# DeepSeek vs Quadratic

> DeepSeek: Free AI chat app and low-cost API running DeepSeek's open-weights V4 models
> Quadratic: AI spreadsheet that connects live data and writes Python, SQL and formulas for you

- DeepSeek profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/deepseek
- Quadratic profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/quadratic
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/deepseek-vs-quadratic
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

DeepSeek is listed under AI Assistants and Quadratic under Productivity. DeepSeek scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.8 vs 8.1 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only DeepSeek is available on Windows, macOS and iOS.

### Choose DeepSeek if

- You want a tool built for Low-cost API integration.
- Web chat and mobile apps are free.
- API output costs from $0.60 per 1M tokens (Flash, off-peak), well below most frontier providers.

### Choose Quadratic if

- You want a tool built for analysing database data in a spreadsheet, working with very large CSV or Parquet files, mixing Python or SQL with formulas.
- Every AI result is saved as visible Python, SQL or formula code that can be inspected and edited.
- Native Python, SQL and JavaScript cells sit alongside formulas in one grid.

## Pricing

| | DeepSeek | Quadratic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | DeepSeek | Quadratic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| V4 model family | Yes | Not listed |
| Thinking mode | Yes | Not listed |
| Open weights | Yes | Not listed |
| OpenAI and Anthropic compatible API | Yes | Not listed |
| Tool calls and JSON output | Yes | Not listed |
| Search and Fetch APIs | Yes | Not listed |
| Agent tool integrations | Yes | Not listed |
| DeepSeek Harness | Yes | Not listed |
| Vision on Flash | Yes | Not listed |
| AI Analysis | Not listed | Yes |
| Multi-Language Code Cells | Not listed | Yes |
| Live Data Connections | Not listed | Yes |
| Big Data Handling | Not listed | Yes |
| PDF Data Extraction | Not listed | Yes |
| Charts | Not listed | Yes |
| Scheduled Tasks | Not listed | Yes |
| MCP and API | Not listed | Yes |
| Collaboration and Sharing | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | DeepSeek | Quadratic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | No |
| macOS | Yes | No |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## DeepSeek strengths

- Web chat and mobile apps are free
- API output costs from $0.60 per 1M tokens (Flash, off-peak), well below most frontier providers
- Open weights for V4 and earlier models on Hugging Face
- 1M-token context and 384K max output on both API models
- API works with both OpenAI and Anthropic SDKs and several coding agents

## DeepSeek limitations

- Peak-hour API rates are double the off-peak rates on weekday mornings UTC
- deepseek-v4-pro does not support vision input
- No image generation
- Data is processed by a company based in China, which some organizations cannot accept

## Quadratic strengths

- Every AI result is saved as visible Python, SQL or formula code that can be inspected and edited.
- Native Python, SQL and JavaScript cells sit alongside formulas in one grid.
- Connects to many databases and services, including Snowflake, BigQuery and Postgres.
- Handles large data: the company cites sheets up to 100M rows and multi-GB CSV and Parquet imports.
- A permanent free tier is available, and the source code is public on GitHub.
- MCP and API support let other AI tools and scripts work with sheets.

## Quadratic limitations

- The Free plan restricts AI access, sharing, files and connections.
- AI usage on paid plans is capped by monthly credits ($20 on Pro, $40 on Business), with extra credits bought on demand.
- Monthly-billing prices are not shown on the pricing page, only discounted annual prices.
- Web-only; no iOS or Android app was found.

## FAQ

**Is DeepSeek better than Quadratic?**

It depends on your workflow. DeepSeek is built for Low-cost API integration. Quadratic is built for analysing database data in a spreadsheet, working with very large CSV or Parquet files, mixing Python or SQL with formulas.

**What are the key feature differences between DeepSeek and Quadratic?**

DeepSeek: Free AI chat app and low-cost API running DeepSeek's open-weights V4 models. Quadratic: AI spreadsheet that connects live data and writes Python, SQL and formulas for you.

**Does DeepSeek or Quadratic have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. DeepSeek is freemium and Quadratic is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, DeepSeek or Quadratic?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.