model Size

Parameter count comparison

11.0B diff

DeepSeek VL2 has 11.0B more parameters than DeepSeek VL2 Small, making it 68.8% larger.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek VL2
27.0Bparameters
DeepSeek
DeepSeek VL2 Small
16.0Bparameters
27.0B
DeepSeek VL2
16.0B
DeepSeek VL2 Small

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

Only DeepSeek VL2 specifies input context (129,280 tokens). Only DeepSeek VL2 specifies output context (129,280 tokens).

DeepSeek
DeepSeek VL2
Input129,280 tokens
Output129,280 tokens
DeepSeek
DeepSeek VL2 Small
Input- tokens
Output- tokens
Sat Jun 27 2026 • llm-stats.com

Input Capabilities

Supported data types and modalities

Both DeepSeek VL2 and DeepSeek VL2 Small support multimodal inputs.

They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.

DeepSeek VL2

Text
Images
Audio
Video

DeepSeek VL2 Small

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

Both models are licensed under deepseek.

Both models share the same licensing terms, providing consistent usage rights.

DeepSeek VL2

deepseek

Open weights

DeepSeek VL2 Small

deepseek

Open weights

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

Both models were released on 2024-12-13.

They likely represent similar generations of model development.

DeepSeek VL2

Dec 13, 2024

1.5 years ago

DeepSeek VL2 Small

Dec 13, 2024

1.5 years ago

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 (129,280 tokens)
Higher AI2D score (81.4% vs 80.0%)
Higher ChartQA score (86.0% vs 84.5%)
Higher DocVQA score (93.3% vs 92.3%)
Higher InfoVQA score (78.1% vs 75.8%)
Higher MathVista score (62.8% vs 60.7%)
Higher MME score (22.5% vs 21.2%)
Higher MMMU score (51.1% vs 48.0%)
Higher MMStar score (61.3% vs 57.0%)
Higher MMT-Bench score (63.6% vs 62.9%)
Higher RealWorldQA score (68.4% vs 65.4%)
Higher TextVQA score (84.2% vs 83.4%)
DeepSeek
Higher MMBench score (80.3% vs 79.6%)
Higher MMBench-V1.1 score (79.3% vs 79.2%)
Higher OCRBench score (83.4% vs 81.1%)

Detailed Comparison

Interactive Arena

Judge for yourself.

Run your own prompts against DeepSeek VL2 and DeepSeek VL2 Small side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.

DeepSeek VL2
✓ Preferred
DeepSeek VL2 Small
Open in Playground
AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek VL2
DeepSeek
DeepSeek VL2 Small

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek VL2 vs DeepSeek VL2 Small.

Which is better, DeepSeek VL2 or DeepSeek VL2 Small?

DeepSeek VL2 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. DeepSeek VL2 is made by DeepSeek and DeepSeek VL2 Small is made by DeepSeek. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does DeepSeek VL2 compare to DeepSeek VL2 Small in benchmarks?

DeepSeek VL2 scores DocVQA: 93.3%, ChartQA: 86.0%, TextVQA: 84.2%, AI2D: 81.4%, OCRBench: 81.1%. DeepSeek VL2 Small scores DocVQA: 92.3%, ChartQA: 84.5%, OCRBench: 83.4%, TextVQA: 83.4%, MMBench: 80.3%.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek VL2 and DeepSeek VL2 Small?

DeepSeek VL2 supports 129K tokens and DeepSeek VL2 Small supports an unknown number of tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

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