# DeepSeek vs Recraft

> DeepSeek: Free AI chat app and low-cost API running DeepSeek's open-weights V4 models
> Recraft: AI image and vector design studio with brand styles, editing tools and SVG export

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

## Verdict

DeepSeek is listed under AI Assistants and Recraft under Image & Visual AI. DeepSeek scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.8 vs 8.3 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only DeepSeek is available on Windows and macOS. Only Recraft is available on Chrome Extension.

### 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 Recraft if

- You want a tool built for vector graphics and icons.
- Generates editable SVG vectors on every plan, including Free.
- Custom styles and color palettes keep output consistent with a brand.

## Pricing

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

## Features

| Feature | DeepSeek | Recraft |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Raster and vector generation | Not listed | Yes |
| Custom styles | Not listed | Yes |
| Color palettes | Not listed | Yes |
| Vector Editor and canvas | Not listed | Yes |
| Image tools | Not listed | Yes |
| Mockups | Not listed | Yes |
| Agentic chat and Design Agent | Not listed | Yes |
| External models | Not listed | Yes |
| Video generation | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

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

## 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

## Recraft strengths

- Generates editable SVG vectors on every plan, including Free
- Custom styles and color palettes keep output consistent with a brand
- Single workspace for generation, vector editing, upscaling, background removal and mockups
- Gives access to external models such as Flux, GPT Image, Imagen and Nano Banana
- Paid plans include private images and full commercial rights
- Apps for iOS and Android, Figma and other plugins, and a public API and MCP server

## Recraft limitations

- Free plan images are public and not licensed for commercial use
- Monthly credits expire each cycle, and costs per image vary by model (for example 2 credits for V4.1 and 10 for V4.1 Pro)
- Video generation is not available on Free or Basic plans
- Plan prices depend on credit tier, so cost rises quickly for heavy use

## FAQ

**Is DeepSeek better than Recraft?**

It depends on your workflow. DeepSeek is built for Low-cost API integration. Recraft is built for vector graphics and icons.

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

DeepSeek: Free AI chat app and low-cost API running DeepSeek's open-weights V4 models. Recraft: AI image and vector design studio with brand styles, editing tools and SVG export.

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

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

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

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