DeepSeek: what you get free, what the API costs, and the right setup for every task
DeepSeek gives you a strong reasoning chat completely free, and its API is very cheap. The real cost lies elsewhere: no image generation, no documented voice mode, no connectors, and your data is stored in China. Here is what you really get, where it shines and where another tool is better. Checked October 2026.
01What DeepSeek is and who it suits
DeepSeek is the AI assistant of the Chinese company Hangzhou DeepSeek. The web chat and the iOS and Android apps are free, with two main buttons: DeepThink for step-by-step reasoning and Search for web search. You can upload photos and files, and the official services work with a 1M-token context, enough for very long documents.
It suits engineers and students who want strong free reasoning for math, code and text, and developers or small offices who want a very cheap model inside their own tools through the API. The model weights are open under the MIT license on Hugging Face, but far too large for an office PC.
It suits less those who need images, video, voice, Office or Gmail connections, or a business plan with data commitments. And the most important point: according to the privacy policy, personal data is collected, processed and stored in the People's Republic of China. Do not upload client documents to it.
02DeepSeek in one picture
DeepSeek is like a brilliant consultant who works for free from an office abroad. He calculates, writes and explains very well, but he has no drawing table, no phone and no key to your archive. And everything you hand him stays in his office, under his country's law. Great for general questions and your own work; not the place to send a client's contract.
03Free vs paid: what you really get
The free chat: strong reasoning at no cost
- Chat on the web and in the iOS and Android apps, with no subscription and no published message cap
- DeepThink: step-by-step reasoning for math, engineering and code
- Search: web search inside the chat
- Photo and file upload, with a vision mode for images
- 1M-token context on official services, for very long documents
- History search, sharing a chat as a link or image, and a full data export
Limit: No image or video generation, no documented voice mode, no connectors, unpublished upload limits, and all data is stored in China.
API pay-as-you-go: very cheap, but for technical users
No monthly subscription. API by usage, deepseek-flash per 1M tokens: input 0.30 USD (cache miss) and output 1.20 USD at peak hours, half price the rest of the time
- Very low per-token prices, with a 50% discount outside peak hours
- Prepaid balance that never expires; unused balance is refundable; invoices from the Billing page
- 1M-token context and up to 384K output, with thinking and non-thinking modes
- Compatible with the OpenAI and Anthropic API formats: works in Claude Code, OpenCode and Codex with official guides
- DeepSeek Harness: a free, open-source desktop agent (public preview) for documents, spreadsheets, code and scheduled tasks
- Third-party apps that need no programming: Chatbox and Cherry Studio for chat, n8n and Zapier for automation
When paying is worth it: When you want DeepSeek inside an automation, a coding agent or Harness, or need large volumes cheaply. For chat alone there is nothing to buy: the chat is free.
04The weak sides
In the free chat
- All data is processed and stored in China; not suitable for confidential client or project data
- Your chats may be used, after de-identification, to improve the models until you turn off Improve the model for everyone
- No image generation, no video, no documented voice mode, and no built-in export to slides or Word
- No connections to Gmail, Drive or Office, no saved projects or custom bots, and no scheduled tasks
- No published message or upload limits; the service can be busy at peak times
- Which model runs in the free chat is not officially stated
Even when you pay (API)
- The API is for developers; a non-programmer needs Chatbox, Cherry Studio or Harness
- API data is also handled by a China-based company, with no published EU or regional hosting option
- No business plan with an admin console, SSO or a no-training commitment was found; the agreement is a standard text that cannot be changed
- Peak prices are double, and peak hours cover much of the Israeli working morning, Monday to Friday (see the table)
- Models and prices change often (V4 to V4.1, a V4-Pro phase-out announced and then reversed); check the pricing page before budgeting
- Reported in February 2025: blocked on government devices in several countries, such as Australia and Taiwan; the app is also missing from the Italian App Store
05Plans and prices
| Plan | Price per month | For whom | Main limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free (web and app) | 0 | Anyone who wants strong free reasoning and accepts data stored in China | No image or video generation, no documented voice mode; no connectors; limits not published |
| API deepseek-flash (V4.1-Flash) | No monthly fee. Per 1M tokens: input 0.30 USD peak / 0.15 off-peak (cache hit 0.006 / 0.003); output 1.20 / 0.60 | Developers and offices building DeepSeek into their tools | Prepaid balance and an API key. Peak hours: 01:00-04:00 and 06:00-10:00 UTC, Monday to Friday (except Chinese public holidays). In Israel: 04:00-07:00 and 09:00-13:00 in summer time; from 25 October 2026 (winter time) 03:00-06:00 and 08:00-12:00 |
| API deepseek-v4-pro (V4-Pro-0813) | Per 1M tokens: input 1.32 / 0.66 (cache hit 0.044 / 0.022); output 3.96 / 1.98 USD | Developers who want the larger model | No vision; DeepSeek cites tests that put V4.1-Flash ahead of it; its future is unclear |
| DeepSeek Harness | The app is free (MIT); you pay only API tokens | Technical users who want a desktop agent | Public preview; macOS on Apple silicon or Windows 64-bit; needs an API key |
| Full comparison | AI Price Comparison: Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, DeepSeek, Qwen, Kimi and GLM | All assistants | Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, DeepSeek and more |
06The best setup for each task
Write an email or letterA clear, polite letter with a subject line and clear action items.4
Free way
- DeepSeek chatFree text drafting with no published cap; good at a formal tone.
- DeepSeek mobile appDraft a reply on site and copy it into your email.
Paid way
- Chatbox with an API keyThe same model in a desktop client, with saved prompts for recurring letter types.
- Zapier with DeepSeekAutomatic draft replies inside a mail workflow; always with a human check before sending.
Write a formal letter to a contractor about delayed anchor installation; firm but polite, 150 words, with a subject line and three action items. Leave out clients' personal details: the data is stored in China.
Write a technical reportA well-structured report with fixed chapters and marked assumptions, ready to paste into Word.4
Free way
- DeepThinkStep-by-step reasoning that helps build a logical report structure.
- File uploadUpload long site notes; the 1M-token context holds a lot of material.
Paid way
- DeepSeek HarnessA desktop agent that reads and edits files in a workspace folder and produces documents.
- Cherry Studio with an API keyA desktop app for long drafting sessions with your own key.
Write a report with the chapters Scope, Findings, Calculations, Recommendations; mark every assumption [ASSUMPTION]. There is no documented Word export, so paste and format it yourself.
Summarise long documents and PDFsA short summary plus every numeric requirement with its page number.4
Free way
- File upload in chat1M-token context on official services; upload limits are not published.
- DeepThinkUseful for comparing clauses or finding contradictions in a document.
Paid way
- Cherry StudioWork through many files in a row with an API key.
- ChatboxDesktop and mobile client with an API key and a saved summary prompt.
Summarise in 10 bullets, then list every numeric requirement with its page number. Per the FAQ, scanned images with no extractable text fail, so run OCR first.
Translate documentsA fluent translation that keeps units, standard numbers and clause numbers intact.4
Free way
- DeepSeek chatFree translation; Hebrew is not officially documented as a model language, so it works, but check the text.
- A glossary in the first messagePaste a fixed term list so the translation stays consistent.
Paid way
- PDF Math Translate or Zotero with the APILayout-preserving PDF translation, from the official integrations list.
- Chatbox with a saved translation promptThe same translation rules every time, without retyping.
Here is a glossary. Translate into English; keep units, standard numbers and clause numbers unchanged.
Solve an engineering problem with a checked calculationA step-by-step solution with units, plus a script that recomputes the result.5
Free way
- DeepThinkHigh math scores per the vendor; but the chat has no documented code execution.
- A Python script you run yourselfAsk for a script that recomputes the answer and run it on your PC.
- ADIT AAS and ARS calculatorsFor anchor and rebar calculations: a free, independent check on the ADIT website (all-the-software).
Paid way
- DeepSeek HarnessCan write and run scripts to check the arithmetic.
- Claude Code with the DeepSeek APIA coding agent that writes and runs checks; official DeepSeek guide.
Solve step by step with units, then give a Python script that recomputes the result. Run the script yourself and check against the standard.
Analyse Excel data and make chartsA correct analysis of the data and a formula or script that draws the chart.4
Free way
- Paste a CSV or upload the fileAnalysis in text only; chart drawing and Excel export are not documented.
- An Excel formula or a matplotlib scriptThis is the weak spot of the free chat: ask for a formula or script and run it yourself.
Paid way
- DeepSeek HarnessPer the official page it analyses spreadsheets in your workspace folder.
- Claude Code with the DeepSeek APIWrites and runs a script that saves the chart as a file.
Here are the table columns. Give an Excel formula for each calculated column and a Python script that plots load against displacement.
Create a presentationA clean deck outline with titles, bullets and speaker notes.4
Free way
- Outline in DeepSeekNo built-in slide creation; DeepSeek writes the content.
- Gamma (workaround)Builds slides from a pasted outline.
Paid way
- Harness with a python-pptx scriptThe agent can generate a .pptx file through code.
- Another assistant for a finished deckIf you need a ready file, see our guides ChatGPT guide and Claude for the office.
Make an 8-slide outline with a title, 3 bullets and speaker notes per slide. Then paste it into Gamma or PowerPoint Designer.
Draw an image or illustrationDeepSeek does not draw; it writes a precise prompt for another tool.4
Free way
- Not available in DeepSeekNo image generation; Janus-Pro open weights are on Hugging Face but not in the app.
- Gemini (workaround)Free image generation; see Gemini guide.
Paid way
- Canva (workaround)Brand templates and AI images; add Hebrew text by hand.
- DeepSeek for the promptWrites a precise image description to paste into the image tool.
Write an image prompt for a cross-section of a chemical anchor in concrete, white background, technical illustration style. Then paste it into Gemini or Canva.
Technical drawings, diagrams and flowchartsAn editable flowchart from Mermaid or draw.io code.4
Free way
- Mermaid, draw.io XML or SVG codeDeepSeek writes the diagram as code you can edit.
- draw.ioPaste Mermaid or XML and get the diagram.
Paid way
- DeepSeek HarnessWrites and saves diagram files in your workspace.
- Chatbox with a saved diagram promptThe same diagram style every time.
Give a Mermaid flowchart of the anchor selection process. Not suitable for dimensioned CAD drawings.
Video and animationA script and shot list; the video itself is made in another tool.4
Free way
- DeepSeek: script onlyNo video generation; DeepSeek writes the script and storyboard.
- An assistant with video toolsIf you need AI video, check our guide Gemini guide.
Paid way
- Canva video (workaround)Edit the video from the script DeepSeek wrote.
- Paid plans of other assistantsCompare ChatGPT guide and Gemini guide before you buy.
Write a 60-second script for a training clip on installing an anchor, with a shot list and caption text.
Web research with sourcesA table of claims, each with a link and a date you can check.4
Free way
Paid way
- Claude Code with the DeepSeek APIWeb search is supported through the API; it adds token cost.
- DeepSeek HarnessAn agent that gathers information and saves a summary to a file.
Use only manufacturer or government sources; table: claim, URL, date. Open every link and check that it exists.
Search standards and regulationsAn exact clause quote with its number, or "not found".4
Free way
- Upload your licensed standardPaywalled standards (EN, SI, ETAG) cannot be read through search; upload a licensed PDF.
- Search for public regulationsGood for regulations and guidance published online.
Paid way
- Gemini Notebook, formerly NotebookLM (workaround)Answers only from your uploaded sources, and the data does not go to China.
- An assistant with a business planFor confidential client documents, prefer another assistant; see Claude for the office and ChatGPT guide.
Quote the exact clause number and text; if it is absent, say NOT FOUND. Do not upload confidential client documents to DeepSeek.
Write code or a small engineering toolA small working tool with visible formulas and test cases.5
Free way
- DeepSeek chatVery strong coding scores per the vendor, for free.
- DeepThinkFor hard bugs and for planning the logic before writing.
Paid way
- Claude Code with the DeepSeek APIOfficial guide; a cheap per-token coding agent.
- OpenCodeAn open-source coding agent with an official setup guide.
- DeepSeek Harness, Code modeA desktop agent with a dedicated code mode and a log of every run.
Write a single HTML file that calculates embedment depth from these inputs; show the formulas and add test cases.
Build a website or landing pageA ready HTML file in the right direction that you upload to your own hosting.4
Free way
- Chat writing HTML and CSSNo built-in publishing or hosting.
- Your own hosting or WordPressUpload the file yourself.
Paid way
- DeepSeek HarnessBuilds all site files in a local folder; you host them.
- Claude Code with the DeepSeek APIA coding agent for a full site and repeated fixes.
One-page landing page in Hebrew, dir=rtl, a single HTML file with no external libraries.
Organise files and folders on the PCA renaming plan you approve before anything moves.4
Free way
- Not available in chatThe chat and app cannot access local files.
- A script you run yourselfAsk for a renaming script and test it on a copy.
Paid way
- DeepSeek Harness desktopWorks in a workspace folder you choose and asks before operations that need approval.
- Trajectory logEvery run is recorded in a log you can review afterwards.
Test on a copy folder first: "List the proposed renames; do not move anything until I approve."
Meetings: transcription and minutesMinutes with decisions, action items, owners and dates.4
Free way
- Paste a transcript into chatNo recording or transcription is documented in DeepSeek.
- Otter.ai (workaround)A dedicated meeting transcription tool.
Paid way
- Zoom or Teams transcript, then DeepSeekNo built-in meeting tool; DeepSeek writes the minutes from the transcript.
- Offices on Microsoft 365See our guide Copilot guide.
From this transcript, write minutes: decisions, action items with owner and date. Check the transcription quality yourself.
Customer service and repeated repliesA consistent reply drawn from your FAQ, with human approval.4
Free way
- Chat with a pasted FAQNo saved projects or custom bots are documented in the app, so paste it each time.
- DeepSeek Android appA quick reply from your phone.
Paid way
- n8n with DeepSeekAutomated replies with your FAQ as the system prompt.
- Zapier with DeepSeekConnect forms and email without code.
Reply using only this FAQ; if it is not covered, say we will check and get back. Keep a human approval step.
Learn a new subject (tutor)Step-by-step explanations and one question at a time.4
Free way
- DeepThinkDetailed step-by-step explanations; no voice tutor mode.
- DeepSeek iOS appLearn on the go.
Paid way
- Chatbox with a saved tutor promptA reusable tutor persona.
- Cherry StudioA desktop client with your key and chats organised by topic.
Teach me the failure modes of chemical anchors; ask one question at a time and correct me.
Marketing and SEO contentA draft article with an FAQ and a meta description that you fact-check.4
Free way
- Chat with SearchFree drafting with current information from the web.
- DeepThinkFor building the article structure and FAQ.
Paid way
- n8n with DeepSeekDraft articles in batches; no built-in SEO data tools.
- Zapier with DeepSeekConnect an ideas sheet and your site.
A 1,200-word article for keyword X with an FAQ and a meta description under 155 characters. Fact-check every product claim.
Automate a repeating workflow (agents)A recurring task that runs on its own, with a log you can check.5
Free way
- Not in the free chatNo scheduled tasks or agents in the consumer app.
- Plan the workflow in chatDeepSeek helps write the steps before you build an automation.
Paid way
- DeepSeek HarnessThe official page lists task scheduling.
- n8nAn official DeepSeek node for workflows.
- ZapierNo-code automations with DeepSeek; also needs a Zapier plan.
Start small: "Every Sunday at 08:00 summarise new files in folder X into report.md." Review the session log before trusting it.
07Privacy and Hebrew
Your data is stored in China
The privacy policy (updated 10 February 2026) states plainly that personal data is collected, processed and stored in the People's Republic of China. The terms are governed by Chinese law, and data may be shared with service providers, group companies and authorities when the law requires it.
Training and how to switch it off
By default your chats may be used to improve the models after identifying details are removed. Switch off Improve the model for everyone in the settings, or write to privacy@deepseek.com. Backup: Settings, then Data, then Export data. Deleting the account is final and also wipes any unused API balance.
Regulators and office use
In Italy, the data protection authority (Garante) ordered an urgent limitation of processing of Italian users' data on 30 January 2025, and the app is not in the Italian App Store (checked October 2026). In Berlin, the data protection commissioner reported the app to Apple and Google as illegal content under the DSA on 27 June 2025, stating that the transfer of user data to China is unlawful. No official Israeli position was found. Our advice: do not upload client documents, contracts or personal data. For confidential office work, prefer an assistant with a business plan, such as Claude for the office or ChatGPT guide.
Hebrew
The app interface is localised into 72 languages, Hebrew among them, and the app is available in the Israeli App Store. The model's Hebrew quality is not officially documented: it works, but check the text, technical terms and the order of numbers and units. Also watch for stray Chinese characters in the output.
08Set it up in 10 minutes
- 1
Open an account
Go to deepseek.com or install the app from the App Store or Google Play. You can sign in with Google.
- 2
Turn off training
In the settings, switch off Improve the model for everyone. Do this before any real work.
- 3
Set an office rule
Tell your staff in writing: no client documents, contracts, confidential plans or personal details go into DeepSeek.
- 4
Learn the two buttons
DeepThink for calculations and complex problems, Search for current information. Turn on Search only when you need current information.
- 5
A first real task
Upload a public PDF, such as a manufacturer's specification, and ask for a summary with every numeric requirement and its page number. Check three requirements against the source.
- 6
Want the API? Start small
Go to platform.deepseek.com, top up a small amount, create a key and connect it to Chatbox or Harness. Run heavy jobs outside peak hours, at half price.
- 7
Keep a backup
Now and then use Settings, then Data, then Export data. The link is valid for 7 days.
09FAQ
Is DeepSeek really free?
Yes. The web chat and the apps are free, and there is no paid consumer plan. The only thing you pay for is the API by usage, with a prepaid balance that does not expire.
Is it safe to use at work?
For general questions, your own calculations, code and translating public text, yes. Per the privacy policy the data is stored in China, and there is no business plan with a no-training commitment, so do not upload client documents, contracts or personal data.
Is the free version enough for a small office?
For writing, explanations, code and calculations with non-confidential data, certainly. What is missing: Office and Gmail connections, images, team management. For client documents prefer an assistant with a business plan; see Claude for the office and ChatGPT guide.
Which plan for a team of 3?
DeepSeek has no team plan. Option one: each person uses a free account for non-confidential work. Option two: the API inside a shared tool such as n8n, with a prepaid balance. If the team handles client data, compare business plans at AI Price Comparison: Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, DeepSeek, Qwen, Kimi and GLM.
Can I trust its calculations?
Only after checking. DeepThink is strong at math per the vendor, but the chat has no documented code execution. Ask for a script that recomputes the result, run it, and check against the standard. For anchor and rebar calculations, ADIT's free AAS and ARS calculators are a reliable independent check.
Can I run it on my own computer?
The weights are open on Hugging Face under the MIT license, but V4.1-Flash is huge (763B parameters in total) and will not run on an office PC. In Ollama it is available only as a cloud version; older small deepseek-r1 versions do run locally. Other open models: Qwen for the office, Kimi guide and GLM guide.