Side by side
| Feature | DeepSeek | Grok |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Chinese AI lab offering open-source large language models (DeepSeek-V4, R1) via a chat app, web interface and developer API. | Frontier AI models from SpaceXAI for chat, code, voice, images and video, available via apps, X and a developer API. |
| Price from | 0.02 USD | 30 USD/mo |
| Free plan | ? | yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android, api | web, ios, android, api |
| API | yes | yes |
DeepSeek: key features
- Chat app and web chat interface
- Open-source models such as DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-V4
- OpenAI- and Anthropic-compatible API
- JSON output and tool calls
- Thinking (reasoning) mode
- 1M-token context window on the flash model
Grok: key features
- Chat with frontier reasoning models
- Real-time web and X search
- Grok Build agentic coding in projects
- Image and video generation (Imagine)
- Voice mode and speech transcription
- Unified API with OpenAI-compatible endpoint
FAQ
Is DeepSeek or Grok better?
It depends on the job - compare prices, free plans and features in the table above.
Are DeepSeek and Grok free?
DeepSeek: The vendor does not state this clearly on the homepage or pricing page. Grok: Yes, there is a free plan. Free plan gives access to Grok within generous limits, including voice mode, connectors and real-time web and X search, with limited Grok Bot and Expert features.