ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

DeepSeek V4 Pro tops global cost-efficiency ranking after 75% price cut

ai-technology · 2026-05-24

DeepSeek V4 Pro now ranks as the world's best AI model for intelligence per dollar after a permanent 75% price reduction, according to Artificial Analysis. The Chinese company's API pricing dropped to US$0.0036 per 1 million cached input tokens and US$0.87 per 1 million output tokens. This cost-efficiency strategy contrasts with US competitors that offer premium models at higher prices. Amid a global compute supply crunch, the bang-for-buck metric has gained popularity over raw intelligence rankings. The move highlights how Chinese firms are competing in the global AI race through affordability rather than cutting-edge capabilities.

Key facts

  • DeepSeek V4 Pro received a permanent 75% price cut.
  • Artificial Analysis ranks it as the global leader for intelligence per dollar.
  • API price is US$0.0036 per 1 million cached input tokens.
  • API price is US$0.87 per 1 million output tokens.
  • The price cut reflects a different competitive approach by Chinese AI companies.
  • US counterparts offer cutting-edge models at premium prices.
  • Global compute supply crunch has increased prices for advanced models.
  • Bang-for-buck comparison has gained popularity recently.

Entities

Institutions

  • DeepSeek
  • Artificial Analysis

Locations

  • China
  • United States

Sources