How we test software?
If you're looking for the best cybersecurity measures for your digital life, PCRisk is here to help, by offering unbiased, expert opinions on software such as antivirus programs, VPN services, and ad blockers.
Regarding the security threats we face, we've been on top of them for over a decade, day in, day out. At the heart of our approach is the rigorous, repeatable testing process that includes both hands-on lab tests and in-depth professional analysis. Ensuring our reviews are entirely objective, comprehensive, and can be relied on. We'll outline our promises, scoring methodology, testing process, and the hardware that gives us the power to do what we do, and what we'll cover in our reviews.
Why You Should Trust PCRisk Reviews
Three fundamental components contribute to building trust in a review source: transparency, expertise, and integrity. These attributes are what set PCRisk apart from other software reviewers:
Editorial Independence: We are entirely independent and unbiased in our reviews. We don't bend to external pressure from advertisers, sponsors, or vendors, as it's utterly irrelevant to our recommendations, and those recommendations are based solely on the product's merits. Although we may earn affiliate commissions to cover the expenses, we'll make this known and make sure there's no mixing of business and editorial roles. Hence, our advice is for the benefit of our readers.
Expertise in Cybersecurity: PCRisk brings a team of experienced security researchers and IT professionals who've spent years studying, testing, and analyzing malware, software, and cybersecurity when testing and evaluating cybersecurity products. Our team faces adware, ransomware, and other types of malware daily, giving it a real-world understanding of what works. We tap into this knowledge to put the latest software products to the test.
Transparency and Accuracy: We base our claims on concrete evidence and test data. You'll be able to see our criteria and methodology used when reviewing to arrive at our verdict. We give a rundown of the pros and cons and use the findings of independent labs, such as AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and other peer-reviewed studies, to compare against our results. We're completely open about our affiliations and partnerships because transparency is key to credibility.
Long-Standing Reputation: In terms of cybersecurity, PCRisk has been making its mark since its beginning in 2010. Thousands of users worldwide have been counting on our detailed removal guides and security-related articles to stay safe online. We also use the same commitment to meticulousness and reliability in our software reviews, and bring this reputation through consistent and reliable recommendations to our readers. So we never gloss over flawed software and instead lay out all the problems openly since we're entirely devoted to the well-being of our readers.
When looking at our reviews, you'll notice that PCRisk has a system built on transparency and thoroughness. As a result, you can have faith in the accuracy of our reviews because they're completely objective. Coming into a crowded market, we zero in on what matters most to you: the security of your software.
What We Promise
We're dedicated to giving you the facts. Our results are free from bias and based on user input when evaluating software at PCRisk. We're also all about clarity, and make sure that our promises to you are clear-cut and understandable:
Honest Evaluations: Our reviews are based on hands-on experience, pointing out the good things and identifying areas for improvement.
High Integrity: When we review products, we prioritize objectivity and fairness. Our scoring systems are transparent, and we take care not to let our personal opinions or outside influences affect our final ratings.
Actionable Advice: Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of how it performs in real life and whether it can help meet your needs.
Up-to-Date Information: When we review software, we keep our finger on the pulse of the latest updates and trends in the cybersecurity scene. This is basically what keeps our reviews so accurate and dependable.
How Do We Score the Products?
We use a weighted system that's tailored to the type of software we're reviewing, when rating software:
Antivirus Software:
Malware Detection & Removal
System Performance Impact
Security Features
Usability & User Interface
Pricing & Value
VPN Services:
Security & Privacy
Speed and Performance
Features and Versatility
Usability
Pricing & Value
Ad Blockers:
Ad Blocking Effectiveness
Performance and Speed Impact
Security & Privacy Features
Ease of Use & Compatibility
Value (Free vs. Paid)
We clearly explain how each category is tested and weighted in our final scores.
Our Testing Process:
When reviewing a product, we physically test it, getting up close and personal. We set up a controlled test environment, then install and run the software through a series of real-life simulations and tests:
1. Installation and Setup Analysis
2. Functional Testing of Core Features
3. Performance and Stress Testing
4. Research and Cross-Verification
5. Scoring and Review Compilation
We follow strict protocols to ensure consistency, reliability, and fairness in our testing methods.
What Hardware Do We Use?
We have Windows and macOS systems, Android and iOS devices, all of which we use to mimic real-world usage and guarantee that our results are accurate. Since a lot of the software we're evaluating is for security purposes, we use virtualisation software like VMware and Parallels. When we need real hardware for our tests, we use Reboot Restore RX.
Conclusion
We're committed to giving you the lowdown on what you need to know in a completely impartial way to help you make sense of the cybersecurity landscape when reviewing software at PCRisk. Our testing methods ensure that you can make the right decisions when choosing the best security software. Thank you for trusting PCRisk to guide you in finding the best security software to protect your digital life.