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Frameworks6 min read

How to Choose an AI Tool

A repeatable framework for evaluating any AI tool: fit, output quality, cost, data handling, and exit risk.

Published · Updated

This guide is sample editorial content created during development. Every recommendation will be reviewed and verified before publication.

Most buying mistakes come from judging a tool on a demo rather than on your own work. This framework fixes that.

Five checks before you pay

  • Fit: does it solve the exact task, or a nearby one?
  • Quality: run three of your own real inputs through it
  • Cost: confirm limits and overage pricing on the vendor's site
  • Data: check what is retained and whether it trains models
  • Exit: can you export your work if you leave tomorrow?

Re-evaluate every quarter

This category moves quickly. A tool that was clearly best six months ago may now be second or third choice.

Tools mentioned

  • ChatGPT

    AI Assistants

    Pricing unverified

    General-purpose assistant for writing, analysis, coding and research.

    • chat
    • reasoning
    • writing
    Not yet ratedView Tool

  • Cursor

    AI Coding

    Pricing unverified

    AI-first code editor with codebase-aware chat and edits.

    • editor
    • refactoring
    • codebase chat
    Not yet ratedView Tool

  • Framer

    AI Websites

    Pricing unverified

    Website builder with AI-assisted layout and publishing.

    • website builder
    • landing page
    • design
    Not yet ratedView Tool

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