DeepSeek vs 
StepFun
Verdict
- DeepSeek's flagship leads: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash 1017 at 64.0 vs Step 5 Preview at 60.5.
- DeepSeek has the better model in 4 of 4 price bands.
- StepFun's fastest ranked model (Step 5 Preview, 229 tok/s) beats DeepSeek's (DeepSeek V4.1 Flash 1017, 195 tok/s).
- DeepSeek publishes more open-weights models (24 vs 5).
- DeepSeek ships more often: one model every 37 days against every 59.
Best model per price band
Each provider’s highest-index model below the price ceiling. Purple marks the winner of the band.
| Price band | DeepSeek | StepFun |
|---|---|---|
| Under $0.50/M | DeepSeek V4 Flash max 59.4$0.175/M | Step 3.5 Flash 53.7$0.150/M |
| Under $2/M | DeepSeek V4.1 Flash 1017 max 64.0$0.525/M | Step 5 Preview 60.5$1.43/M |
| Under $10/M | DeepSeek V4.1 Flash 1017 max 64.0$0.525/M | Step 5 Preview 60.5$1.43/M |
| Any price | DeepSeek V4.1 Flash 1017 max 64.0$0.525/M | Step 5 Preview 60.5$1.43/M |
Line-up
| Metric | DeepSeek | StepFun |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship index | 64.0 | 60.5 |
| Ranked models | 22 | 7 |
| Open-weights models | 24 | 5 |
| Cheapest ranked, $/M | $0.068 | $0.150 |
| Fastest ranked, tok/s | 195 | 229 |
| Release cadence, days | 37 | 59 |
| Last release | 17 Oct 2026 | 18 Sept 2026 |
| Next expected | 8 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 |