# IONOS GPT vs. DeepSeek. How do they compare? IONOS GPT and DeepSeek are two **AI platforms** that offer a wide range of capabilities. However, they differ in terms of structure, data sovereignty and target audiences. ## What are IONOS GPT and DeepSeek? IONOS GPT provides four [AI assistants](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/ai-assistants/) that are easy to use and built to protect user data. The platform supports text, design, code and general tasks. DeepSeek, in contrast, develops **large language models** that specialise in handling long and complex inputs, and is particularly well suited for programming tasks and lengthy documents. DeepSeek is developed by a company based in China. ## Comparing IONOS GPT vs. DeepSeek
Feature IONOS GPT DeepSeek AI
Hosting & data protection EU data centres, GDPR-compliant, ISO 27001 China-based, global infrastructure, weaker data protection
Models & technology Open Source (Llama), transparent infrastructure Open weights (V3 & R1), Mix-of-Experts, multimodal
Reasoning mode Available (no limits) Available (R1 model)
Web search Built in Available
Uploading documents Available, processed in the EU Available
Pricing 1-month free trial, followed by a paid subscription (+) Free (chat), usage-based API pricing (+)
Security EU standards, ISO-certified Censorship, potential data access by authorities
Sustainability 100% renewable energy Efficiency focus, no specific sustainability certification
*Legend: + = affordable, ++ = medium, +++ = expensive* ## What are the main features of IONOS GPT? [IONOS GPT](https://www.ionos.co.uk/momentum/ionos-gpt "IONOS GPT – Your sovereign AI assistant for greater productivity") is an AI platform built around European requirements, with **data protection, transparency and ease of use**, along with dedicated features for specific tasks, at its core. It’s this combination that sets IONOS GPT apart from many international competitors. ### Four specialised AI assistants IONOS GPT is divided into four AI assistants. Each assistant takes on a specific task: **text generation, image ideas, programming assistance or general questions**. This clear separation reduces complexity. Users can quickly find the right tool without lengthy prompting or experimenting. ### Data protection on a European level IONOS GPT’s compliance with [GDPR](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/websites/digital-law/general-data-protection-regulation-new-rules-for-businesses/) is one of the platform’s key features. It stores all data in **ISO-certified data centres in the EU**, which ensures users retain full control. The platform does not use data for model training either, making it particularly suitable for data-sensitive sectors like administration, education, healthcare or law. ### Open technology and transparency IONOS GPT uses the open-source [Llama](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/server/know-how/llama-3/) model, which is fully documented and available through the IONOS Model Hub. Users can see where the technology comes from and how it works, unlike many closed platforms developed by companies that do not disclose how their technology works. ### Easy for beginners and teams The platform runs directly in the **browser**, with no installation required. The interface is clear, available in several languages and designed so that even users without technical knowledge can use it almost straight away. This makes it especially practical for small businesses or individual departments. ### Integration of own data and documents IONOS GPT supports uploading documents in **PDF or DOCX format**, allowing the AI to process this content and answer questions in context. This feature is particularly useful for building internal knowledge bases, managing customer information or preparing training materials. All files are processed within the EU and never leave it. Your content remains under your control at all times. ### Reasoning Mode IONOS GPT includes a **Reasoning Mode** for trickier tasks. Rather than jumping straight to an answer, the AI works through complex queries step by step, checking its progress along the way and correcting any errors before giving you a final response. This makes it well suited to financial planning, contract analysis, technical architecture design and complex logic problems. ### Web search The built-in **web search function** lets IONOS GPT pull in up-to-date information from across the web. So rather than solely relying on its trained knowledge, it can draw on sources and data that are refreshed daily. ### Differences from DeepSeek Both platforms rely on **open AI models**, but their focus is different. DeepSeek provides larger context windows and is aimed primarily at developers and researchers. IONOS GPT, by contrast, focuses on everyday business tasks where security and compliance are essential. Its interface is easier to navigate, and it performs significantly better when it comes to data protection. ## What are the key features of DeepSeek? DeepSeek AI offers large language models tailored to technical and research environments. The platform provides flexible interfaces, open model weights and strong performance with large-scale inputs. ### Models with mix of experts design The DeepSeek R1 and V3 models use a **mix of experts architecture**, where only specific parts of the model are activated for each request. This design saves resources without noticeably reducing quality. As a result, the models perform well in areas such as mathematics, programming and complex text analysis. ### Large context windows for document processing DeepSeek can handle inputs of up to **128,000 tokens**, making it suitable for long documents and technical data. Users can upload PDFs or text files and have them analysed in chat. Responses are based directly on the provided material and often include useful summaries or insights. ### Programming Interfaces DeepSeek is available via an [API](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/web-development/what-is-an-api/), allowing developers to integrate the models into their own applications. Pricing is usage-based and depends on the number of input and output tokens. ### Open weights with MIT licence The model weights are published under the **MIT licence**, which gives developers flexibility to reuse them in their own projects. However, other elements, such as the training data and infrastructure, are not disclosed. ### Comparing DeepSeek with IONOS GPT DeepSeek is a versatile tool for technical tasks, programming and research, backed by powerful models and an open, flexible setup. For data-sensitive use cases or organisations without deep technical expertise, IONOS GPT offers more control, clarity and data protection. DeepSeek tends to suit experienced users with technical know-how, while IONOS GPT makes it easy to get started without compromising on security or functionality. ## IONOS GPT vs. DeepSeek – which uses are they best for? The choice between IONOS GPT and DeepSeek depends on the specific use case. Both platforms can support individuals and organisations, but they differ in complexity, ease of use and data protection. The following scenarios highlight where each solution works best. ### IONOS GPT - **Text creation in organisations:** Editorial teams, marketing departments and internal communications teams can use IONOS GPT to draft press releases, newsletters or legally sensitive content without data leaving the company. Organisations that must meet strict data protection or regulatory requirements benefit from GDPR-compliant hosting in European data centres. - **Developing secure software projects:** Software developers can use IONOS GPT to generate code modules, examples or explanations. In projects where data security is crucial – such as public sector IT services or medical technology – the platform provides a controlled and secure environment. - **Knowledge management in companies:** Businesses can build their own knowledge bases by uploading PDFs, guidelines or internal documentation. The AI can then deliver contextual responses, turning company information into a structured, accessible resource. - **Regulated industries:** IONOS GPT is suitable for public authorities, schools, universities and healthcare organisations that handle confidential data. By complying with European security standards and processing information locally, the platform supports safe AI use even where data protection and transparency are top priorities – for citizen enquiries, teaching materials or medical reports for example. - **Small businesses and agencies:** Freelancers, agencies and SMEs can use IONOS GPT for recurring tasks. The intuitive interface reduces training time, while the modular design makes it easy to apply the AI to different workflows, boosting efficiency in day-to-day work. ### DeepSeek - **Research and large-scale data analysis:** DeepSeek is well suited to scientific research, technical studies and lengthy reports, thanks to models that can handle very long text inputs. - **Software development:** Developers can integrate DeepSeek into their systems via the API. The platform can generate code, suggest improvements to existing scripts and analyse programming logic. - **Mathematical and logical problem-solving:** DeepSeek is reliable and precise when it comes to maths and logic tasks, from algebra to statistics and optimisation. - **Custom AI integration:** With its open-weight models, DeepSeek can be embedded into existing technical architectures. Companies building their own AI applications or specialised workflows benefit from the ability to adapt the models at code level, making DeepSeek a strong fit for embedded projects or cloud-based services with a technical focus. This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/website-creation/ionos-gpt-vs-deepseek/](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/website-creation/ionos-gpt-vs-deepseek/) for AI/LLM consumption.