How to Choose an AI Tool: A 7-Point Checklist
Published 30 Sep 2026
Updated 30 Sep 2026
Last verified 30 Sep 2026 5 min read
The short version
Before you sign up for any AI tool, check who’s behind it, what it costs, what happens to your data, and whether it actually solves a problem you have.
The 7-point checklist
- What problem does it solve for me? Name one real task.
- Who makes it? Is there a real company, contact details and a track record?
- What does it cost? Is there a genuine free tier? Watch for annual-only billing and hard-to-cancel plans.
- What happens to my data? Read the privacy page; check if chats are used for training and whether you can delete them.
- Can I get my work out? Can I export what I make?
- Is it better than what I already have? Compare with ChatGPT, Claude or Grok on the same task.
- What do independent sources say? Look beyond the tool’s own marketing.
Red flags
“Unlimited premium for £1”, shared accounts, requests for passwords, no company details, or pressure to pay today. See AI privacy basics.
What to try next
Read Free vs paid AI.
Sources
- General guidance written by Silent Overseer.
Silent Overseer uses AI tools to help research and draft, and every article is reviewed before publishing. How we work. Spotted a mistake? We correct and date changes.