Methodology
How I score AI tools
Every review follows the same rubric so scores are comparable across tools. Hands-on testing, live data, a clear verdict.
What I test
- Real tasks, not vendor demos: the tool used in actual workflows.
- Pricing verified against official sources and refreshed regularly.
- Capability boundaries: where the tool shines and where it breaks.
- Live signals: model pricing, GitHub stars, and release cadence.
- Honest cons: every tool has trade-offs I name explicitly.
The rating
Scores are out of 5 and reflect overall value for the tool's intended user, not a feature checkbox count. A high price is fine if the tool earns it; a free tool still loses points if it wastes your time. The verdict spells out who should use it and who should skip it.
Live data
Pricing and popularity figures are pulled from public APIs and refreshed daily, so reviews stay current instead of decaying. Where a number appears, it reflects the most recent sync.