How we review
Review Methodology
How TapDeals researches, tests and scores software — and why some reviews are scored while others are clearly marked as desk research.
Last updated
TapDeals reviews are written to answer the questions buyers have before signing up — not to repeat a vendor’s feature page. Here’s the process behind every review.
Two kinds of review
- Hands-on reviews are based on our own use of the product. They record the plan and platforms tested, how long we used it and what we did, and they carry a score.
- Desk-research reviews are based on the sources below, without our own account. They’re labelled “Desk research”, show “Not scored”, and never claim first-hand use.
What we research
- The deal or listing: every tier, its limits, stacking, redemption window, refund terms and what isn’t included.
- The vendor’s own site: regular pricing, features, documentation, integrations and security or privacy commitments.
- Price comparison: each deal tier against the vendor’s own monthly, annual and one-time prices, so you know whether the deal really saves money.
- Buyer feedback: verified marketplace reviews and questions, including the share of low ratings and what they complain about.
- Video reviews: independent reviewers who show the product in use. We skip scripted promotional videos and re-uploads of the vendor’s own demo.
- Platform rules: where a product depends on another platform (for example YouTube), we check that platform’s policies for risks.
How scores work
Hands-on reviews are scored out of 10. The overall score is calculated from five criteria — it’s never typed in by hand:
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Features | 25% |
| Ease of use | 25% |
| Value for money | 20% |
| Integrations | 15% |
| Support | 15% |
What every review includes
- A one-sentence verdict and who the product is best for.
- At least two genuine pros and two genuine cons.
- “Choose it if” and “Skip it if” guidance.
- Pricing with the date it was checked, and the deal terms.
- At least two credible alternatives.
- The author, publish date and the date the facts were last verified.
Keeping reviews current
We recheck deals and pricing regularly, and update a review when prices, features or deal terms change in a way that matters. When we test a product hands-on after publishing desk research, we update the review, add our notes and score it.
Independence
Commissions and sponsorship never affect scores or verdicts. See our Editorial Policy and Affiliate Disclosure. Found an error? Email contact@tapdeals.net.