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Practical advice

Choosing AIBeginner4 min read

Compare AI tools with one real task

Choose between AI tools by testing the work you actually need, using the same input and scoring method each time.

The practical answer

Start with this principle

Feature lists rarely tell you which AI is best for your business. A controlled test with one representative task gives you evidence you can use.

Do this in order

Three steps you can use today

  1. Pick a representative task

    Use a recurring job that matters but is safe to test, such as summarising an anonymised enquiry or drafting a standard follow-up.

  2. Keep the test identical

    Use the same prompt, source material and time limit in each tool. Record how much correction each answer needs.

  3. Score the full experience

    Rate accuracy, usefulness, ease of use, privacy options and cost. The best answer is not helpful if the wider tool does not fit your workflow.

Copy and adapt

Tool comparison scorecard

Task used for the test: ..................................................
Why this task: it is one we do at least weekly and it currently takes ..... minutes.

Tool A .............. | Tool B .............. | Tool C ..............
Got a usable answer first try?      Y / N   |   Y / N   |   Y / N
Needed correcting on facts?         Y / N   |   Y / N   |   Y / N
Fits where the work already happens? Y / N   |   Y / N   |   Y / N
Time to a send-ready result:        ..... m |  ..... m  |  ..... m

Decision: ...................  Reviewed on: ..........