DeepSeek V3 0324 vs GLM-5.1
DeepSeek V3 0324 (2025) and GLM-5.1 (2026) are frontier reasoning models from DeepSeek and Zhipu AI. DeepSeek V3 0324 ships a 160k-token context window, while GLM-5.1 ships a 200k-token context window. On Google-Proof Q&A, DeepSeek V3 0324 leads by 1.4 pts. On pricing, DeepSeek V3 0324 costs $0.27/1M input tokens versus $0.98/1M for the alternative. This comparison covers specs, pricing, API access, capabilities, benchmarks, input and output token costs, and production fit for coding and agent workloads.
DeepSeek V3 0324 is ~263% cheaper at $0.27/1M; pay for GLM-5.1 only for coding workflow support.
Decision scorecard
Local evidence first| Signal | DeepSeek V3 0324 | GLM-5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | provider-routed production | reasoning-heavy apps, tool-calling agents, and provider-routed production |
| Decision fit | Coding, Agents, and Long context | Coding, RAG, and Agents |
| Context window | 160k | 200k |
| Cheapest output | $1.12/1M tokens | $3.08/1M tokens |
| Provider routes | 3 tracked | 5 tracked |
| Shared benchmarks | Google-Proof Q&A leader | 1 rows |
Decision tradeoffs
- DeepSeek V3 0324 holds a shared-benchmark lead on Google-Proof Q&A, ahead by 1.4 points.
- DeepSeek V3 0324 has the lower cheapest tracked output price at $1.12/1M tokens.
- Local decision data tags DeepSeek V3 0324 for Coding, Agents, and Long context.
- GLM-5.1 has the larger context window for long prompts, retrieval packs, or transcript analysis.
- GLM-5.1 has broader tracked provider coverage for fallback and procurement flexibility.
- GLM-5.1 uniquely exposes Reasoning, Function calling, and Tool use in local model data.
- Local decision data tags GLM-5.1 for Coding, RAG, and Agents.
Monthly cost at traffic
Estimate token spend from the cheapest tracked input and output route or tier on this page.
DeepSeek V3 0324
$496
Cheapest tracked route/tier: Novita AI
GLM-5.1
$1,554
Cheapest tracked route/tier: Z.ai
Estimated monthly gap: $1,058. Batch, cache, alternate speed tiers, and negotiated pricing are excluded from this local estimate.
Switch friction
- Provider overlap exists on Fireworks AI and Novita AI; start route-level A/B tests there.
- GLM-5.1 is $1.96/1M tokens higher on cheapest tracked output pricing, so quality gains need to justify the spend.
- GLM-5.1 adds Reasoning, Function calling, and Tool use in local capability data.
- Provider overlap exists on Fireworks AI and Novita AI; start route-level A/B tests there.
- DeepSeek V3 0324 is $1.96/1M tokens lower on cheapest tracked output pricing before cache, batch, or negotiated discounts.
- Check replacement coverage for Reasoning, Function calling, and Tool use before moving production traffic.
Specs
Pricing and availability
| Pricing attribute | DeepSeek V3 0324 | GLM-5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Input price | $0.27/1M tokens | $0.98/1M tokens |
| Output price | $1.12/1M tokens | $3.08/1M tokens |
| Providers |
Capabilities
| Capability | DeepSeek V3 0324 | GLM-5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | No | No |
| Multimodal | No | No |
| Reasoning | No | Yes |
| Function calling | No | Yes |
| Tool use | No | Yes |
| Structured outputs | No | Yes |
| Code execution | No | Yes |
| IDE integration | No | No |
| Computer use | No | No |
| Parallel agents | No | No |
Benchmarks
| Benchmark | DeepSeek V3 0324 | GLM-5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Google-Proof Q&A | 87.6 | 86.2 |
Deep dive
On shared benchmark coverage, Google-Proof Q&A has DeepSeek V3 0324 at 87.6 and GLM-5.1 at 86.2, with DeepSeek V3 0324 ahead by 1.4 points. The largest visible gap is 1.4 points on Google-Proof Q&A, which matters most when that benchmark mirrors your workload. Treat isolated benchmark wins as directional, because provider routing, prompt style, and tool access can move real application results.
The capability footprint differs most on reasoning mode: GLM-5.1, function calling: GLM-5.1, tool use: GLM-5.1, structured outputs: GLM-5.1, and code execution: GLM-5.1. Both models share the core language-model surface, so the practical split is not just feature count. Use those differences to decide whether the page is about raw model quality, agentic coding support, multimodal ingestion, or predictable structured API behavior.
For cost, DeepSeek V3 0324 lists $0.27/1M input and $1.12/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked provider, while GLM-5.1 lists $0.98/1M input and $3.08/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked provider. A 70/30 input-output blend puts DeepSeek V3 0324 lower by about $1.08 per million blended tokens. Availability is 3 providers versus 5, so concentration risk also matters.
Choose DeepSeek V3 0324 when provider fit and lower input-token cost are central to the workload. Choose GLM-5.1 when coding workflow support, larger context windows, and broader provider choice are more important. For production, rerun your own prompts through the exact provider, region, and tool stack you plan to ship.
FAQ
Which has a larger context window, DeepSeek V3 0324 or GLM-5.1?
GLM-5.1 supports 200k tokens, while DeepSeek V3 0324 supports 160k tokens. That gap matters most for long documents, large codebases, retrieval-heavy agents, and conversations where earlier context must remain visible.
Which is cheaper, DeepSeek V3 0324 or GLM-5.1?
DeepSeek V3 0324 is cheaper on tracked token pricing. DeepSeek V3 0324 costs $0.27/1M input and $1.12/1M output tokens. GLM-5.1 costs $0.98/1M input and $3.08/1M output tokens. Provider discounts or batch pricing can still change the final bill.
Is DeepSeek V3 0324 or GLM-5.1 open source?
DeepSeek V3 0324 is listed under MIT. GLM-5.1 is listed under MIT. License labels affect whether you can self-host, redistribute weights, or rely only on hosted APIs, so confirm the upstream license before deployment.
Which is better for reasoning mode, DeepSeek V3 0324 or GLM-5.1?
GLM-5.1 has the clearer documented reasoning mode signal in this comparison. If reasoning mode is mission-critical, validate it against the provider endpoint because model-level support and API-level exposure can differ.
Which is better for function calling, DeepSeek V3 0324 or GLM-5.1?
GLM-5.1 has the clearer documented function calling signal in this comparison. If function calling is mission-critical, validate it against the provider endpoint because model-level support and API-level exposure can differ.
Where can I run DeepSeek V3 0324 and GLM-5.1?
DeepSeek V3 0324 is available on Fireworks AI, Microsoft Foundry, and Novita AI. GLM-5.1 is available on Z.ai, OpenRouter, Fireworks AI, Vercel AI Gateway, and Novita AI. Provider coverage can affect latency, region availability, compliance posture, and fallback options.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-25. Data sourced from public model cards and provider documentation.