Our ranking methodology Every tool listed on AiDirectoryIndex goes through a structured evaluation process. Here's exactly how we rank tools. ## 1. Testing We sign up for every tool we list. Free plans are tested first, then paid features when relevant. We evaluate the core functionality, not just marketing claims. ## 2. Scoring criteria Each tool is scored across 5 dimensions: **Feature depth (30%)** — Does the tool do what it claims? How does its feature set compare to competitors in the same category? **Ease of use (20%)** — Can a non-technical user get started in under 5 minutes? Is the UI intuitive? **Pricing fairness (20%)** — Is the free plan genuinely useful? Is the paid plan reasonably priced relative to the value delivered? **User feedback (20%)** — What do real users say? We aggregate ratings from our own reviews and external sources. **Reliability & support (10%)** — Does the tool work consistently? Is customer support responsive? ## 3. Editorial review After scoring, our editorial team reviews the ranking for each category. We check for anomalies, update descriptions, and ensure the top picks genuinely deserve their position. ## 4. Updates Rankings are refreshed monthly. When a tool ships a major update, we re-test and adjust scores accordingly. The "Last updated" date on each page tells you when we last reviewed it. ## 5. Sponsored content Some tools pay for featured placement (marked with a "Sponsored" badge). This affects visibility, not ranking. A sponsored tool does not receive a higher score or better position in our organic rankings. ## Questions? If you disagree with a ranking or have feedback about our methodology, email us at hello@aidirectoryindex.com. We take accuracy seriously.