DeepSeek R1 has quickly become a popular choice in the AI field due to its powerful performance and wide range of applications. However, with the surge in users and the impact of cyberattacks, many users frequently encounter “server busy” messages when using the DeepSeek app. Fortunately, DeepSeek R1 is an open-source model, and DeepSeek has made the model’s weight files available for public download, allowing individuals and organizations to deploy the model locally or use it for commercial services. Aside from the official DeepSeek website and app, there are several other ways to use the DeepSeek model.
4 Solutions for Smooth use of Deepseek
Third-party Products that Integrate DeepSeek R1
[Highly Recommended]
I highly recommend using third-party products that have integrated DeepSeek R1, such as AI search tools like Perplexity, AI code tools like Cursor and Windsurf, and AI product aggregation platforms like Poe and Monica.
DeepSeek API Services Provided by Cloud Service Providers
[Recommended]
Use DeepSeek API services provided by cloud service providers. These can be integrated into chat tools, for example, SiliconFlow, which gained attention through DeepSeek but has also experienced service instability due to rapid user growth. Major cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Nvidia offer DeepSeek APIs. In China, major cloud service providers like Tencent Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud, and Volcano Engine also provide DeepSeek R1 models and API services. This is a relatively low-cost alternative you might consider.
Locally Deploying Distilled Versions of DeepSeek R1
[Not Recommended, Poor Performance]
Deploying DeepSeek R1 distilled smaller models locally: The original DeepSeek R1 model is a massive 671B model with 671 billion parameters, which is too large for most computers to run. However, they offer distilled models in various sizes (1.5B, 7B, 8B, 14B, 32B, 70B) that are more suitable for home computers. But… unless you have a specific need for offline use of a large model or want to create a “toy” version of the model, I don’t recommend this approach. The best way to learn and use AI is by working with the best AI models, not subpar alternatives. Otherwise, it’s hard to fully understand how AI can help you.
Renting GPUs to Deploy the Full DeepSeek R1 Model on a Cloud Server
[Not Recommended, Too Expensive]
In addition to directly buying APIs from cloud providers, you could rent GPUs to deploy the full DeepSeek R1 model on a cloud server. This would give you stable, personalized service. The problem is that renting a server capable of running a 671B model could cost hundreds of thousands per year, so I won’t go into detail on this option.
Next, I’ll introduce and recommend 10 products that integrate DeepSeek R1, helping you understand their strengths, weaknesses, features, and ideal use cases. These products combine DeepSeek R1’s core capabilities with their own unique functions, providing a seamless and efficient user experience.
1. Perplexity
Perplexity is an AI search product aimed at replacing Google, and one of the fastest-growing AI unicorns in 2024. Its Indian CEO was one of the first in Silicon Valley to recognize DeepSeek R1’s breakthrough innovation and quickly integrated it into the product. Perplexity provides an exceptionally smooth experience, seamlessly combining data retrieval capabilities with DeepSeek R1’s reasoning power. It’s one of the first products I encountered that integrated DeepSeek R1. It excels at searching English-language content, particularly YouTube material. However, free users of Perplexity can only use DeepSeek R1 five times per day, which may limit frequent use.
2. Metaso
Metaso is a Chinese AI search product currently supporting DeepSeek R1 on its web platform. The interface only supports Chinese, and no login is required. Its standout feature is the “long-thinking” mode, which makes full use of DeepSeek R1’s capabilities and offers fast retrieval speeds. Metaso performs better than Perplexity when searching Chinese content and provides two response modes—“in-depth” and “research”—which can generate long, detailed answers. This makes it ideal for gathering and organizing information. Each user can access 100 free DeepSeek R1 queries daily, which should be sufficient for most users.
3. Cursor
Cursor is an AI code tool that requires downloading the client. It’s not just for programming but also an excellent AI writing tool. Cursor integrates both DeepSeek R1 and V3 models, allowing users to write code, conduct Q&A, or compose articles using R1. Completed documents can be formatted, structured, and saved locally. Unlike Perplexity, Cursor works both online and offline. New users get half a month of free membership, which helps you stay productive during DeepSeek service outages.
4. Windsurf
Similar to Cursor, Windsurf is another AI code tool with unique features. Users can try both to see which works best for their needs. Windsurf uses DeepSeek R1’s capabilities to provide a smooth coding experience, significantly improving code-writing efficiency. It offers smart suggestions and auto-completion to help developers write code quickly while reducing errors and redundant work. Windsurf’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to get started.
5. Poe
Poe is currently one of the most popular AI aggregation platforms, now integrating DeepSeek R1. It even outperforms the official version with longer context lengths. Poe allows users to experience multiple AI models, including DeepSeek R1, all in one platform, which is especially convenient for those who frequently switch between models. The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it accessible for both professionals and casual users.
6. Monica
Monica is an AI tool aggregator that integrates various models and tools. By installing its Chrome extension, users get instant summaries and help while using Google Search, watching YouTube videos, or browsing GitHub repositories. Monica now integrates DeepSeek R1, with free users allowed 40 daily R1 queries, enough for most daily needs. Users can choose to use it either online or offline, offering flexibility and convenience.
7. PopAi
PopAi is an advanced AI tool designed to improve work efficiency. It integrates DeepSeek R1, providing instant answers, AI-powered document chats, AI-generated presentations, and even AI-generated images and videos. PopAi’s interface is clean and aesthetically pleasing, with an intuitive process that’s easy for users to understand. Whether you’re a student, teacher, business employee, or freelancer, PopAi offers valuable benefits.
8. SiliconFlow
SiliconFlow is a popular channel service offering 20 million tokens upon registration. SiliconCloud is running a promotion, and by using an invitation code, both you and the referrer can receive 20 million tokens each.
After launching the full 671B DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-V3, SiliconFlow recently released six accelerated versions of DeepSeek-R1 distilled models.
The platform’s interface is relatively stable, but response speed may be slower compared to others.
9. NVIDIA NIM
NVIDIA has deployed the full 671B DeepSeek-R1 model, which can be used directly via the web interface. However, due to the growing number of free users, the service may experience occasional delays.
10. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a globally recognized cloud service platform that offers powerful computing power and a range of services. Its DeepSeek API service allows users to integrate DeepSeek R1 into their applications for intelligent conversations, content generation, and more. Azure’s API interface is stable and reliable, supporting various programming languages and development frameworks, making it easy for developers to integrate and use.
Summary
Among the various ways to use DeepSeek R1, I highly recommend Perplexity for direct use due to its powerful search capabilities and smooth user experience, making it an ideal alternative to traditional search engines. For AI programming needs, Cursor is a great choice, enhancing coding efficiency while also serving as a writing tool. If you need to access DeepSeek R1 via API, SiliconFlow is a good alternative, though it may be slower than others, it’s more stable and supports API calls. Additionally, if you want to explore more AI tools while using DeepSeek R1, Poe and PopAi are both worth trying.