Methodology · 08 JUL 2026 · 12 min read
The six-criteria scoring method, explained in full
The exact workload every tool runs, and why the same score means the
same thing across categories.
same thing across categories.
Why six
A single overall number hides the trade-off that actually decides a purchase. Six sub-scores —
ease, output, value, support, integrations and learning curve — keep the trade-off visible while still
rolling up to something comparable.
ease, output, value, support, integrations and learning curve — keep the trade-off visible while still
rolling up to something comparable.
The identical workload
Every tool in a category gets the same brief on live client work for a minimum of two weeks. Same
inputs, same reviewers, same rubric. Without that, cross-tool scores are decoration..
inputs, same reviewers, same rubric. Without that, cross-tool scores are decoration..
Scoring before affiliates
Scores are locked before anyone checks whether an affiliate program exists. The order is the
whole point: a commission has never moved a number on this site.