Choosing the Right AI Agent
Introduction
In my earlier post, Choosing the Right AI Model, I compared the chat models: ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini, and the rest. That post is already showing its age, because the conversation has moved. In 2026 the question is less “which model answers best?” and more “which agent should I hand the work to?”
Here’s the difference (super simplified). A model answers. An agent acts. It has its own computer and browser, it signs into your apps, it remembers you, it runs while your laptop is closed, and it comes back when it needs a decision. Nearly every major vendor has put emphasis on shipping new ways to interact and manage agents in the latter half of 2026.