How We Rank
Our rankings are built on rigorous research, hands-on testing, and a commitment to objectivity. Here's exactly how we evaluate and compare products and services.
Our 8-Step Process
Category Research
We begin by mapping the entire landscape of a product or service category. This includes identifying all major players, emerging competitors, and niche options that might serve specific needs.
- Compile comprehensive list of providers in the category
- Research company backgrounds, history, and ownership
- Identify target audiences and use cases for each option
- Review industry reports and market analyses
Criteria Development
Every category is different, so we develop custom evaluation criteria tailored to what actually matters for each type of product or service.
- Identify key factors that impact user experience and value
- Weight criteria based on importance to typical consumers
- Consult with subject matter experts to validate our approach
- Create standardized scoring rubrics for consistency
Data Collection
We gather detailed information on every option we evaluate, going beyond marketing materials to find the real facts.
- Document features, pricing, and plan options
- Review terms of service, contracts, and fine print
- Contact customer support to evaluate responsiveness
- Collect technical specifications and performance data
Hands-On Testing
Whenever possible, we sign up for services, purchase products, and test them ourselves to understand the real user experience.
- Create accounts and go through onboarding processes
- Test core features and functionality
- Evaluate user interface and ease of use
- Document any issues, bugs, or friction points
User Feedback Analysis
We aggregate and analyze customer reviews from multiple sources to understand how real users experience each option over time.
- Collect reviews from verified purchase platforms
- Analyze complaint patterns and common issues
- Identify trends in customer satisfaction over time
- Weight recent reviews more heavily than older ones
Scoring & Ranking
We apply our evaluation criteria consistently across all options to generate objective scores and create our final rankings.
- Score each option against all criteria
- Calculate weighted overall scores
- Rank options based on total scores
- Identify best options for specific use cases
Editorial Review
Our editorial team reviews all rankings for accuracy, fairness, and clarity before publication.
- Fact-check all claims and data points
- Ensure rankings reflect genuine quality differences
- Write clear, helpful summaries and recommendations
- Add context about who each option is best for
Ongoing Updates
Products and services change constantly. We regularly revisit our reviews to keep them accurate and relevant.
- Monitor for pricing and feature changes
- Track new product launches and company news
- Update reviews when significant changes occur
- Re-evaluate rankings at least annually
What We Evaluate
While specific criteria vary by category, these are the core factors we consider in most of our evaluations:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Value How do pricing and features compare to alternatives? Is it worth the cost? | High |
| Features Does it offer the functionality users need? How does the feature set compare? | High |
| Ease of Use Is it intuitive and user-friendly? How steep is the learning curve? | Medium-High |
| Customer Support How responsive and helpful is support? What channels are available? | Medium |
| Reputation What do existing customers say? How is the company's track record? | Medium |
| Reliability Is the service dependable? What's the uptime or quality consistency? | Medium-High |
Weights may vary by category based on what matters most for that type of product or service.
Our Editorial Principles
Beyond our process, these principles guide how we approach every review:
We Buy What We Review
We don't accept free products or services in exchange for reviews. When we test something, we pay for it ourselves to ensure an unbiased experience.
Affiliate Relationships Don't Affect Rankings
While we earn commissions from some links, this never influences our rankings. A higher commission doesn't mean a higher ranking.
We Show Our Work
We explain why we ranked things the way we did. If you disagree with our conclusions, you can see our reasoning and make your own decision.
We Acknowledge Limitations
No review process is perfect. We're transparent about what we tested, what we didn't, and any limitations in our methodology.
We Welcome Corrections
If we got something wrong, we want to know. We have a clear process for reviewing and correcting errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do companies pay to be ranked higher?
No. Our rankings are based entirely on our research and evaluation process. While we earn affiliate commissions from some companies, this never influences rankings. Many of our top-ranked options don't have affiliate relationships with us at all.
How often do you update your rankings?
We review and update our rankings at least annually for every category. We also make updates whenever there are significant changes—like major price changes, new features, or company acquisitions. Each article shows when it was last updated.
What if I disagree with your ranking?
We welcome feedback! Our goal is to help people make informed decisions, and that means being open to other perspectives. If you think we missed something or got something wrong, please contact us. We review all feedback and make corrections when warranted.
Do you test every product yourself?
We test as many products and services as we can firsthand. However, for some categories with dozens of options, we supplement hands-on testing with thorough research and analysis of verified user reviews. We're always transparent about what we tested directly versus researched.
How do you handle conflicts of interest?
Our editorial team operates independently from our business relationships. Writers and editors are not told which companies we have affiliate relationships with until after rankings are finalized. We also disclose all affiliate relationships clearly on our site.
Questions About Our Process?
We're committed to transparency. If you have questions about how we evaluate products or want to report an error, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Our Editorial Team