Use DeepSeek-R1 for Free

Developed by DeepSeek, their recently launched R1 model has emerged as a popular go-to for AI users, getting a lot of buzz because it’s free and open-source.

So, what’s the deal with DeepSeek R1?

In this detailed guide, we’ll look into what makes the DeepSeek R1 model a match for other AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google’s Gemini, etc.

This means exploring its various features, how to access it via HIX AI, and much more.

So, let’s get into it!

What is DeepSeek R1?

In January 2025, DeepSeek R1, a new open-source reasoning model, burst onto the AI scene. It is built on DeepSeek V3, offering the same great levels of responsiveness and efficiency as OpenAI's o1 model, but without a high price tag. In fact, it's completely free for users to access and enjoy.

With a total training cost of less than $6 million – a sharp difference compared to OpenAI's GPT-4, which reportedly cost around $100 million to train in 2023, DeepSeek was developed using much less sophisticated chips.

In many tests, it has proven perfectly capable of competing with some of its more expensively-backed rivals. This accomplishment has shaken beliefs in the West that China is behind the U.S. in AI development.

Like those other AI chat models, DeepSeek offers a range of helpful features. Users can ask it questions, get it to generate content for them, like code or written text, and it can solve problems, like math equations, or translate content into other languages.

What Makes DeepSeek R1 Special?

Let’s quickly dive into the key features and benefits of DeepSeek R1 in greater detail, shall we?

Powerful AI Language Processing

DeepSeek R1 employs advanced machine learning and natural language processing to understand and process all kinds of user inputs. This means, much like ChatGPT, you can use it to research information, scan documentation, generate text, summarize content, etc.

Advanced Logic & Analytical Reasoning

DeepSeek R1 is especially adept at performing complex logic and reasoning tasks. Whether you need help solving advanced math equations, debugging code, or gathering data on scientific problems, this AI model can help where accurate, step-by-step solutions are needed.

Open-Source Availability

DeepSeek R1 is an open-source LLM that allows developers to freely implement it into their own AI applications and tools. You can also customize it and use the AI code for any commercial use case, making it one of the most accessible, high-performance AI models.

Enhanced AI Model Accuracy

DeepSeek R1 comes with an exceptional level of accuracy that rivals even the most advanced AI models in the current market. It offers superior language comprehension, problem-solving, and logical assessment that does well to ensure reliable results across various use cases.

Why Choose DeepSeek R1 Over DeepSeek V3?

DeepSeek-V3 is the AI model that preceded DeepSeek R1. It is more of a general-purpose LLM that can help you with answering questions, content writing, etc. However, it is simply a next-word predictor, so it lacks advanced reasoning capabilities.

You can use it to get responses to queries whose answers are already in the training data. On the other hand, DeepSeek R1 is specifically designed to excel at complex, step-by-step problem-solving. Unlike DeepSeek-V3, this AI model uses large-scale reinforcement training.

This allows it to refine its complex reasoning capacity. Simply put, DeepSeek R1 experiments, fails, adjusts, and repeats the process over until it gets the right answer. This is also why the AI model doesn’t require large amounts of training data since it just learns from its own mistakes.

It is also because of this that DeepSeek R1 constantly improves, while most other LLMs remain static. As such, you can rely on it to help you with tackling all sorts of complex queries that demand an in-depth level of analysis and reasoning like mathematics, coding, etc.

DeepSeek R1 vs ChatGPT?

If you typically use ChatGPT, then you probably want to know how DeepSeek R1 performs against it. The key difference between these two platforms is that ChatGPT employs a transformer model architecture, while DeepSeek R1 uses a Mixture of Experts architecture.

DeepSeek R1’s approach is more resource-efficient because it only activates a limited number of parameters to process each query. This is like asking the right experts for help on a specific task. On the flip side, ChatGPT’s traditional approach means activating them all at once.

This is why DeepSeek R1 better conserves resources, delivers quicker results, and offers greater accuracy in specialized, deep logical thinking tasks like coding, maths, research, etc. However, ChatGPT still has an edge when it comes to general-purpose usage.

This means it does better at offering consistent, raw performance across a more diverse range of queries, like text and image generation. Moreover, it provides broader multi-language support, making it more user-friendly and versatile in comparison.

All in all, ChatGPT is still a great option for handling simple tasks where natural, real-time conversation is preferred. DeepSeek R1 is better suited to helping you solve advanced reasoning tasks with unmatched speed and accuracy.

How Can You Use DeepSeek R1?

Here are four main ways to access the DeepSeek R1 model.

HIX AI

HIX AI is an advanced AI platform integrated with DeepSeek AI’s chat interface. This grants you reliable access to DeepSeek R1 even if the DeepSeek app or website is experiencing server downtimes. HIX AI is also the most cost-effective option since it offers completely free access to users.

Plus, it’s not just R1—you can mess around with other big-name AI chat models like ChatGPT, GPT-4, or Claude, all in one spot. It’s a solid pick for banging out research, coding, or whatever else, without any fuss or limits.

DeepSeek Web Access

To use DeepSeek Chat via web access, just open your browser window and head to chat.deepseek.com. From there, you must sign up for an account. Once you’ve registered, select the ‘Deep Think’ mode to start using the platform’s advanced reasoning capabilities.

DeepSeek Mobile App

DeepSeek is available on both iOS and Android apps. Just head to the iOS store or Google PlayStore and search for the DeepSeek AI chat tool. Since it’s free, you just need to click ‘Install’, and once it is downloaded, you can register for an account to get started.

DeepSeek API

If you’re a programmer or developer, head to the DeepSeek website and sign up to obtain an API key. Once registered, you will be granted API access to integrate DeepSeek R1 with any custom application. Feel free to check out the API documentation for more information.

Conclusion

DeepSeek R1 is the next step in advanced AI reasoning, which makes it a must-use solution for anyone who needs advanced AI help across fields like STEM. To access it, you can head to DeepSeek directly but the better option is to use HIX AI. It can guarantee you a much safer, more consistent, and reliable DeepSeek R1 experience across all devices.