Best DeepSeek Models in 2026
As of September 10, 2026, the top model in best deepseek models on the BenchLM leaderboard is DeepSeek V4 Pro 0813 with a score of 66.4.
Bottom line: DeepSeek models are open-weight and free or nearly free. DeepSeek V3.2 (Thinking) leads the lineup. Strong on math and reasoning, competitive with mid-tier proprietary models.
About this ranking
Last verified: September 10, 2026
All DeepSeek models ranked by benchmark performance.
Unless noted otherwise, ranking surfaces on this page use BenchLM’s provisional leaderboard lane rather than the stricter sourced-only verified leaderboard.
DeepSeek V4 Pro 0813 leads this ranking with a score of 66.4, followed by DeepSeek V3.2 (56.9) and DeepSeek V3.2 (Thinking) (55.8). There is a significant gap between the leading models and the rest of the field.
The best open-weight option is DeepSeek V3.2 (ranked #2 with a score of 56.9). Open-weight models are highly competitive in this category — self-hosting is a viable alternative to proprietary APIs.
This ranking uses provisional overall weighted scores from the active scoring formula. For detailed model profiles, click any model name below. To compare two specific models head-to-head, use the "vs #" links.
What changed
DeepSeek V3.2 (Thinking) leads DeepSeek's lineup — best on knowledge (70) and agentic (69).
DeepSeek V3.2 non-reasoning variant with strong math (71) and multilingual (69).
DeepSeek Coder 2.0 coding-focused with strong math (71) and agentic (65).
Full Rankings (11 models)
Key Takeaways
The top model is DeepSeek V4 Pro 0813 by DeepSeek with a BenchAlign v5 score of 66.4 and Estimated evidence.
The best open-weight model is DeepSeek V3.2 at position #2.
11 models are included in this ranking.
Score in Context
What these scores mean
Models are ranked by the same overall BenchLM score used across all leaderboards. Comparing within DeepSeek's lineup helps identify which model fits your use case and budget.
Known limitations
This page only shows DeepSeek models. Cross-provider comparison requires the overall or category-specific leaderboards. Newer models may have limited benchmark coverage initially.
Know when it’s worth switching models
The model to choose, the cheaper alternative, and the release we would wait on.
Read a sample issueJoin 2,000+ readers.
One email each week. Unsubscribe anytime.