⚔️ Deepseek R1 vs ChatGPT O1 for Students

Editorial note: this comparison records an experience from 2025, not a systematic evaluation. ChatGPT’s features should not automatically be attributed to the o1 model; plans, prices and available models change. The examples do not establish that one tool is always more accurate or faster than another.

In the world of artificial intelligence Applied to education, two names stand out for their ability to help students: DeepSeek-R1 and ChatGPT-o1. In this comparison, we explore its strengths and weaknesses so you can choose the tool that best suits your academic needs, whether it's solving math problems, writing essays, or learning something new.

DeepSeek-R1 It is presented as a practical option for students, offering precision and speed in technical answers, ideal for subjects such as mathematics, physics and programming. Furthermore, it is 100% free, making it an affordable option.

On the other hand, ChatGPT-o1, developed by OpenAI, is recognized for its versatility and creativity, integrating additional services such as DALL-E to generate images. Although its answers may be more detailed, its paid version may be a hurdle for some students.

1. Precision and Speed

DeepSeek-R1

• 📌Precision: Designed to offer precise technical answers, ideal for subjects such as mathematics, physics and programming.
• ⚡Speed: Almost instantaneous responses, although sometimes the server may display the message: "The server is busy. Please try again later.
• Example: To solve a complex integral, DeepSeek-R1 gives you the correct answer in seconds and without detours.

ChatGPT-o1

• 📌Precision: It offers detailed answers, in some cases surpassing DeepSeek-R1 in programming and technical explanations.
• ⚡Speed: Fast, although its performance may vary depending on server load.
• Example: For the same integral, the example from o1 in ChatGPT includes a detailed explanation, additional steps and examples.

2. Ease and Example of Use

DeepSeek-R1

• Interface: simple and direct, perfect for quick responses.

Example

• 💡Prompt: “Okay, I need to create a vehicle add form that collects the license plate, make and model of each vehicle.”

Result

ChatGPT-o1

• Interface: Intuitive and easy to use, although with more options available.

Example

• 💡Prompt: «Now I want a small form to open simulating the payment method based on the parking rate when I go to unpark.»

Result

3. Cost and Accessibility

DeepSeek-R1

• 💲Cost: Completely free, ideal for students.
• ✅Accessibility: No subscription or additional configuration required.

ChatGPT-o1

• 💲Cost: Requires a subscription (ChatGPT Plus) to access all features.
• ✅Accessibility: The free version is limited compared to the paid one.

4. Additional Services

DeepSeek-R1

• Focus: Focused exclusively on chat, which makes it simple and direct.
• Advantage: Perfect for students who only need textual answers without additional features.

ChatGPT-o1

• Focus: Multifunctional, integrating services such as DALL-E, Sora, audio options and multiple plugins.
• Advantage: Ideal for those looking to generate visual content, work with audio or integrate additional tools.

5. Usage Comparison

Below is the exact prompt used in both AIs and a short demonstration video:

💡Prompt Used:

"I need you to design a complete UML class diagram, using standard UML notation, based on the content of the following project statement. The project consists of developing a web application to manage the institute's job board (CFGS DAW 2024-2025).

Requirements and details to take into account:

• Management of the job pool with actors: companies and students.
• Functionalities for the registration and management of companies, job offers, applications, incidents, news and external offers.
• Administrative and maintenance operations, including incident control and email notifications.
• Non-relational database (MongoDB) with representative schemas/documents.
• The diagram must include classes, attributes, methods and relationships (inheritance, association, composition).

Purpose: Basis for the implementation of the project.”

Demonstrative Video

Final Conclusion: Who Wins?

🏆DeepSeek-R1

It is the best option for students for two key reasons:

• It is 100% free, something critical for a young audience that cannot always afford subscriptions.
• Offers the same quality in academic answers as o1 in ChatGPT (mathematics, physics, programming and other subjects).

ChatGPT-o1

It's worth it if:

• you need premium features (DALL-E, plugins, audio).
• You have the budget to pay a monthly subscription.