DeepSeek V3 Review & Ranking

The open‑source Chinese model DeepSeek V3 climbs to #4 in our creative writing leaderboard, delivering lean imaginative prose at a bargain‑basement price.

Quick Verdict

DeepSeek V3 lands fourth (Δ+3), pairing vivid Chinese‑English creativity with the cheapest tokens in the top tier.

Pros

  • Ultra‑low API cost
  • Open‑source weights and MIT license
  • Strong true‑rhyme poetry (34/40)

Cons

  • SEO outputs omit granular roast temperatures
  • Copywriting too brief for full ad cards
  • Limited to 64 K tokens vs. 128 K leaders

Leaderboard Ranking

#4
Creative Writing Rank
3Δ vs Overall Rank

Ranking based on crowdsourced votes from Chatbot Arena Creative Writing leaderboard, cross‑checked with overall performance.

Model Specs

Context Window

64000 tokens

Open Source

Yes

Uncensored

Moderate safety filters; more permissive than most closed models

Training Cutoff

2024-07

Writing Samples & Style

Scene

Prompt

Write a 500-word short story in first-person present tense that blends near-future climate-science realism with elements of magical-realism. Requirements* • Open with a single vivid sensory image (2 sentences max). • Introduce a main character facing a moral dilemma by paragraph 2. • Include one piece of hard climate data (e.g., “the ocean rose 23 cm in five years”). • End on an emotionally ambiguous note (no tidy resolution). • Keep the prose suitable for a literary-magazine audience; avoid clichés. • Word count 480-520. Output only the story text—no commentary.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
The air smells of burning plastic and salt, a rancid sweetness that clings to my lips even through the mask. Out beyond the cracked boardwalk, the gulls wheel in silent circles, their wings catching the copper light of a sun filtered through wildfire haze. I stand at the edge of what used to be Santa Cruz, watching the tide swallow another row of abandoned cottages. The ocean rose 23 cm in five years—enough to drown memories. My daughter’s voice crackles through the radio on my belt: *”Mama, the trucks are leaving at dawn.”* I don’t answer. In my pocket, the vial of glowing blue sand hums against my fingers, the last gift from the old marine biologist who swore it could call the waves back. Science or madness? He hadn’t been sure. The dilemma is simple. Use it, and maybe buy the coast a few more years. Or leave it buried, join the inland caravans, and let the sea claim the rest. The government calls this a voluntary retreat. My neighbors call it surrender. At night, I dream of the biologist’s voice: *”You’ve seen the data. You know what’s coming.”* But I’ve also seen my daughter’s face when she talks about the mountains, the way her hands shake less when she’s not listening to the sirens. I wade into the surf, the cold biting through my boots. The sand pulses brighter where the water touches it, tendrils of light swirling like living ink. For a wild moment, the gulls stop crying. The wind stills. The tide hesitates. Then my radio shrieks—a distress signal from the northern sector. The spell breaks. The waves push forward again. My fingers tighten around the vial. Behind me, headlights flicker through the smoke. Dawn isn’t far off. I could still run. But the sand is humming louder now, a sound like a distant storm. I close my eyes and pour it into the sea. Mistral Large

Style Comment:

Pop Song

Prompt

Write English lyrics for a mid-tempo pop song (≈ 100 BPM) in ABAB CB structure (two verses, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, final chorus).

Theme: personal resilience after social rejection.

Requirements

• Chorus must contain the hook line “I bend, I never break.”

• Bridge should introduce a fresh metaphor and shift the rhyme scheme.

• Avoid explicit profanity; keep radio-friendly.

• Deliver as: V1 / V2 / Pre-Ch / Ch / Bridge / Ch. Only the lyrics, no chords.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
**[Verse 1]** Whispers cut like winter wind, Echoes of the jokes they spin. Left me standing in the cold, But time unfolds what hearts can hold. **[Verse 2]** Pages turn, the crowd moves on, Acting like I never belonged. But scars can fade, and fires die— I’m still here beneath the sky. **[Pre-Chorus]** Oh, the names they threw like stones, Only built me stronger bones. **[Chorus]** I bend, I never break, Like branches in a hurricane. They push, but I won’t shake— No, I bend, I never break. **[Bridge]** *(fresh metaphor, shifted rhyme scheme)* Now I’m a river, steady, slow, Wearing down the sharpest blows. Waves may crash, but still I flow— Oh, the depths you’ll never know. **[Chorus]** I bend, I never break, Like branches in a hurricane. They push, but I won’t shake— No, I bend, I never break.

Style Comment:

Poem

Prompt

Compose a Shakespearean sonnet (14 lines, iambic pentameter, abab cdcd efef gg) on the tension between digital memory and human forgetting. Employ at least one volta at line 9 and close with a rhymed couplet that offers a paradox.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
O digit scribe so greedy, vast, and vain, That never spares a post, a verse, a glance. You claim each whisper clear from dust’s domain, While mortal minds let moments slip from trance. Yet when your endless records stand so bright, And echo back each rash and fleeting whim, I find your constancy a haunted sight – Less archive than the ghost of life grown dim. Forgetfulness was never but a flaw! (Here turns my thought against your shining claim) The heart sheds petals not to mock the thaw, But makes each spring renewed, not just the same. The mind that holds too much holds nothing true – Both gain and loss live in what passes through.

Style Comment:

SEO Blog Post

Prompt

Write a 1 000-word SEO-optimized blog article aimed at first-time home coffee-roasters.

Requirements

  1. Primary keyword: “home coffee roasting.” Use it in the H1, first 100 words, and once per main section.
  2. Include 3 secondary keywords: “light roast profile,” “coffee roasting equipment,” “cooling the beans.”
  3. H-tag hierarchy: H1 + 5 H2s + bullets where helpful.
  4. Add a 50-character meta description.
  5. Use a friendly, knowledgeable tone; reading level grade 8-9.
  6. Finish with a short FAQ (3 Q&A).
    Return only the article (no explanations).

Model Output

▶ Show sample
# The Beginner’s Guide to Home Coffee Roasting **Meta Description:** Discover the joys of home coffee roasting with tips on equipment, roast profiles, and cooling the beans. ## Why Try Home Coffee Roasting? Home coffee roasting is a rewarding way to enjoy fresher, more flavorful coffee. By roasting your own beans, you control the flavor, aroma, and roast level—whether you prefer a light roast profile or something darker. Plus, it’s fun! With the right coffee roasting equipment and a little practice, you can craft the perfect cup every time. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to start roasting at home, from choosing beans to cooling the beans properly. Let’s dive in! ## Essential Coffee Roasting Equipment Before you start, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s what to consider: – **Roasting Machine:** Options range from budget-friendly air roasters to professional drum roasters. – **Green Coffee Beans:** Buy high-quality, unroasted beans from trusted suppliers. – **Thermometer:** Helps monitor temperature for consistent results. – **Colander or Cooling Tray:** Essential for cooling the beans quickly after roasting. – **Storage Containers:** Airtight jars keep beans fresh. Investing in good coffee roasting equipment makes the process easier and more enjoyable. ## Understanding Roast Profiles Roast profiles determine your coffee’s flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown: – **Light Roast Profile:** Bright, acidic, with fruity or floral notes. Beans reach 350–400°F. – **Medium Roast:** Balanced flavor, more body, and slight sweetness (400–430°F). – **Dark Roast:** Bold, smoky, with less acidity (430–450°F). Experiment to find your favorite. A light roast profile is great for delicate, complex flavors, while dark roasts offer intensity. ## The Roasting Process Step-by-Step Follow these steps for perfect home coffee roasting: 1. **Preheat Your Roaster:** Aim for 350–400°F for light roasts. 2. **Add Beans:** Start with a small batch (100–200g) for even roasting. 3. **Monitor Closely:** Listen for the “first crack” (light roast) or “second crack” (dark roast). 4. **Cool the Beans Quickly:** Use a colander or cooling tray to stop the roasting process. 5. **Rest Before Brewing:** Wait 12–24 hours for flavors to develop. ## Cooling the Beans Properly Cooling the beans is crucial—it locks in flavor and prevents over-roasting. Here’s how: – **Spread Beans Thinly:** Use a baking sheet or cooling tray for even airflow. – **Stir or Shake:** Helps beans cool faster. – **Avoid Water:** Moisture ruins texture and flavor. Proper cooling ensures a smooth, balanced cup. ## Storing Your Freshly Roasted Coffee Keep your beans fresh with these tips: – Use airtight containers away from light and heat. – Avoid the fridge—it introduces moisture. – Consume within 2–4 weeks for peak flavor. ## FAQ ### 1. How long does home coffee roasting take? Most roasts take 10–15 minutes, depending on the roast level and equipment. ### 2. Can I roast coffee in a popcorn popper? Yes! Popcorn poppers work well for small batches and light roast profiles. ### 3. Why do my beans taste bitter? Over-roasting or insufficient cooling can cause bitterness. Try a lighter roast and cool the beans faster. Happy roasting! With practice, home coffee roasting will become second nature—and your taste buds will thank you.

Style Comment:

Landing Page Copy

Prompt

Write high-conversion landing-page copy (≈ 300 words) for a new line of lightweight, fully recyclable running shoes named Zephyr-Lite™.

Audience → urban runners, ages 20-40, eco-conscious but style-driven.

Must include
• A punchy headline (≤ 8 words)
• Sub-headline elaborating the core benefit (≤ 18 words)
• 3 scannable benefit bullets (2-3 lines each)
• One short customer testimonial (first name, city)

• A single CTA button label (≤ 4 words)
Tone: energetic, conversational, modern.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
**Headline:** “Run Lighter. Leave No Trace.” **Sub-headline:** “Zephyr-Lite™: The eco-conscious running shoe that doesn’t sacrifice speed or style.” **Scannable Benefits:** ✔ **Featherlight Performance** – Engineered for effortless miles with breathable, cloud-like cushioning that’s still tough enough for urban terrain. ✔ **100% Recyclable Design** – From sole to laces, every part is crafted with planet-friendly materials to run guilt-free. ✔ **Sleek, Street-Ready Style** – Turn heads with fresh, minimalist designs that look as fast as they feel. **Testimonial:** *”I’ve never felt this light on my feet—or this good about my footprint. Zephyr-Lite is a game-changer!”* – Jason, Portland **CTA:** “Step Into Tomorrow” *(Word count: ~145–150 words – adjust bullet depth or testimonial length as needed to hit targets.)* **Tone Note:** Pairs urgency (“leave no trace”) with aspirational ease (“featherlight”), balancing eco-cred and performance. The testimonial reinforces both emotional and rational appeal. CTA avoids generic “Shop Now” for forward-looking motivation.

Style Comment:

Short Essay

Prompt

Write an 800-word argumentative essay assessing whether universal basic income (UBI) would stimulate entrepreneurship in developed economies.

Requirements
• Present a clear thesis in the introduction.
• Use at least two reputable economic studies published after 2021 (cite inline APA).
• Address one major counterargument.
• Conclude with a policy recommendation.
• Formal academic tone, but readable. Return only the essay text.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
# The Entrepreneurial Potential of Universal Basic Income in Developed Economies Universal Basic Income (UBI)—a policy guaranteeing unconditional cash transfers to all citizens—has gained traction as a potential tool for economic resilience and social equity. Proponents argue that UBI could stimulate entrepreneurship by reducing financial precarity and enabling risk-taking, while critics contend it might disincentivize work or waste public funds. This essay argues that UBI would likely increase entrepreneurial activity in developed economies by providing a financial safety net that allows individuals to pursue ventures without survival constraints, supported by recent empirical studies. However, implementation must be carefully calibrated to mitigate fiscal concerns. ## UBI as a Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Risk-Taking Entrepreneurship inherently involves risk, yet financial insecurity prevents many from pursuing innovative ideas. A 2023 randomized controlled trial in Germany found that recipients of unconditional cash transfers were 28% more likely to start businesses than the control group, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors (Bauer et al., 2023). The study concluded that guaranteed income reduced the “fear of failure”—a key barrier cited by aspiring entrepreneurs. Similarly, a 2022 analysis of Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (a partial UBI model) showed a 17% rise in self-employment in rural areas, where traditional jobs were scarce (Jones & Marinescu, 2022). These findings align with behavioral economics theory: when basic needs are met, individuals allocate cognitive resources toward opportunity-driven (rather than survival-driven) activities. ## Counterargument: Potential Work Disincentives Opponents of UBI often cite concerns about reduced labor participation. A frequently referenced 2021 Finnish experiment found no significant change in employment levels among UBI recipients—but crucially, it also observed no decline (Kangas et al., 2021). This suggests that while UBI may not force people into work, it does not discourage it either. Moreover, entrepreneurship is distinct from traditional employment; the same safety net that could seemingly reduce the urgency to work a 9-to-5 job may empower individuals to invest time in high-potential startups. The German study explicitly noted that UBI recipients worked fewer hours in low-wage jobs but increased productivity in entrepreneurial pursuits (Bauer et al., 2023). ## Policy Recommendation: Phased Implementation with Monitoring To harness UBI’s entrepreneurial benefits while managing fiscal risks, governments should pilot programs targeting demographics with high entrepreneurial potential—such as recent graduates or mid-career professionals in declining industries. Funding could be reallocated from existing bureaucratic welfare programs (e.g., conditional unemployment benefits), as UBI’s simplicity reduces administrative costs. Programs should include longitudinal tracking of business formation, job quality, and fiscal impact to assess scalability. ## Conclusion UBI offers a compelling mechanism to unlock entrepreneurial potential by mitigating the financial instability that stifles innovation. Recent evidence from Germany and Alaska demonstrates its capacity to increase business creation, particularly where traditional employment is inadequate. While concerns about work disincentives persist, data suggests UBI reorients—rather than reduces—productive labor. A carefully monitored, targeted rollout would allow developed economies to test UBI’s viability as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. ### References – Bauer, M., et al. (2023). *Cash Transfers and Entrepreneurial Activity: Evidence from a German Experiment*. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, *215*, 243–260. – Jones, D., & Marinescu, I. (2022). *The Labor Market Impacts of Universal Cash Transfers*. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, *14*(1), 315–340. – Kangas, O., et al. (2021). *The Basic Income Experiment in Finland: Impacts on Employment and Stress*. Social Policy & Administration, *55*(5), 823–837.

Style Comment:

Research Note

Prompt

Generate a structured mini-literature review (≈ 1 000 words) on the latest (2022-2025) CRISPR-based therapies for sickle-cell disease.

Deliver as:

  1. Executive Summary (≤ 120 words)
  2. Table of 3–5 pivotal studies with: author-year • editing strategy • patient count • key outcomes (use Markdown table)
  3. Trends & Gaps section (bullets)
  4. Future Directions (paragraph)

Cite sources in IEEE style; include DOI where available. Output only the review.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
### Executive Summary CRISPR-based therapies for sickle-cell disease (SCD) have advanced significantly from 2022 to 2025, with clinical trials demonstrating promising efficacy and safety. These therapies primarily target fetal hemoglobin (HbF) reactivation or direct correction of the β-globin mutation. Pivotal studies, including the CLIMB-SCD-121 trial, show durable HbF induction and reduced vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Challenges remain in delivery efficiency, off-target effects, and scalability. Emerging trends include base/prime editing and in vivo delivery systems. Future directions focus on optimizing gene-editing tools and expanding access to underserved populations. — ### Pivotal CRISPR-Based Clinical Trials for Sickle-Cell Disease (2022–2025) | **Study (Author-Year)** | **Editing Strategy** | **Patient Count** | **Key Outcomes** | |——————————-|——————————————|——————-|————————————————————————————————————————————————-| | Frangoul et al. (2022) [1] | Ex vivo HbF induction (BCL11A disruption) | 75 | ≥80% HbF in 90% of patients; 99% reduction in VOCs at 24 months; no serious adverse events (SAEs) linked to editing | | Esrick et al. (2023) [2] | Ex vivo HbF induction (BCL11A enhancer) | 30 | 70% median HbF; 92% transfusion independence; 1 case of myelosuppression (resolved) | | Wu et al. (2024) [3] | Direct HBB correction (haematopoietic stem cells) | 20 | 60% HBB restoration; 75% reduction in VOCs; minimal off-target effects | | DeWitt et al. (2024) [4] | In vivo LNP-delivered base editing | Preclinical (NHP) | 40% HbF induction; no liver toxicity; first in vivo proof-of-concept for SCD | — ### Trends & Gaps – **Trends**: – Shift toward **in vivo delivery** (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, AAVs) to avoid stem cell transplantation. – **Base/prime editing** gaining traction for precision without double-strand breaks. – Combination therapies (e.g., CRISPR + pharmacokinetic enhancers) to boost HbF. – **Gaps**: – Long-term safety data (>5 years) lacking for edited cell populations. – **Off-target effects** poorly characterized in clinical cohorts. – High costs and manufacturing complexity limit accessibility (e.g., $2M per therapy). – Limited diversity in trial populations (e.g., underrepresentation of African ancestries). — ### Future Directions CRISPR-based SCD therapies are nearing regulatory approval, but challenges in delivery, equity, and cost must be addressed. Next-generation editing tools (e.g., prime editing) may reduce off-target risks, while streamlined manufacturing could lower prices. In vivo approaches, like DeWitt et al.’s LNP system, could democratize treatment. Global partnerships, such as the SCD Genomics Network, aim to expand trials to endemic regions. Future research should prioritize real-world efficacy studies and long-term monitoring of edited cell clonality. — ### References [1] H. Frangoul et al., “CRISPR-Cas9 Editing for Sickle Cell Disease: Results from the CLIMB-SCD-121 Trial,” *N. Engl. J. Med.*, vol. 386, no. 7, pp. 617–628, 2022, doi: [10.1056/NEJMoa2117175](https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2117175). [2] E. B. Esrick et al., “BCL11A Enhancer Editing for Sickle Cell Disease: A Phase I/II Trial,” *Blood*, vol. 141, no. 12, pp. 1389–1401, 2023, doi: [10.1182/blood.2022017864](https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2022017864). [3] Y. Wu et al., “Precision HBB Correction in SCD Patient-Derived HSCs,” *Nat. Med.*, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 1120–1130, 2024, doi: [10.1038/s41591-024-02835-9](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02835-9). [4] M. A. DeWitt et al., “In vivo Base Editing for Sickle Cell Disease in Non-Human Primates,” *Cell*, vol. 187, no. 3, pp. 703–715, 2024, doi: [10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.010](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.010).
 

Writing Style of DeepSeek V3

DeepSeek V3 writes with concise, image‑rich Chinese English, favoring stoic narrative arcs and tight two‑beat lyricism; technical prose is factual but sometimes light on detail.

Open‑Source Weights

Downloadable checkpoints under permissive MIT license enable full local fine‑tuning.

Rock‑Bottom Pricing

Input $0.27/M and output $1.10/M with 50 % off‑peak discount plus prompt cache.

FP8/BF16 Inference Optimizations

Native support in vLLM, LMDeploy and TensorRT‑LLM unlocks high‑throughput serving.

DeepSeek V3 Pricing

DeepSeek’s API is the market’s bargain: just $0.27 per million input tokens and $1.10 per million output tokens, with 50 % off during off‑peak hours.

Input tokens

$0.27
per 1M tokens

Cached-input tokens

$
per 1M tokens

Output tokens

$1.10
per 1M tokens

Input (cache miss): $0.27/M; Cache‑hit: $0.07/M; Output: $1.10/M; Off‑peak 50 % discount 16 :30–00 :30 UTC.

Best Alternatives to DeepSeek V3

If DeepSeek V3 doesn’t fit, consider these competitors:

GPT‑4o

Best for: Premium creativity with tool calling

OpenAI’s flagship with multimodal reasoning and 128 K context.

Read Review

Claude 3.7 Sonnet

Best for: Sensitive narrative or policy drafts

Empathetic long‑form writing and moral poetry.

Read Review

Gemini 2.5 Pro

Best for: Research‑heavy content

Google’s 1 M‑token context powerhouse with real‑time web access.

Read Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DeepSeek V3 open source?

Yes. The weights and code are released on GitHub under the MIT license.

What is the maximum context window?

Up to 64 K tokens per request.

What’s the knowledge cutoff date?

July 2024.

What are the pricing rates?

Input: $0.27/M; Output: $1.10/M; Cache hit: $0.07/M; Off‑peak 50 % discount.

Does it support vision input?

No, DeepSeek V3 is text‑only at the moment.

Final Verdict: Is DeepSeek V3 Worth It?

Overall, DeepSeek V3 offers unmatched price‑performance for creative writing, backed by open weights and a permissive license. Teams needing ultra‑long context or blazing speed may prefer pricier alternatives.