What is the difference between DeepSeek and SambaNova?

DeepSeek and SambaNova are both cloud GPU providers offering different pricing models, features, and GPU availability. Use our comparison tool to see real-time pricing and feature differences.

Which is cheaper: DeepSeek or SambaNova?

Pricing varies by GPU model and usage requirements. Check our real-time comparison table to find the best deals for your specific needs.

Can I switch between DeepSeek and SambaNova?

Yes, both providers offer flexible cloud GPU services. However, consider factors like data transfer costs, setup time, and specific features when switching between providers.

DeepSeek vs SambaNova

Compare LLM inference API pricing between DeepSeek and SambaNova. Find the best rates for AI training, inference, and ML workloads.

DeepSeek

Provider 1

Models Available

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SambaNova

Provider 2

Models Available

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Comparison Overview

Total LLM Models

DeepSeek Models

SambaNova Models

Direct Comparisons

LLM API Pricing Comparison

Total models: 5Both available: 0DeepSeek: 2SambaNova: 3

Showing 5 of 5 models

Prices per 1M tokens · Last updated: 10/22/2026, 10:16:39 PM

Model ↑	DeepSeek	SambaNova	Input Diff ↕
DeepSeek V4 Pro DeepSeek	$1.32 in $3.96 out	Not available	—
DeepSeek V4.1 Flash DeepSeek	$0.300 in $1.20 out	Not available	—
Gemma 4 31B Google	Not available	$0.380 in $1.15 out	—
GPT-OSS-120B OpenAI	Not available	$0.220 in $0.590 out	—
MiniMax-M3 MiniMax	Not available	$0.600 in $2.40 out	—

Features Comparison

DeepSeek

OpenAI and Anthropic formats
The same models are served on an OpenAI-compatible base URL and an Anthropic-compatible one
Thinking mode
Models support thinking and non-thinking modes selected per request
Context caching
Repeated prompt prefixes are billed at a cache-hit rate well below the cache-miss input rate
Off-peak pricing
Rates are halved outside the published weekday peak hours and on weekends
JSON output and tool calls
Structured JSON output, tool calling, chat prefix completion and FIM completion (beta)

SambaNova

Custom RDU hardware
Models run on SambaNova's own Reconfigurable Dataflow Units rather than GPUs
OpenAI-compatible API
Chat completions for open models such as DeepSeek, Llama, Gemma, MiniMax and gpt-oss
Prompt caching
Cached input tokens billed at a reduced rate on supported models
Commits and credits
Prepaid commitments alongside pay-as-you-go billing

Pros & Cons

DeepSeek

Advantages

First-party rates for DeepSeek's own models
Cache-hit input billed at a fraction of the cache-miss rate
Off-peak hours cut every rate in half
Compatible with OpenAI and Anthropic client libraries

Considerations

Only DeepSeek's own models are offered
Rates depend on time of day, which complicates cost forecasting
Per-account concurrency limits apply

SambaNova

Advantages

Serves models on non-GPU hardware built for inference
Public per-token rates for every served model
OpenAI-compatible endpoints

Considerations

Small model catalog compared with GPU-based inference providers
Some models are priced above other providers of the same open weights
No GPU rental; inference only

Compute Services

DeepSeek

SambaNova

Pricing Options

DeepSeek

Per token, peak

Cache-hit input, cache-miss input and output billed per 1M tokens during weekday peak hours

Per token, off-peak

Half the peak rates at all other times

SambaNova

Per token

Input, cached input, and output tokens billed per 1M

Commits

Prepaid usage commitments

Getting Started

DeepSeek

Get Started

1
Create an account
Sign up on the DeepSeek Platform and top up a balance
2
Create an API key
Generate a key in the platform's API keys page
3
Call the API
Point an OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible client at api.deepseek.com

SambaNova

Get Started

1
Create an account
Sign up on SambaNova Cloud
2
Create an API key
Generate a key in the API Keys page
3
Call the API
Point an OpenAI-compatible client at api.sambanova.ai

Support & Global Availability

DeepSeek

Support

Documentation, API status page, and FAQ

SambaNova

Support

Documentation and the SambaNova Cloud dashboard