How we research
Our recommendations are based on research, not on hands-on lab tests. Here is exactly what that means – and how we turn it into a score.
Our sources
For every guide we collect information from:
- Primary sources: official documentation, pricing pages, changelogs, privacy policies and terms of service.
- User experience at scale: independent user reviews on platforms such as G2, Capterra and Trustpilot, app store reviews and discussions in communities like Reddit.
- Expert coverage: reviews and reports from established publications and specialists.
We note when we checked each source. Prices and plans change often, so we re-check our guides regularly and show the date of the last update at the top of every article.
What we don’t claim
Unless an article says otherwise, we have not tested the products hands-on. We never write “we tested” or describe personal use that didn’t happen.
The Research Score
Every product in a guide gets a score from 0 to 10. It is the weighted average of five criteria:
| Criterion | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 30% | What the product can do for the use case of the guide |
| Value for money | 25% | Free tier, price per month or seat, what you get for it |
| Privacy & security | 20% | Data storage, AI training on your data, deletion, certifications |
| Compatibility | 15% | Platforms, integrations, languages |
| Docs & support | 10% | Documentation quality, support channels, update history |
If we can’t find reliable information for a criterion, we don’t guess – the product simply gets no score.
Scores and picks are not the same thing. The Research Score rates each product on its own merits. Our picks also weigh the price, the job the guide is about and who the product suits best. That’s why a top pick can have a slightly lower score than, say, an upgrade pick that costs a lot more.
How we use AI
We use AI tools to gather information, compare documents and draft text. A human editor checks facts against the sources, edits the text and decides on the picks before anything is published.
Updates and corrections
When something changes – a price, a plan, a new product – we update the guide and the date at the top. If you find a mistake, please tell us at info@aitechverdict.com.