OpenLuxClaude Opus 5 vs DeepSeek V4
Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 both run on OpenLux behind one OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Claude Opus 5 is metered at $0.4412 per 1M tokens (-91% vs official rates); DeepSeek V4 at $0.0613 per 1M tokens (-90% vs official rates). DeepSeek V4 is the lower-cost option per unit — about 86% cheaper on the same OpenLux endpoint. This page compares their rates, strengths and best-fit workloads so you can route each request to the right model.
The short version
In practice the two models are complements, not substitutes: Claude Opus 5 suits workloads that need agents and apps that call tools or functions, production chat and assistant workloads. DeepSeek V4 is the better fit when you need step-by-step reasoning, analysis and planning, Chinese-language products and bilingual apps. Both are called with the same OpenLux key, so switching between them is a one-field change to the model name.
Choose Claude Opus 5 when
- You need agents and apps that call tools or functions.
- You need production chat and assistant workloads.
Choose DeepSeek V4 when
- You need step-by-step reasoning, analysis and planning.
- You need Chinese-language products and bilingual apps.
- Unit cost is the deciding factor for this workload.
Rates on OpenLux
| Model | Provider | Rate | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Opus 5 | Anthropic | $0.4412 per 1M tokens | -91% |
| DeepSeek V4 | DeepSeek | $0.0613 per 1M tokens | -90% |
Rates follow official provider pricing and are billed in USD. See the full catalogue and pricing plans for credit allowances.
One snippet, two models
Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 share the same OpenAI-compatible request shape. Run the same code against both and compare the answers on your own workload.
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(
api_key="sk-openlux-...",
base_url="https://openlux.lol/v1",
)
for model in ["claude-opus-5", "deepseek-v4"]:
resp = client.chat.completions.create(
model=model,
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Summarise this release note for me."}],
)
print(model, "->", resp.choices[0].message.content)Any OpenAI SDK works the same way — see the docs for streaming, tools and error codes.
Claude Opus 5 vs DeepSeek V4 questions
How much do Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 cost on OpenLux?
Claude Opus 5 is metered pay as you go at $0.4412 per 1M tokens, a -91% discount on official list pricing. DeepSeek V4 is metered at $0.0613 per 1M tokens, a -90% discount. There is no subscription requirement: usage is billed in USD and every request is visible in the console.
Can I call Claude Opus 5 and DeepSeek V4 with the same API key?
Yes. Both models sit behind the same OpenAI-compatible endpoint at https://openlux.lol/v1. Keep the same key and change only the "model" field to switch between claude-opus-5 and deepseek-v4 — request and response shapes stay identical.
Which is cheaper, Claude Opus 5 or DeepSeek V4?
DeepSeek V4 costs less per unit: $0.0613 per 1M tokens versus $0.4412 per 1M tokens, about 86% lower for the same volume. Over a month of production traffic the difference compounds, and the console shows cost per request in real time.
When should I pick Claude Opus 5 over DeepSeek V4?
In practice the two models are complements, not substitutes: Claude Opus 5 suits workloads that need agents and apps that call tools or functions, production chat and assistant workloads. DeepSeek V4 is the better fit when you need step-by-step reasoning, analysis and planning, Chinese-language products and bilingual apps. Both are called with the same OpenLux key, so switching between them is a one-field change to the model name.
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Explore by use case
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The largest gaps between official list prices and OpenLux rates.
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Route every request to the right model
OpenLux keeps Claude Opus 5, DeepSeek V4 and every other model behind one key, one endpoint and one bill. Start with free trial credit and switch models without touching your code.