Claude vs DeepSeek: we tested both on 8 everyday tasks
Letters, a confusing insurance letter, a scam email, dinner, a trip and a bedtime story. We gave Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 Pro exactly the same words and show you what each one wrote.
By chatmodel team Tested with Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 Pro Updated
The short answer
It's a draw: each won 3 of our 8 everyday tests, with 2 ties. Pick Claude for warm writing, careful explanations and plans made for you. Pick DeepSeek when you want a shorter answer that sticks to what you asked and gets the facts right.
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Claude Opus 5: 3 wins
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DeepSeek V4 Pro: 3 wins
- 2 ties
Pick Claude Opus 5 if…
- You write cards or letters where the tone matters.
- You want a confusing letter or a trip worked out for you, step by step.
Pick DeepSeek V4 Pro if…
- You want a short, practical answer that follows your instructions, like a word limit.
- You'd rather read half as much and still get the key details.
Opens chatmodel with both ready: type a question and they answer next to each other. How it works
Claude Opus 5 vs DeepSeek V4 Pro at a glance
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Anthropic | DeepSeek |
| Best at, in our test | Warm writing and careful, complete explanations | Short, accurate answers that follow instructions |
| Weakest at, in our test | Long answers, and it got one small fact wrong | Slower, and a little less personal in its plans |
| Rounds won (of 8) | 3 (+2 ties) | 3 (+2 ties) |
| Average answer length | About 309 words | About 192 words |
| Average time to answer | About 13 seconds | About 16 seconds |
| Understands photos | Yes | Yes |
| Reads PDFs and files | Yes | Yes |
| Searches the web in chatmodel | Yes | No |
| Knows about things up to | May 2026 | May 2025 |
| On chatmodel | Included in Pro | Included in Pro |
The 8 tests, with both real answers
Same words to both, one try each, nothing edited. Press “Ask it yourself” to run any test in chatmodel.
Test 1 · A condolence card
A condolence card: Claude sounds more personal
What we asked
Help me write a short condolence card for my neighbor, whose husband passed away last week. We weren't very close, but he always waved to me in the mornings. I want it to feel warm and sincere, not formal. Keep it under 70 words.
Here's a draft:
Dear [Name],
I'm so sorry about [Husband's name]. I keep thinking about his morning wave — such a small thing, but it always started my day off right. I'll miss seeing him out there.
Please know I'm thinking of you, and if you ever need anything at all — a hand with something, or just company — I'm right next door.
With warmth, [Your name]
That's 62 words. A few notes:
- The wave detail is the heart of it. Specific memories mean more than general sympathy, and it tells her that her husband was noticed and will be missed by others, not just family.
- If you'd rather not offer help, you can cut that line and simply end with "Please know I'm thinking of you." Still warm, no obligation.
- One caution on the offer: only include it if you mean it. Grieving people sometimes do reach out, and a hollow offer stings more than none.
Happy to adjust the tone — more casual, or a touch more reserved if that feels truer to your relationship.
Dear [Neighbor’s Name],
I was so sorry to hear about your husband. We didn’t know each other well, but I’ll always remember his friendly wave each morning—it was a small kindness that meant a lot. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort in the days ahead.
With sympathy,
[Your Name]
Winner: Claude Opus 5. Both used the detail about the morning wave. Claude's card felt warmer (“I'll miss seeing him out there”) and gently offered help from “right next door”. DeepSeek's was kind, but it wrote “We didn't know each other well” on the card itself, which a grieving neighbor doesn't need to read.
Test 2 · Understanding a confusing letter
A confusing insurance letter: Claude explains it better
What we asked
I got this letter from my health insurance and I don't understand it. Explain in plain words what it means and what I should do next. "Dear Member, We have reviewed the claim submitted by Riverside Imaging for services rendered on 08/14. The claim has been processed and the allowed amount of $412.00 has been applied to your annual deductible. Your remaining deductible for the plan year is $588.00. This is not a bill. You may receive a statement from your provider for the amount you owe. If you disagree with this decision, you have 180 days to file an appeal."
Short version: your insurance didn't pay anything on this claim, because you haven't met your deductible yet. You'll likely owe Riverside Imaging $412.
What each part means:
"Allowed amount of $412.00" — This is the price your insurer and Riverside Imaging have agreed on for that service. Even if the imaging center's list price was higher (say $700), $412 is all that can be charged. That's the discount your insurance negotiated for you.
"Applied to your annual deductible" — Your deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket each plan year before your insurance starts chipping in. Since you haven't hit it yet, this whole $412 counts toward it — and you pay it, not the insurer.
"Your remaining deductible is $588.00" — So your total deductible is $1,000 for the year, and you've now used $412 of it. After you've paid another $588 in covered costs, your insurance will start paying its share (usually a percentage, with you paying coinsurance or a copay).
"This is not a bill" — This document is an EOB (Explanation of Benefits). It's just a summary of how the claim was handled. The actual bill comes from Riverside Imaging.
"180 days to appeal" — If you think they got something wrong, you have six months to formally contest it.
What to do next:
Wait for the bill from Riverside Imaging. Don't pay anything yet based on this letter.
When the bill arrives, compare it to the EOB. The amount they bill you should be $412.00 — not more. If they bill you the full undiscounted price, call them; that's called balance billing and usually isn't allowed for in-network providers.
Check that Riverside was in-network. If they were out-of-network, the rules and your costs can be different. Your insurer's website or member services line can confirm.
Keep this EOB. It's your proof of what you owe and what's been applied to your deductible.
If you have an HSA or FSA, this is an eligible expense you can pay from it.
If the cost is a strain, call Riverside Imaging and ask about a payment plan or financial assistance. Most imaging centers and hospitals have them, and they generally won't offer unless you ask.
When to consider appealing: if you believe the service should have been covered differently (e.g., it was preventive care that's supposed to be free), if you were told it was pre-authorized, or if the dates/services listed don't match what actually happened.
This is an Explanation of Benefits from your insurance. It is not a bill.
What it means in plain words:
- You had imaging done at Riverside Imaging on 8/14.
- Your insurance reviewed the claim.
- They approved a price of $412.00 for that service. That’s called the “allowed amount.”
- Because your plan has a deductible, the insurance did not pay the $412. Instead, that $412 was applied toward your deductible.
- You still have $588.00 left to pay out of pocket before your insurance starts paying for covered services.
What this means for your money:
You will likely get a bill from Riverside Imaging for about $412.00, unless you already paid something at the appointment.
The insurance company is not billing you. The provider probably will.
What you should do next:
- Do not pay this letter. It is not a bill.
- Wait for a bill from Riverside Imaging.
- When the provider bill arrives, check that it matches around $412.00.
- If it is much higher, call the provider or your insurance to ask why.
- If Riverside Imaging is in-network, they usually cannot charge more than the allowed amount.
- If the amount looks correct, pay the provider directly.
- Keep this letter for your records.
If you disagree:
If you think the insurance should have paid or processed the claim incorrectly, you have 180 days to file an appeal. Call the customer service number on your insurance card and say you want to appeal the claim decision.
In short: You owe about $412 to the imaging provider, not to the insurance company. Wait for the provider’s bill, check it, and pay if it’s correct.
Winner: Claude Opus 5. Both got it right: this is not a bill, and you'll probably owe $412. DeepSeek was clear and ended with a one-line summary. Claude explained every phrase in plain words and added useful next steps, like paying from an HSA or asking about a payment plan.
Test 3 · Spotting a scam
Spotting a scam: DeepSeek wins on accuracy
What we asked
Is this email a scam? What should I do? "USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. To avoid return to sender, please confirm your details and pay the $1.99 redelivery fee within 24 hours: usps-redelivery-help.com/track"
Yes — this is almost certainly a scam. It's a very common type of phishing (called "smishing" when sent by text).
Red flags:
- The web address is wrong. The real USPS only uses domains ending in usps.com (e.g., tools.usps.com). Anything like "usps-redelivery-help.com" is not USPS, no matter how official the words look.
- Tiny fee request. The $1.99 isn't the goal — capturing your card number, address, and personal details is. Small amounts also feel harmless enough that people don't think twice.
- Artificial urgency. "Within 24 hours" or "or it will be returned" is designed to make you act before you think.
- USPS doesn't do this. USPS does not send unsolicited texts or emails asking for payment or personal information, and it won't contact you about a package unless you specifically signed up for tracking alerts. Redelivery is free and scheduled through their website.
- Unexpected contact. If you're not waiting on a package — or even if you are — scammers send these in bulk hoping to catch someone who happens to be expecting a delivery.
What to do:
- Don't click the link, don't enter any information, and don't reply (replying confirms your number/email is active).
- If you're genuinely expecting something, look up the tracking number from your original order confirmation and check it directly at usps.com, typed in yourself.
- Report it. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) for your carrier, and report phishing to USPS at spam@usps.gov. You can also file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete and block the sender.
If you already clicked or entered information:
- If you entered card details, call your bank immediately to freeze/replace the card and dispute any charges.
- If you reused a password there, change it everywhere you used it.
- Watch your statements for small "test" charges, which often precede larger ones.
- Consider a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if you gave out sensitive personal data.
A useful general rule: never follow a link in an unexpected message about money or accounts. Navigate to the company's site yourself or call a number you look up independently.
Yes — this is a scam / phishing email. The link is not an official USPS domain, and the small “$1.99 redelivery fee” is a common trick to steal credit/debit card details.
What you should do:
- Do not click the link and do not reply.
- Do not enter any personal or payment information.
- If you’re expecting a package, go directly to USPS.com or use the official USPS app and enter your tracking number there.
- Report the scam:
- Forward the email to spam@uspis.gov.
- Mark it as phishing/junk in your email app.
- Then delete it.
- If you already clicked and entered card/personal info:
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately.
- Watch for unauthorized charges.
- Change passwords if you gave any account info.
In short: treat it as phishing, don’t engage, and only use official USPS channels.
Winner: DeepSeek V4 Pro. Both said clearly that it's a scam and what to do. But Claude gave the wrong address to report it (spam@usps.gov; the real one is spam@uspis.gov). DeepSeek's shorter answer was correct from start to finish.
Test 4 · A firm but polite complaint
A complaint to an airline: DeepSeek does it in fewer words
What we asked
Write a firm but polite email to an airline. My suitcase was lost on my flight five days ago, I filed a report at the airport (reference LX-48213), and nobody has contacted me since. I want an update and to know how to claim for the things I had to buy. Keep it short.
Subject: Delayed Baggage – Reference LX-48213 – Request for Update
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing regarding my suitcase, which did not arrive on my flight five days ago. I filed a property irregularity report at the airport at the time, under reference LX-48213.
Since then I have had no contact from your baggage services team, and I have received no information about the status or location of my bag. I would be grateful for a substantive update within the next two working days, including whether the suitcase has been traced and when I can expect it to be delivered.
I would also appreciate confirmation of the process for claiming reimbursement of the essential items I have had to purchase in the meantime — specifically, which form to complete, where to send it, and what receipts or documentation you require.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this. I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully, [Your name] [Booking reference / ticket number] [Phone number and email]
Subject: Update on lost baggage – Reference LX-48213
Dear Baggage Claims Department,
I am writing regarding my suitcase, which was lost on my flight five days ago. I filed a report at the airport under reference LX-48213, but I have not received any update since.
Please provide the current status of my baggage and let me know how to submit a claim for essential items I had to purchase due to the delay. I would appreciate a response within 48 hours.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]
Winner: DeepSeek V4 Pro. Both wrote a firm, polite email with the reference number and a deadline for a reply. You asked to keep it short: DeepSeek did it in 95 words (“I would appreciate a response within 48 hours”), while Claude's took 168.
Test 5 · Dinner from what's in the fridge
Dinner from what's in the fridge: a tie
What we asked
I have 4 chicken thighs, some potatoes, 3 carrots, half an onion and a lemon. Suggest one easy dinner for four that takes under 45 minutes, with short numbered steps.
Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken with Potatoes & Carrots
Serves 4 · ~40 minutes
You'll also need: olive oil, salt, pepper, and any dried herb you have (oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning); garlic if you've got it.
- Heat oven to 220°C / 425°F. Put a large sheet pan in to preheat — this helps the potatoes crisp.
- Cut the veg small so it cooks fast: potatoes into 2 cm / ¾-inch chunks, carrots into thick coins or sticks, onion into thick wedges.
- Toss veg in a bowl with 2 tbsp oil, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp dried herbs.
- Season the thighs: pat dry, rub with 1 tbsp oil, salt, pepper, herbs, and the zest of the lemon.
- Spread veg on the hot pan in one layer; nestle the thighs on top, skin-side up (skin above the veg so it crisps).
- Roast 30–35 minutes, until the chicken skin is golden and juices run clear (75°C / 165°F at the bone) and potatoes are tender. Give the veg a stir at the 20-minute mark.
- Finish: squeeze the lemon over everything, scatter the squeezed halves on the pan, and rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Boneless thighs cook faster — add them to the pan after the veg has had a 10-minute head start.
- Crowding = steaming. Use two pans if it doesn't fit in a single layer.
- Nice extras if you have them: smashed garlic cloves with the veg, or parsley/feta on top at the end.
Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes & Carrots
Serves 4 | Prep 10 min | Cook 30–35 min
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil.
- Cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Peel and cut carrots into thick coins or sticks. Cut onion into wedges.
- Toss potatoes, carrots, and onion with 2 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the sheet pan.
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Place thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Thinly slice the lemon and tuck slices around the chicken. Drizzle chicken lightly with oil.
- Roast 30–35 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are tender. If boneless thighs, check at 20–25 minutes.
- Squeeze any remaining lemon juice over the top and serve.
A tie. Both suggested the same easy lemon tray bake, and both gave the safe cooking temperature for chicken and a tip for boneless thighs. Claude added tricks for crispier potatoes; DeepSeek's steps were shorter. Either will get dinner on the table.
Test 6 · Explaining money in plain words
Explaining money in plain words: a tie
What we asked
Explain the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA in plain words, like you'd explain it to a friend over coffee. Keep it under 150 words and add one simple example.
Okay, so both are retirement accounts with tax perks — the difference is when you pay taxes.
Traditional IRA: You put money in before taxes, so you get a tax break now. Your money grows untouched, but when you pull it out in retirement, you pay income tax on it.
Roth IRA: You put in money you've already paid taxes on — no break today. But it grows tax-free, and withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.
Example: You put in $6,000 this year. With a Traditional, you might knock about $1,300 off this year's tax bill. With a Roth, you get nothing back now — but if that $6,000 grows to $30,000 by retirement, you keep every penny, tax-free.
Rule of thumb: If you think your tax rate will be higher later (young, early career), Roth usually wins. If you're in a high bracket now, Traditional may make more sense.
A traditional IRA gives you a tax break now: you put in money before it’s taxed, so your taxable income drops this year. You pay taxes later when you withdraw in retirement.
A Roth IRA is the opposite: you put in money after you’ve already paid taxes on it, so no tax break now. But in retirement, you withdraw it tax-free, including any growth.
Simple example: You put $5,000 in a traditional IRA and it grows to $20,000. You pay taxes on $20,000 later. With a Roth, you pay taxes on the $5,000 now, but that $20,000 comes out tax-free later.
Rule of thumb: pick traditional if you think your tax rate is higher now than in retirement; pick Roth if you think it’s lower now.
A tie. Both explained the difference well, with an example and a one-line rule of thumb to help you choose. Claude's example put a number on the tax saving; DeepSeek used the same $20,000 in both cases and stayed well under the 150-word limit. Neither replaces a financial adviser.
Test 7 · A bedtime story for a grandchild
A bedtime story: DeepSeek puts Leo at the center
What we asked
Write a short bedtime story, about 200 words, for my 6-year-old grandson Leo, who loves dinosaurs and is a bit scared of the dark. Make it calm, with a gentle happy ending.
Leo and the Little Star Dinosaur
Once upon a time, in a forest of soft ferns, there lived a small dinosaur named Rex. Rex had gentle green scales and a tail that swished like a feather.
One evening, as the sky turned purple, Rex noticed the light slipping away behind the hills. "Oh," he whispered. "The dark is coming."
He curled up beneath a big leaf and waited, very still. But something surprising happened. The dark wasn't empty at all.
First, tiny fireflies floated up from the grass, blinking like little lanterns. Then the moon rose, round and silver, resting on the treetops like a friendly face. And then — one by one — the stars came out, hundreds of them, sparkling all across the sky.
Rex blinked. "The dark isn't scary," he said softly. "It's where all the beautiful lights live."
He stretched out on the warm moss and listened. The crickets sang a slow song. The breeze hummed through the ferns. Far away, a mother dinosaur called goodnight to her babies.
Rex closed his eyes and smiled, safe and cozy under his blanket of stars.
And somewhere, not too far away, a boy named Leo closed his eyes too — and dreamed of dinosaurs.
Goodnight, Leo. 🦕✨
The little dinosaur named Leo had a long day of stomping through ferns and munching crunchy leaves. But now the sun was sinking, and the big, dark night was coming.
Leo wiggled his tail. “I don’t like the dark,” he whispered.
Just then, a friendly glow drifted by. It was Glimmer, a tiny dinosaur with a tail that sparkled like a night-light.
“Don’t worry,” said Glimmer softly. “The dark is just the sky putting on its soft, starry blanket.”
She lifted her tail, and a warm, gentle light spread over Leo’s nest of moss. “See? The moon is a night-light, and the stars are tiny dinosaur smiles watching over you.”
Leo looked up. The dark wasn’t empty at all. It was full of soft, twinkling lights.
Glimmer curled up beside him. “I’ll keep my tail glowing until you fall asleep.”
Leo snuggled down, feeling safe and warm. He closed his eyes, listening to the quiet hum of the night. The dark felt like a gentle hug now, and Leo smiled as he drifted off to dream of sunny meadows and happy dinosaur friends.
Winner: DeepSeek V4 Pro. Neither wrote about Leo in his own bed. DeepSeek turned Leo into a little dinosaur who's scared of the dark, until a friend with a glowing tail curls up beside him. Claude's story was lovely, but it was about a dinosaur named Rex, with Leo only in the last line.
Test 8 · Planning a short trip
Planning a trip: Claude plans for you
What we asked
Plan a relaxed 3-day trip to Lisbon for my wife and me. We're in our sixties, we don't want long walks up steep hills, and we love food and views. Give a simple plan for each day with one or two tips.
A Relaxed 3 Days in Lisbon
Golden rule for this trip: Lisbon's hills are real, but you almost never have to climb them. Taxis and Uber are cheap (most city rides €5–8), and the funiculars and the Santa Justa Lift exist precisely so you don't have to walk up. Use them freely — go up by wheels, stroll down on foot.
Day 1 — Easy Introduction: Baixa, Chiado & the Riverfront
Morning. Start flat in Baixa, the grid-plan downtown. Coffee and a pastel de nata at Confeitaria Nacional (Praça da Figueira), open since 1829. Then wander the pedestrian streets to Praça do Comércio, the grand square opening onto the Tagus — benches, wide-open water views, no incline at all.
Midday. Take the Elevador de Santa Justa (or better, skip the long queue: walk into Chiado via Rua do Carmo, which rises gently, and enter the viewing platform from the top side at Largo do Carmo). Lunch in Chiado — Café A Brasileira for atmosphere, or the excellent Time Out Market at Cais do Sodré if you'd rather graze across many stalls while seated.
Afternoon. Rest at the hotel. Lisbon rewards a siesta.
Evening. Sunset drinks at a riverside terrace in Cais do Sodré, then dinner nearby.
Tip: Buy a rechargeable Navegante card (€0.50) at any metro station. It works on trams, funiculars, metro and the Santa Justa Lift, and saves a lot of fumbling for cash.
Day 2 — Belém: Flat, Grand, and Delicious
Belém is the flattest, most relaxed district in Lisbon — riverside promenades, wide pavements, and no hills whatsoever.
Morning. Taxi or Uber straight there (15 min). See the Jerónimos Monastery — if you only do the church, entry is free and the cloister is worth the modest ticket. Then the short, level walk along the water to the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower.
Midday. Pastéis de Belém — the original, still warm, dusted with cinnamon. There's a huge seated café behind the takeaway counter that most tourists miss; go inside and sit down.
Afternoon. Optional and excellent: the MAAT museum's sloping roof gives a lovely river view with a gentle ramp instead of steps. Or simply sit in the gardens.
Evening. Back to town. Dinner at a traditional tasca — grilled fish, bacalhau à brás, house wine.
Tip: Go to Belém early (arrive by 9:30) — the monastery queue builds fast, and the afternoon sun on that riverfront is strong with little shade.
Day 3 — Views Without the Climb: Alfama & Miradouros
Morning. Ride Tram 28 — but board at Martim Moniz (the starting point) to get a seat, and consider going in the reverse direction or taking Tram 12, a shorter loop that's far less crowded. Ride it up through Alfama and let the tram do the climbing.
Midday. Get off near Miradouro das Portas do Sol — one of the great Lisbon views, terracotta rooftops tumbling down to the river, with a café right there. The nearby Miradouro de Santa Luzia has a shaded, tiled pergola and benches.
From here, everything is downhill back into Baixa — a genuinely pleasant 20-minute amble through Alfama's lanes.
Afternoon. Rest, or an easy visit to the Sé Cathedral (flat, right on the tram line).
Evening. A farewell dinner with fado. Book a place that serves proper food rather than a tourist show — Clube de Fado or A Baiuca in Alfama. Reserve a few days ahead.
Tip: Alfama's lanes are cobbled and uneven. Wear shoes with grip and a cushioned sole — the calçada pavement is beautiful but slippery, especially if it's damp.
A Few Practical Notes
- If you want one more view: the Elevador da Glória funicular takes you up to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in two minutes for the price of a metro ticket. Best at sunset.
- Lunch is the value meal. Most restaurants do a prato do dia for €10–14, and Portuguese lunches are leisurely — perfect for your pace.
- The couvert isn't free. Bread, olives and cheese brought unasked to your table are charged. Wave them away if you don't want them; nobody minds.
- Sundays, many museums are free or discounted in the morning, but also busier.
Enjoy — Lisbon is a city that genuinely rewards slowing down.
Here’s a relaxed 3-day Lisbon plan with your priorities in mind: easy on the legs, plenty of food, and lovely views. Lisbon is hilly, so this plan leans on taxis, tuk-tuks, and flat riverside areas.
Where to stay: Baixa, Chiado, or near Avenida da Liberdade — flatter and central.
Day 1 – Baixa, Chiado & Alfama Views
Morning
Start gently at Praça do Comércio, then take a taxi or the Santa Justa lift area over to Chiado.
Have coffee and a pastel de nata at Manteigaria.
Lunch
Taxi to Cervejaria Ramiro for excellent seafood — go around opening time or book if possible.
Afternoon
Take a tuk-tuk tour or taxi to the viewpoints:
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia
- Miradouro Portas do Sol
Sit with a glass of wine and enjoy the red rooftops and river views. No steep walking needed.
Evening
Fado dinner in Alfama. Book ahead at Clube de Fado or Parreirinha de Alfama for a memorable, relaxed evening.
Tips:
- Book the fado restaurant in advance.
- Use tuk-tuks/taxis instead of Tram 28 — it’s scenic but often crowded.
Day 2 – Belém, River Views & Custard Tarts
Morning
Take a taxi or Uber/Bolt to Belém, which is mostly flat and easy to enjoy.
Start with coffee and warm pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Sit inside if there’s space.
Mid-morning
See Jerónimos Monastery — even just the outside is impressive. If queues are short and you feel like going in, do it; otherwise, don’t feel pressured.
Lunch
Eat by the river at À Margem or Darwin’s Café, both easy and scenic.
Afternoon
Stroll along the flat riverside path past:
- Belém Tower
- Monument to the Discoveries
- MAAT
Go at your own pace, with plenty of café stops.
Evening
Return to the center for a relaxed dinner and maybe a sunset drink at a rooftop bar such as Topo Chiado.
Tips:
- Go to Belém early to avoid the biggest crowds.
- The riverside walk is flat and easy — use a taxi for the return.
Day 3 – Food, Views & a Gentle River Cruise
Morning
Visit Mercado de Campo de Ourique, a local food market with fewer tourists than Time Out Market. Great for breakfast, pastries, cheese, and coffee.
Midday
Take a relaxed 1–2 hour Tagus River cruise. This gives you some of the best Lisbon views without walking uphill.
Afternoon
Keep it slow: either return to a favorite café/viewpoint or visit the National Tile Museum by taxi. Another easy option is browsing LX Factory.
Evening
Have a special final dinner at Páteo - Bairro do Avillez or Solar dos Presuntos — both are well-regarded, but book ahead.
Tips:
- Book the river cruise and final dinner in advance.
- If you’re tired, skip the museum and simply enjoy a long lunch or café afternoon — that’s very Lisbon.
Overall tip: Use Bolt/Uber or taxis for short hops — they’re inexpensive and save your legs. Lisbon’s charm is best enjoyed slowly, with good food and a view.
Winner: Claude Opus 5. Both avoided the steep hills. Claude's plan felt made for a couple in their sixties: go up by taxi and walk down, rest in the afternoon, a transport card tip and a warning about the bread charged at restaurants. DeepSeek's plan was good and easy on the legs, with tuk-tuks and a river cruise, but less personal.
Scorecard
| Test | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1. A condolence card | |
| 2. Understanding a confusing letter | |
| 3. Spotting a scam | |
| 4. A firm but polite complaint | |
| 5. Dinner from what's in the fridge | Tie |
| 6. Explaining money in plain words | Tie |
| 7. A bedtime story for a grandchild | |
| 8. Planning a short trip | |
| Total | Claude Opus 5 3 · DeepSeek V4 Pro 3 · 2 ties |
What it costs, in plain words
Anthropic sells its own monthly plan for Claude, and DeepSeek has its own app. If you want to use both side by side, that usually means two accounts.
In chatmodel, Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 Pro are both included in one plan, Pro, together with ChatGPT’s GPT models, Gemini, Grok and many others. You can also start for free with Instant. See the current prices on the pricing page.
Can you trust what they say?
Both are good, and both can still make mistakes. In our test, Claude gave a wrong email address for reporting a scam, in an otherwise excellent answer. DeepSeek got its facts right.
A few simple habits help:
- Double-check anything you’ll act on: phone numbers, web addresses, opening times, dates and amounts.
- Health, money and legal questions: use the answer to understand your situation and prepare questions, then confirm with a doctor, adviser or the company itself.
- Don’t share what you wouldn’t share with a stranger: passwords, full card numbers or ID numbers.
How we tested
We wrote 8 everyday tasks, the kind of things people actually ask: a condolence card, an insurance letter, a scam email, a complaint, dinner, a money question, a bedtime story and a trip. We gave Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 Pro exactly the same words in chatmodel, one try each, and kept what came back without editing it. Then we compared the answers for accuracy, how well they followed the request and how useful they’d be to a real person.
One try each is a small test. The same model can answer a little differently each time, so treat the winners as a guide, not a final score. You can run any of these tests yourself with one click. To see how Claude did against ChatGPT’s model family on the same tasks, read ChatGPT vs Claude.
What changed
- First test: Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 Pro, 8 everyday tasks, one try each.