How We Rank Software Alternatives

How is the starting order set?

When a list is created, Softstribe puts the alternatives in a starting order. Each position starts 5 points apart, so an app needs several reader votes to move up one place.

How do reader votes change the ranking?

Every upvote adds one point to an app. Each reader can vote once per app per day, and the list re-sorts by total points within about a minute.

Votes only move apps up. Nobody can vote an app down.

How are new apps added?

Readers can suggest a missing app with the form on each page. We review every suggestion, and approved apps start at the bottom of the list and rise with votes.

How do we keep lists accurate?

When we review a page, we check every listed app on its official website: whether it is still available, its pricing and its platforms. Discontinued apps are removed and descriptions are updated.

Reviewed pages show a "Reviewed" date with the month of the last review. Pages without that date have not had a full review yet.

Some pages also have a "Top picks compared" section. Everything in it was checked on the apps' official sites on the date stated there.

What about sponsored listings?

Companies can pay for a sponsored listing. It is shown at the top with a "Sponsored" tag, it has no rank number, and its link is marked as sponsored. Paying never changes the ranked list.

What do the pricing labels mean?

Free: no paid tier. Freemium: a free plan with paid upgrades. Paid: you pay to use it. Subscription: you pay monthly or yearly. Open Source: the source code is public, usually free to use.