How we test
Every product is used for real before it is scored. This page explains what we check, how the score out of 10 is built, and what the score does not tell you.
Hands on, with our own money
For an exchange we complete identity checks, deposit, trade and withdraw. For a wallet we create and restore it from the recovery phrase and send a transaction on each network we list. For tax software we import real exchange and wallet history and read the report it produces. For trackers, data services, bots and cards we use the product for our own holdings for long enough to hit its limits.
What the score weighs
- Cost: trading and withdrawal fees, spreads, subscription prices and what the free tier really includes.
- Security and custody: who holds the keys, how accounts are protected, the track record of the company and whether the code or hardware can be checked independently.
- Everyday use: setup, the quality of the app or device, and how many steps a common task takes.
- Coverage: supported coins, networks, integrations and the countries where the product is available.
- Support and transparency: how fast a real support request was answered and how clearly terms are written.
Reading the score
Scores run from 0 to 10 with one decimal. A 9 or higher is the best product in its category for most readers. 7.5 and above is one we recommend. Between 6 and 7.5 the product works, but a clear caveat applies. Under 6 we suggest you look elsewhere. Scores compare products within a category; a card and a hardware wallet with the same score are not being ranked against each other.
Updates and corrections
Crypto products change quickly. When a fee, a feature or availability changes we revise the review, and if a fact was wrong we add a visible correction note at the end of the article. Nothing we publish is personalised financial advice, and every crypto asset can lose its entire value.