Compare two options prompt template
Run a balanced, criteria-driven comparison of two options and get a clear recommendation tied to what matters most for your situation.
Free to copy4 fill-in variablesWorks with any text-based AI model
Copy the prompt
Keep the instruction intact and replace each double-braced field with your own context.
Compare two options
Compare {{option_a}} and {{option_b}} for someone in this situation:
Context: {{context}}
Evaluate them against these criteria (in order of importance): {{criteria}}
Do the following:
1. Build a side-by-side table scoring each option on every criterion.
2. Note any criterion where the difference is decisive, and say why.
3. Call out hidden costs, lock-in, or assumptions that the headline
comparison usually misses.
4. End with a single recommendation and the one condition that would
flip your choice the other way.
If a fact is uncertain or version-dependent, flag it rather than guessing.
Fill in the variables
Use the examples as a shape, not as required wording.
{{option_a}}- The first option being comparedExample: PostgreSQL
{{option_b}}- The second option being comparedExample: SQLite
{{context}}- Your situation, constraints, and what success looks likeExample: a solo-built local-first desktop app with one user per machine and no central server
{{criteria}}- Comma-separated factors that matter most, roughly in priority orderExample: offline reliability, setup simplicity, backup story, write performance, future multi-device sync
Filled-in example
This shows the template with realistic inputs before it is sent to a model.
Compare PostgreSQL and SQLite for someone in this situation:
Context: a solo-built local-first desktop app with one user per machine and no central server.
Evaluate them against these criteria (in order of importance): offline reliability, setup simplicity, backup story, write performance, future multi-device sync.
Do the following:
1. Build a side-by-side table scoring each option on every criterion.
2. Note any criterion where the difference is decisive, and say why.
3. Call out hidden costs, lock-in, or assumptions the headline comparison usually misses.
4. End with a single recommendation and the one condition that would flip the choice.
How to use this template
Three checks keep the result useful and grounded in your actual task.
- Give it real context.Replace every variable and remove any instruction that does not apply.
- Run it in your preferred model.The template is plain text, so it works with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and local models.
- Review before you rely on it.Check facts, code, claims, and sensitive information; then save the wording that performed best.