DeepSeek V4 API pricing surges: New peak & off-peak rates explained

The Chinese AI platform is changing V4 API pricing starting August 17, introducing peak and off-peak tiers with significant rate increases for high-demand hours

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Published August 13, 2026
DeepSeek V4 API pricing surges: New peak & off-peak rates explained

DeepSeek has announced adjustments to its API pricing structure for the V4 model lineup, introducing peak and off-peak rate tiers.

A company statement on Thursday showed, Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek will ‌raise API prices for its V4-Pro and V4-Flash models.

As reported, the new rates ranging from 50% to 1,100% above ‌current prices, depending on the model, token type, and time of use will take effect on August 17.

DeepSeek V4-Pro:

Peak pricing periods are designated daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Beijing Time, with all other hours billed at off-peak rates.

According to the statement the V4-Pro (Peak Hours), uncached input pricing will increase from 3 yuan to 9 yuan per million tokens, while output pricing will jump from 6 yuan to 27 yuan per million tokens.

While off-peak rates are adjusted to 4.5 yuan for input and 13.5 yuan for output per million tokens.

DeepSeek V4-Flash:

The high-throughput volume tier will be priced at 1.5 yuan for input and 4.5 yuan for output per million tokens.

DeepSeek V4 API pricing surges: New peak & off-peak rates explained

Notably, the updated pricing structure is set to take effect on August 17.

Hafsa Naeem Baig
Hafsa Naeem is an entertainment reporter specialising in K-dramas, films, and celebrity-driven stories. She explores global content trends and audience engagement, delivering accessible coverage that captures the emotional and cultural impact of entertainment across diverse viewership.
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