Methodology
How we review and rank AI tools
Trust is the whole product. Here is exactly how testing works, how scores are built, and how we keep money out of the verdict.
Hands-on testing, always
Every tool on this site is installed and used for real work for at least several days before we write a word — actual documents, actual exports, actual renders. We do not score from feature lists, press releases, or other people's screenshots.
Same dimensions for every tool
Each tool is scored on output quality, feature depth, ease of use, pricing versus value, and support or documentation. Scores are compared within a category, so a writing app is judged against writing apps, not against video editors.
Independence over commissions
Some outbound links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you subscribe — at no extra cost to you. Commissions never buy a rating, a rank, or a spot in an editorial list. We publish critical reviews and low scores for tools that pay us, and full reviews for tools that pay us nothing.
Reviews get revisited
AI software ships updates weekly. When a tool changes pricing, plan limits, or a headline feature, we re-test the affected area and note the change in the review rather than letting old claims quietly go stale.
What we refuse
No paid placements in rankings, no selling 'editor's choice' labels, no publishing vendor-drafted articles as reviews, and no tools we have not actually used. Sponsored placements, where they exist, are always labeled 'Sponsored' and kept out of editorial scoring.
Spotted something wrong?
If a review describes a price, plan limit, or feature that no longer matches reality, tell us through the contact page. Corrections that change a recommendation get made visibly, not silently.