Comparing Two Options: Let AI Help You Decide

Have you ever been shopping and narrowed your choice down to two products?

You could ask AI:

“Which one is better?”

But better depends on what matters to you.

Suppose you are shopping for a night light. You have found two that you like, but you are having trouble deciding between them.

Instead of asking AI to make the decision, tell it what matters to you and ask it to compare the products using those criteria.

Sample Prompt

Remember: the information inside square brackets [ ] is for you to replace with information specific to your situation.

<prompt>
I am considering these two night lights:
Night Light 1: [paste product name or link]
Night Light 2: [paste product name or link]
Compare them based on:
- Price
- Brightness in lumens
- Expected useful life
- Design and appearance
- Additional functionality
Use the same criteria for both products.
If information for either product is unavailable,
tell me it is unavailable rather than
making an assumption.
Summarize the important differences,
but do not choose one for me.
</prompt>

Why This Works

The question is no longer simply, “Which one is better?”

You have told AI what better means to you.

The same technique works when comparing computers, appliances, software, insurance plans, contractors, or other choices.

The criteria will change, but the principle remains the same:

Compare both options using the same criteria.

AI can help you understand the differences. You decide which differences matter.

Before You Make a Decision

AI may not have complete or current information about the products or services being compared.

Verify important specifications, prices, and other claims against reliable sources before making a purchase or commitment.

Next in This Series

A Prompt to Turn Notes into an Action Plan

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