AIArsenal/Compare/DeepSeek API vs Google Gemini API

DeepSeek API vs Google Gemini API

Side-by-side comparison of free tiers, features, privacy, and company background. Updated for 2026.

DeepSeek API

OSS

GPT-4 class at $0.27/M tokens

Delivers GPT-4-class performance at a fraction of the cost ($0.27/M tokens), with open-source models you can self-host for privacy. The R1 reasoning model is particularly strong for math and code. Note: the hosted API is in Chinese jurisdiction, so self-hosting is recommended for sensitive data.

QUICK START

Sign up at platform.deepseek.com → Get your API key → Use the OpenAI-compatible API at an incredibly low cost per token

Try DeepSeek API →View full listing →

Google Gemini API

Most generous free tier — all models including 2.5 Pro/Flash, 1M context

The most generous free API tier available, giving access to the full Gemini model family including the powerful 2.5 Pro with 1M token context. No credit card required to start. Ideal for prototyping, hobby projects, and anyone who needs a capable free LLM API.

QUICK START

Visit ai.google.dev and create an API key → Install the google-generativeai SDK → Make your first API call with Gemini Flash or Pro

Try Google Gemini API →View full listing →
SIDE-BY-SIDE

Feature comparison

DeepSeek APIGoogle Gemini API
FREE TIERUnlimited (rate-limited); $0.27/M tokensFlash: 250 req/day; Pro: 100 req/day; no credit card
COMPANYDeepSeekGoogle
OPEN SOURCEYes ✓No
PRIVACYChinese jurisdiction; self-host for privacyFree tier data may train models outside EU/UK
CATEGORYDeveloper ToolsDeveloper Tools
SUBCATEGORYAPIs & InferenceAPIs & Inference
DECISION GUIDE

Which should you pick?

Pick DeepSeek API if…
  • ▸Cheapest GPT-4-class performance available
  • ▸Math and code reasoning on R1
  • ▸Self-hosting via open weights if privacy matters
Skip it if…
  • ✕Sensitive data on the hosted API (Chinese jurisdiction)
  • ✕Workloads that need strong guardrails / safety filtering
Pick Google Gemini API if…
  • ▸Prototypers who need a generous free LLM API
  • ▸Anyone who wants 1M-token context on the free tier
  • ▸Builders outside the EU/UK who don't mind training opt-out
Skip it if…
  • ✕EU/UK teams with strict data residency needs
  • ✕Production traffic at scale — free tier rate limits hit fast
Still stuck? Ask AIArsenal — our conversational advisor considers your use case, budget, and privacy needs.ASK AI →+ COMPARE MORE TOOLS
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