DeepSeek vs Zhipu AI
Which Agents AI tool is better in 2026?
DeepSeek
Open-weights frontier AI models with breakthrough efficiency.
Zhipu AI
Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4.
Side-by-side
Zhipu AI is the more established option (raised $2.0B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | DeepSeek | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Open-weights frontier AI models with breakthrough efficiency. | Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4. |
| Foundedi | 2023 | 2019🏆 |
| HQi | Hangzhou, CN | Beijing, CN |
| Employeesi | 51-200🏆 | 201-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 49 | 86🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $2.0B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Private (High-Flyer) | IPO · Jan 2026 |
| Valuationi | $10B🏆 | $6.6B |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | — |
| Free plani | ✓ DeepSeek-Chat (Web/App) | ✓ Free Tier |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | — | — |
| Pricing summaryi | 3 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for DeepSeek and Zhipu AI.
| Capability | DeepSeek | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 1 (Python) | 2 (Python, Go) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of DeepSeek
- Newer company (2023)
🔵 Strengths of Zhipu AI
- Has raised more capital ($2.0B vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (86 vs 49)
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2019)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zhipu AI if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Agents tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Zhipu AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.0B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
💸 Deals
Zhipu GLM API — free signup credits
New Zhipu BigModel API accounts get free starter credits to evaluate GLM-4 and CogView image models.
Terms: New accounts only.
Frequently asked questions
DeepSeek vs Zhipu AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. DeepSeek is the leaner option; Zhipu AI has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is DeepSeek cheaper than Zhipu AI?
No — Zhipu AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while DeepSeek's is Free.
Do DeepSeek and Zhipu AI offer free plans?
DeepSeek: Yes, has a free plan. Zhipu AI: Yes, has a free plan.
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