How we rank

Same task, never paid. Our method: every tool in a category gets the same real-world task, and rankings are never sold. Most rankings are still provisional editorial picks while hands-on testing is in progress.
Standard task (coding agents & AI code editors). In a fresh minimal Express app, each tool gets the same prompt: "Add a GET /health endpoint returning {"status":"ok"} and write a passing test for it." We record whether it finished without manual fixes, whether the test passes, number of interventions, and time taken. Only tools we actually ran are marked "Hands-on tested", with the date and a factual note; everything else is labeled provisional. We do not use paid accounts for this unless noted.
Sponsored slots are labeled. Any paid placement carries a clear "Sponsored" label and sits outside the ranking.
Freshness. Each listing shows a "last checked" date. Dead links and pricing are re-checked automatically.
Current status. Rankings are provisional editorial picks. Hands-on testing is in progress — no rank is paid for.
Affiliate links. Some outbound links may earn us a commission. This never affects order.