Criterion DeepSeekGoogle Gemini
CategoryAI Chatbots & AssistantsAI Chatbots & Assistants
In one sentenceDeepSeek's chat app and low-cost API, running its V4.1 Flash model.Google's AI assistant, bundled with Google One storage and Workspace apps on paid Google AI plans.
Problem it solvesGives people and developers access to a capable model at low per-token cost.Puts an AI assistant inside the Google apps people already use, with options for image and video creation.
Free planYesYes
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, DeepSeek Harness DesktopWeb, Android, iOS, Gmail/Docs/Vids (paid)
Pricing (summary)DeepSeek's site lists no paid consumer subscription for the chat app. The API is pay-as-you-go per 1M tokens, with off-peak rates at half the peak rates.
Checked 2026-10-19
Gemini is free with a Google Account. Google AI Plus is $4.99/month, AI Pro $19.99/month and AI Ultra starts at $99.99/month (with a $199.99 tier). Gemini Enterprise for businesses is $21 or $30 per seat per month.
Checked 2026-10-23
Strengths
  • Low API cost
  • Large context window
  • Chat app has no listed paid tier
  • Strong free tier
  • Storage bundled with paid plans
  • Free API tier for Flash models
Limitations
  • No published consumer usage limits
  • Peak-hour pricing doubles API rates
  • Licence terms for latest weights not verified here
  • Free plan uses the Flash-Lite model
  • Annual prices not shown on the subscriptions page
  • Some features limited to select countries