What SMBs Want in an AI Solution

February 5, 2026

Almost 60% of SMBs pay for the AI tools they use, so we asked them about the features that drive AI tool choice. Bredin’s latest survey of 500 U.S. SMB principals finds that affordability, security, quality, and ease of use matter most.

‍#1 AI solution attribute by company size:

  • Very small businesses (VSBs, 1–19 employees) and small businesses (SBs, 20–99 employees): Cost-effectiveness
  • Midsized businesses (MBs, 100–1,000 employees): Data security

Top Desired AI Attributes by SMB Size

Characteristics that are important to small business owners when selecting or using AI tools by company headcount.

Why some SMBs haven’t adopted AI‍

MBs show universal interest in AI, but one in five VSBs are neither using or considering AI tools, because they simply don’t see the benefit.

‍Need expert SMB insight? With an exclusive focus on the SMB market, decades of research experience, and advanced data tools, Bredin delivers actionable custom and omnibus research. Contact us to learn how we can support your 2026 GTM, product, content, PR, social, and sales goals.