Use AI to compare two offers

AI can't tell you which deal is truly cheapest today, but it can line up two offers in one simple table and point out the fine print you might miss.

Two internet plans, two quotes for a new furnace, two vacuum cleaners that look almost the same. Comparing them in your head is tiring, and the details that matter are often in small print. An AI chat is good at sorting it out: putting both offers side by side, asking what's missing, and flagging costs that only show up later.

Gather both offers

Copy the details from each offer: the price, what's included, how long it lasts, fees, the return or cancel policy, and any warranty. For quotes from contractors, copy the parts of each quote that list the work and the costs. Take out your name, address, and account numbers before you paste.

Ask for a simple table

Paste both offers and ask AI to put them in a table with the same rows for each, so nothing gets compared unfairly.

Example: "Here are two quotes for replacing my water heater. Put them in a simple table: total price, what work is included, brand and size, warranty, how long the job takes, and anything extra I might be charged for. Then tell me which details are missing from each quote and what I should ask both contractors."

Spot the hidden fees

Ask: "What costs could show up later that aren't in the headline price?" Common ones to look for:

• A low promo price that goes up after a few months.
• Setup, activation, delivery, or installation fees.
• Equipment rental, like a modem or a box.
• Cancellation fees or a contract you can't leave early.
• Shipping or restocking fees if you return it.
• Taxes and "service" charges added at checkout.

Decide what matters to you

Tell AI what you care about most, like the lowest total over a year, the simplest bill, or the best warranty. Ask it to add a "total cost for one year" row, then check that math with a calculator.

Things to know

• AI can be wrong or out of date about prices, plans, and fees. Always double-check every price and detail on the seller's own page or the written quote before you decide.
• AI only knows what you paste in. If a detail is missing, ask the seller or contractor directly.
• Never paste card numbers, account numbers, passwords, or your Social Security number into the chat.
• Comparing phone or internet plans? Read our guide to lowering your monthly bills. Comparing holiday deals? Read our guide to shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday safely, and keep it all inside your holiday budget.