deepseek-r1-0528 vs qwen3-max-preview

Direct benchmark comparison between deepseek-r1-0528 and qwen3-max-preview based on LMArena Elo and latest API pricing.

Direct Technical Comparison

Frontier Model	LMArena Elo	API Cost (1M)	Throughput
deepseek-r1-0528	1422	$4.5e-7	25
qwen3-max-preview	1435	$7.8e-7	28

*These models represent the Pareto Frontier (optimal cost-to-performance).*

Conclusion: For developers looking for higher intelligence, qwen3-max-preview currently leads with an Elo of 1435.