OpenAI or Anthropic? Start with the work.
A team can make a good choice without declaring one provider better at everything. Run the task, inspect the operating limits, and compare what success costs.
Use a shared evaluation
Take examples from the workflows you plan to deploy. Include hard cases and a clear definition of acceptable output. Compare model versions at similar capability levels rather than mixing a premium model with a budget one.
Check the integration fit
Look at tool use, output requirements, data handling, rate limits, and account controls. Confirm current documentation instead of assuming feature parity. Include maintenance and monitoring in the total cost.
Buy for measured demand
Compare ordinary billing and any eligible discounts using actual request volumes. If buying credits, confirm expiry and access for the models you tested. Keep a fallback path so a temporary balance doesn't become your only source of production capacity.