# How to choose an AI agent platform: 8 things to check before you sign up

Choosing an AI agent platform comes down to control, not features: per-tool permissions, approvals, activity logs, spending limits, data handling, and pricing you can predict. An 8-point checklist for small businesses.

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## Steps

1. **Write down one job.** Choose the platform for that job, not for its feature list. See best AI agent for small business.
2. **Shortlist two or three.** Check each against the 8 points above.
3. **Run a two-week trial on real past work.** See how to test an AI agent.
4. **Price the whole month.** Plan, usage, paid tools, and your checking time.
5. **Connect only what the job needs.** Then add more later. See connect only what you need.

## FAQ

### What is an AI agent platform?

The product your AI agents run on. It provides the model, tools, connections to your apps, and the settings that control what agents can do.

### What matters most when choosing an AI agent platform?

Control: per-tool permissions, approvals before sends and purchases, an activity log, and spending limits.

### Should I choose a platform by its AI model?

The model matters less than the controls around it for most small-business jobs. Many platforms let you switch models anyway.

### How do I compare AI agent platform pricing?

Price a full month: the plan, usage beyond the plan, paid tools, and the time you spend checking its work.

### Can I switch AI agent platforms later?

Choose one that lets you export your instructions and data and revoke every connection, so switching is easy.