Find the right AI for your needs
Last reviewed . AI products change quickly; check the linked sources before relying on details.
How to use this guide
Most people need only three or four of these questions. Start with the data and action questions, because they decide the risk. No payments or recommendations on this page depend on any provider. An interactive version may come later; for now the answers are listed in full.
Engineers choosing models for software should use the model finder.
1. Are you a developer?
It decides whether code-based tools are realistic.
No
Start with a consumer app and no-code tools. Skip frameworks.
Yes
Compare models and APIs in the engineering tools.
2. What is the main task?
Models differ by task; there is no single best one.
Writing, research, analysis
Use a mainstream chat app and compare two on your own material.
Reusable prompts
Start from tested prompt templates.
Coding
Evaluate coding tools on your own repository.
3. Does it need to take actions (send, book, change things)?
Actions add risk and need approvals.
No, just answers
A chat app is enough.
Yes
Learn the agent safety model first, keep a human approval step.
4. Does it need to remember things across sessions?
Persistent memory is a separate feature with privacy implications.
No
Use fresh conversations and paste context each time.
Yes
Use the memory features of a mainstream app, or an agent framework if you can build.
5. Does it need to run on a schedule or in the background?
Always-on agents are newer and often plan- or region-limited.
No
Interactive use is simpler and safer.
Yes
Consider a workflow tool with an AI step before a fully autonomous agent.
6. Must data stay on your own computer?
This is the main reason to run models locally.
Yes
Run an open-weight model locally and accept smaller models.
No
Hosted apps are easier; use business terms for work data.
7. Is it acceptable to send data to a third party?
Depends on policy, regulation and the data itself.
Yes, with business terms
Use a business plan or API with documented data terms.
No
Go local, or ask your organisation for an approved tool.
8. What is your budget?
Free tiers, subscriptions, API usage and hardware have different cost shapes.
Free
Try free tiers and small local models.
Some
One paid app plan usually beats many.
Usage-based
Estimate API cost before building.
9. How comfortable are you with setup?
Self-hosting trades money for effort.
Prefer none
Consumer apps.
Some
Ollama or LM Studio for local chat.
Comfortable
Self-hosted interfaces and frameworks.
10. App or API?
Apps are for people; APIs are for building software.
App
Pick a consumer or business app.
API
Choose by task, cost and data terms.
11. Will you use outputs or models commercially?
Licences and terms differ by model, tool and output type.
Yes
Read each model and tool licence; do not assume open weights means unrestricted.
No
Personal use is simpler but still check terms.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right AI tool for my needs?
Answer the questions on the page in any order. Start with the data and action questions, because they decide the risk. Most people need only three or four of them. Each answer points to a page or section with the next step, and the guidance is based on capabilities and trade-offs, not sponsorship.
Should I use an AI app or an API?
Apps are for people, and APIs are for building software. If you want to use AI directly, pick a consumer or business app. If you are building software, estimate API cost before building. Engineers choosing models for software should use the model finder instead.
Which AI should I use if my data must stay private?
If data must stay on your own computer, run an open-weight model locally and accept smaller models. If sending data to a third party is acceptable, use a business plan or API with documented data terms. If it is not acceptable, go local or ask your organisation for an approved tool.
What is the best free AI option?
For a free budget, the page suggests trying free tiers and small local models. Free tiers have limits and may use older models, and terms for data use differ. If you can spend a little, one paid app plan usually beats many. Hardware and electricity are the cost of local models.
Do I need an AI agent or is a chat app enough?
If you only need answers, a chat app is enough. If it must take actions such as sending or booking, learn the agent safety model first and keep a human approval step. For work on a schedule, consider a workflow tool with an AI step before a fully autonomous agent.