How We Test
Last updated: 28 September 2025
Our Testing Principles
We design our reviews to be accurate, repeatable, and useful in the real world. Every test aims for: (1) transparency (we show what we measured and why), (2) fairness (same baseline for all products), and (3) timely updates when software changes.
What We Review
We cover hosting, VPNs & security tools, SaaS/software, website builders, and digital services that help people build and grow online projects.
Product Selection & Sourcing
We prioritize products that are widely available, actively maintained, and relevant to our readers. Whenever possible, we obtain products independently (purchases or trials). If an item is provided by a vendor, we disclose it and apply the exact same tests.
Research & Setup
Before hands-on testing, we review official docs, changelogs, pricing tiers, and known issues. We standardize account setups, default settings, and test environments so results are comparable.
We repeat key tests and report averaged results; where useful, we include the standard deviation (±σ) to show run-to-run variability.
For network-sensitive tests, we minimize background transfers, record latency/jitter, and schedule runs at different times (peak/off-peak) for representative results.
Hands-On Tests by Category
Hosting: setup time, UX, support responsiveness (ticket/chat), uptime monitoring windows, and performance snapshots (first-load responsiveness, caching behavior, scalability signals).
VPN: multi-location speed checks, streaming unlock tests, kill-switch & reconnect behavior, DNS/WebRTC leak checks, plus policy review (logging/ownership).
Security/Antivirus: EICAR test files, real-time protection behavior, performance impact on system, false-positive handling, and update cadence.
SaaS / Site Builders: onboarding quality, feature completeness vs. claims, template quality, export/portability, roles/permissions, integrations, pricing transparency.
Example Reports
For transparency, we periodically publish full test reports. See Sample VPN Test Report for detailed methodology, raw data, and scoring breakdowns. These examples illustrate how our weighted categories translate into an overall score and demonstrate how we handle updates when products change.
See our Sample VPN Test Report for raw data and scoring (coming soon).
Scoring Framework
We use weighted category scores to produce an overall rating. Typical weight ranges (we publish exact weights per review):
Performance: 30–40%
Features & Reliability: 25–30%
Ease of Use & Onboarding: 15–20%
Security & Privacy (where applicable): 15–20%
Support & Documentation: 10–15%
Value for Money: 10–15%
Examples:
Hosting → Performance 40%, Features 20%, Ease 15%, Support 15%, Value 10%
VPN → Security/Privacy 30%, Performance 25%, Features 20%, Ease 15%, Value 10%
Note: Exact weights are published in each review and match our site-wide Review & Testing Methodology.
Updates & Versioning
Scores are tied to the software version and test date. We re-test after major updates or at least quarterly for fast-moving products. When we change a score, we note the date and reason in the review.
Independence & Affiliate Links
Our editorial team operates independently. Affiliate partnerships never influence our ratings or recommendations. If a link could earn us a commission, we mark it clearly and the price you pay is unaffected.
See our full standards in the Editorial Guidelines.
Conflicts of Interest
Writers and testers must disclose any prior employment, consulting, or investments related to a product or vendor. When conflicts exist, we reassign the review.
Accessibility & Privacy
We consider accessibility (keyboard navigation, color contrast, captions) and privacy posture (data collection, policy clarity) as part of our qualitative notes and, where relevant, our scores.
Corrections & Feedback
Found an issue? Use our Contact page and include the review URL, the exact passage, and a verifiable source.