How we rate

Every comparison on Knocking Web follows the same method, so you can see why one tool comes out ahead and decide for yourself.

What a comparison must include

We only publish a comparison when it has all of these:

• Current plans and prices for both tools, from each vendor's own pricing page.
• At least eight features compared for the category.
• At least two completed hands-on tests, with screenshots of both tools.
• A written verdict, plus who should choose each tool.

Prices and plans

We take plans, prices and limits from each vendor's own pricing and help pages, in US dollars, and show monthly and yearly prices where the vendor publishes both. "Prices checked on" shows the date we last confirmed them. Every week we re-check the vendors' pricing pages for changes and update a page when its prices change. Prices can still change between checks, so confirm the final amount at checkout.

Features

For each category we pick the features that matter when choosing, such as a free plan, file uploads or team plans, and mark each tool Yes, No, Partial or Add-on (available at extra cost), with a short note when the detail matters. The facts come from each vendor's own documentation.

Hands-on tests

Each test gives both tools the same task, written out on the page, and the criteria we judge it by, set before we run it. We record the plan we used, the date and the device, and keep screenshots of both results, with any personal information removed.

• Each result is a Pass, Partial or Fail against those criteria.
• The better result wins the test. If both tools get the same result and the test has a measurement, such as the time to finish, the better measurement decides it. Otherwise it is a tie.
• Every test, its winner and the overall score appear on the comparison page.

The verdict

Tests don't decide everything: price, features and the way you work matter as much. Our verdict weighs all of them and says plainly who each tool suits. We would rather tell you which tool fits your situation than declare one winner for everyone.

Rankings and scores

On category pages we rank the tools we have reviewed from our top pick down, using the same evidence. When we give a tool an editor score, it is out of 100 and reflects that same overall judgement.

Staying independent

Some of our links are affiliate links (see our affiliate disclosure). They never decide what we review, how we rank tools or what our verdicts say, and vendors can't pay for a better review. Tools without an affiliate program get the same review.

Spot a mistake?

Email team@knockingweb.com and we'll check it and update the page.