We know it’s hard to trust software rankings — especially when the site you’re on also makes the tool or has infinite affiliate links on the page.
That’s exactly why we built a clear, consistent review process.
Every platform we feature is tested hands-on, with real automations, emails, and use cases. No tool can pay for placement. If something ranks #1, it’s because it performed best in testing.
This page explains how we review, what we test, and how we stay fair — so you can choose the right tool for your business with confidence.
Jump into the categories we’re talking about:
Contents
Our Software-Reviewing Process
No special access, no insider deals. Just the public pricing page and normal onboarding — same as you.
We don’t skim features. We actually set up campaigns, segment contacts, and test real use cases.
From drag-and-drop builders to automation logic — if it helps a business grow, we test it hard.
We read the docs, poke at limits, and message support to see how the tool really behaves.
No paid placements, no bias. We rank tools based on what’s best — not what pays.
When pricing, UI, or features change, we go back, test again, and update the review.
We review tools the same way you’d use them — by signing up, building real workflows, and seeing what actually works in practice.
Our methodology doesn’t rely on sales pages or summaries. If we write about it, we’ve tested it, because ultimately… We’re also consumers ourselves and we do need these tools for our own ventures.
- No partnerships influence our rankings.
- And when tools change, we go back and update…
- Therefore, all of what you’re reading stays relevant.
Our goal is to give you the kind of review we’d want to read before choosing software for our own business — and that’s how we came up with this process.
What We Promise
We aim to give you reviews that are actually useful, not just lists of features.
That means highlighting what works, pointing out what doesn’t, and showing how each tool fits different types of businesses.
We don’t sugarcoat weak spots. If a tool is confusing, overpriced, or missing key features, we’ll say it — clearly.
Our goal is to give you the full picture so you can make a confident, informed decision without second-guessing.
Features That Our Team Tests
The short answer is that it depends on the kind of tool we’re testing: a CRM, a form builder, or a full-on marketing automation tool. Though, one thing’s for sure, which is that every tool shares a few common traits that need to be put on the stand.
Let me show you what they are.
1. Automation Builder
This is the heart of any email marketing platform.
We build real workflows — like welcome sequences, trial expirations, and churn prevention — to see how flexible the builder is.
- Can you use conditions, delays, and branching logic easily?
- Or… Does it slow you down?
2. Segmentation & Personalization
Sending the same message to everyone doesn’t work anymore.
We test how well each platform lets you target based on behavior, attributes, tags, and more.
We also check if it’s easy to use dynamic content and personalize emails without needing complex workarounds.
3. Email Editor & Creation Flow
Whether it’s a drag-and-drop email editor or HTML mode, we test how intuitive the design process is. We build full emails, preview them on mobile, and check if things break.
We look at template quality, save/load performance, and how fast you can go from idea to send.
4. Deliverability & Sending Infrastructure
We review whether the platform helps you set up proper DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), how clear their onboarding is for warming up domains, and whether they offer tools like inbox previews or bounce management.
If sending emails is your goal, this part can’t be ignored.
5. Pricing Transparency
We don’t just look at advertised prices. We test how plans scale with list size, how billing works with inactive contacts, and whether key features are paywalled. Many platforms look affordable at first — until you grow.
We flag these traps clearly.
→ Why ActiveCampaign raises prices so often
6. Native Integrations
Modern teams rely on tools working together.
We test how well the platform connects with CRMs (like HubSpot), payment platforms (like Stripe), and scheduling tools. We check what data syncs automatically, and how easy it is to trigger emails from real-time events.
7. Reporting & Revenue Tracking
We run test campaigns and look beyond opens and clicks.
- Can you track revenue from emails?
- Can you build custom reports?
We score platforms based on how useful the data is — not just how pretty the charts look.
8. Support & Help Resources
We contact support ourselves to test response speed, accuracy, and tone.
We also review their documentation, tutorials, and onboarding flows to see if you can troubleshoot without needing a developer every time something goes wrong.
How We Rate Every Software
Every tool we review gets a score from 1 to 5.
This isn’t a vanity rating. Instead, it reflects how the software performs based on real testing across the features that matter — all while accounting what their team promises.
What each score means:
| Score | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | Best in class, sets the standard. Excellent in all key areas. |
| 4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | Great tool with strong features and only minor drawbacks. |
| 3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | Good enough, but likely to fall short in key areas for serious use. |
| 2 ⭐️ ⭐️ | We don’t recommend it. Lacks essential features or usability. |
| 1 ⭐️ | Avoid. Doesn’t deliver on its core promise. |
We weigh usefulness differently depending on your goals.
A platform that’s great for small creators might fall short for a growing SaaS team — and we make that clear in the review.
Lastly, we don’t score tools in isolation.
Every rating takes competitors into account. If one tool does the same thing faster, cheaper, or more reliably, that affects the final score.
A Few Words About Ethics
We think you deserve to know exactly how we operate — especially when it comes to trust.
We do not use affiliate links.
No commissions, no referral payouts, and no financial incentives tied to which tools rank higher. This keeps our reviews simple, independent, and focused only on what’s best for the reader.
We also don’t run sponsored links in our rankings. No company can pay to be featured or bumped up. And we’ve turned down deals that could compromise that.
Every reviewer on our team is paid fairly for their work — not for results. We don’t offer bonuses based on rankings, and we don’t allow outside companies to shape our scoring or conclusions in any way.
What you read is the result of real testing, not marketing partnerships. That’s how we think software reviews should be — and that’s how we’ll keep it.
The Team Behind Encharge
David leads all content and review research at Encharge.
He’s spent the past several years deep in the world of email marketing:— testing tools, building automations, and helping SaaS companies grow.
At Encharge, David works closely with the product and content teams to test real-world use cases inside every platform we review. That includes onboarding flows, complex triggers, email logic, pricing analysis, and competitive testing.
His focus is always the same: helping people choose tools that save time and actually work.
David and the whole team are not writing from theory — we all use these tools daily and bring that hands-on experience into every review.
Read David’s personal favorite articles at Encharge:
- What is B2B SaaS?
- 10 Best Email Marketing Tools for SaaS
- 7 Best Email Marketing Software for Agencies
- Best Email Marketing for Shopify Stores: Top 7 Apps
A Note on Data and Accuracy
We do our own research and test every tool directly so we can give you clear, honest insight. Any comparisons, breakdowns, or visuals you see in our articles are based on hands-on use, verified by our team.
We take accuracy seriously — but in rare cases, platforms may change features, pricing, or terms without notice. While we do our best to stay up to date, we can’t guarantee every detail remains current at all times.
Everything we share is intended for general information purposes. If you have questions about a specific tool or want to clarify something in our research, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help.
