How We Test and Review Security Tools
When we put a badge like "Top Pick" or "Best Value" on a product, it is because our team has evaluated it against specific criteria. Here is exactly what we look for.
Our Principles
- We only recommend tools we would use ourselves. Before a product appears on this site, someone on our team has installed it, used it, and assessed whether it does what it claims.
- No paid placements. Companies cannot pay to appear on our site or to receive a particular badge or ranking. Our recommendations are entirely editorial.
- Affiliate disclosure. Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This does not influence which products we recommend. We would rather recommend a product with no affiliate programme than recommend a poor product because it pays well.
What We Test
1. Ease of Use
Our primary audience is people who are not very technical. A product that requires a computer science degree to install is not useful to our readers, no matter how powerful it is. We score tools on:
- How easy is the installation process?
- Is the interface clear and understandable?
- Does it explain what it is doing in plain language?
- Can a person with no technical background use it confidently?
2. Actual Protection
We review third-party test results from independent laboratories, including:
- AV-TEST (av-test.org) — independent antivirus testing institute
- AV-Comparatives (av-comparatives.org) — Austrian testing lab
- SE Labs — UK-based security testing
We do not conduct our own malware lab tests, and we are transparent about that. Where we cite protection rates, we link to the source.
3. Privacy and Data Practices
For VPNs especially, we review:
- Does the company have a verified no-logs policy?
- Has it undergone an independent audit?
- Where is the company based, and what jurisdiction applies?
- What data does it collect at minimum?
4. Value for Money
We compare the price of a product against what it offers relative to its competitors. A "Best Value" badge means we believe it provides strong protection for a lower price than alternatives — not just that it is cheap.
5. Transparency and Trustworthiness
- How long has the company been operating?
- Has it had significant security incidents or controversies?
- Does it publish transparent reports?
What Our Badges Mean
| Badge | What it means |
|---|---|
| Top Pick | Our overall best recommendation in its category |
| Best Free Option | Best tool available at no cost |
| Best All-in-One | Best single product covering multiple protection types |
| Best Value | Best protection relative to price |
Badges are reviewed and updated at least once a year, or whenever a significant product update or incident occurs.
What We Do Not Do
- We do not accept payment to change rankings
- We do not write reviews without having used the product
- We do not copy manufacturer marketing claims without independent verification
- We do not recommend products with a history of dishonest practices, even if they pay well
Questions About Our Methodology?
If you disagree with a recommendation or have evidence that a product we recommend has a serious flaw, please contact us. We take accuracy seriously and will review the product again.
Email: hello@safebrowsingcheck.com