How We Test
Every recommendation starts with research, not marketing pages. Here is exactly how we evaluate and score the tools we review.
Most review sites
- Start with the product features
- Quote the marketing page
- Give everyone 4.5 stars
- Rank by commission amount
What we do
- Start with real user feedback
- Analyze thousands of data points
- Scores vary because quality varies
- Match alternatives to your specific needs
We test what matters: real performance, not spec sheets.
Our Process
Collect
We cross-reference G2, Trustpilot, and Capterra reviews (490,000+ total) alongside Reddit discussions, Twitter threads, and software forums. When G2 rates Salesforce 4.4/5 but Trustpilot shows 1.5/5, that gap reveals billing problems no marketing page will mention.
Benchmark
We measure TTFB response times, uptime percentages, deliverability rates, and load test performance. Hosting tools get server benchmarks. Email tools get inbox placement rates. CRM tools get pipeline and mobile app testing. Specific numbers, not adjectives.
Score
Each tool is scored 0 to 10 based on benchmarks, review platform scores, pricing fairness, and feature depth. Our ratings range from 5.3 (Constant Contact) to 8.3 (Kinsta) because quality actually varies. Renewal pricing tricks and hidden fees lower scores.
Match
We match you with alternatives based on what you need most. Slow TTFB? We recommend hosts with measured sub-200ms response times. Bad deliverability? We point to platforms with 94%+ inbox placement rates.
Recommend
Every recommendation cites specific data: pricing tiers with intro and renewal splits, G2/Trustpilot/Capterra scores with review counts, and performance benchmarks. No tool is perfect, and we show exactly where each one falls short.
Monitor
Scores are not permanent. SiteGround's TTFB degraded 57% between 2022 and 2025 and their score dropped from 8.5 to 7.1. We track performance continuously and update recommendations when the data changes.
Where We Collect Data
We pull from multiple platforms to avoid bias toward any single community.
What We Do Not Do
About our affiliate relationships: Some links on this site are affiliate links and we earn a commission if you sign up. This never influences our recommendations.