Not sure which framework to use? These head-to-head comparisons highlight the differences so you can pick the right one for your situation.
Despite both being called 'matrices,' these solve different problems. Eisenhower is for prioritizing tasks (what to do next). Decision Matrix is for choosing between options (which option is best). You wouldn't use a Decision Matrix to sort your to-do list, and you wouldn't use Eisenhower to pick a vendor.
Use Eisenhower for task prioritization. Use Decision Matrix for multi-criteria option evaluation.
Both are scoring frameworks, but ICE is faster and looser (1-10 gut-feel scores) while RICE is more rigorous (estimates of reach, impact, confidence, and effort). ICE works for brainstorming sessions where you need to quickly screen 50 ideas. RICE works for quarterly planning where accuracy matters.
Use ICE for rapid experiment screening. Use RICE for roadmap planning where you need defensible prioritization.
RICE is quantitative and great for product roadmaps where you need to compare features with hard numbers. Eisenhower is qualitative and great for daily task management where speed matters more than precision. Use RICE when you have data and time; use Eisenhower when you need a quick answer.
Use RICE for product/feature prioritization with a team. Use Eisenhower for personal daily task management.