How We Test

Our review methodology is built on hands-on testing, real data, and complete editorial independence.

Our approach

PinkScanner covers 9 scanners across 3 categories: Travel (Hotels, Flights, Cars), Tech (VPN, Security, Hosting), and Business (SaaS, Builders, Courses). Every product we review goes through the same structured evaluation process.

We use real accounts, run real tests, and base our ratings on measurable criteria. No product receives special treatment, and no provider can pay for a higher score.

Rating categories

Each scanner uses 5 rating bars: one overall score and 4 category-specific criteria. The criteria vary depending on the type of product being reviewed.

Travel

Hotels, Flights, Cars

  • Selection - range and variety of available options
  • Pricing - competitiveness and transparency of prices
  • Usability - booking experience and interface quality
  • Support - customer service responsiveness and helpfulness

Tech

VPN, Security, Hosting

  • Features - functionality and capability set
  • Performance - speed, reliability, and uptime
  • Privacy and Security - data protection and security practices
  • Value - what you get relative to the price

Business

SaaS, Builders, Courses

  • Features - tools, integrations, and capabilities
  • Ease of Use - learning curve and user experience
  • Pricing - plan structure, transparency, and value
  • Support - documentation, customer service, and community

Testing process

Hands-on testing

We create real accounts and use each product the way a regular customer would. For travel platforms, we search for and compare actual bookings. For VPNs, we test connection speeds and server coverage. For SaaS tools, we build real projects and workflows.

Real accounts

We sign up for paid plans when necessary. Free trials and free tiers are tested, but we also evaluate premium features to give you the full picture. We never review a product based solely on marketing materials or feature lists.

Regular re-testing

Products change over time. We re-test and update our reviews on a quarterly basis, or sooner when a provider releases major updates, changes pricing, or makes significant policy changes. Every review includes the date it was last updated.

How rankings work

Products in each scanner are sorted by their overall rating score. The overall score is calculated from the 4 category-specific ratings. Products with higher overall scores appear first in our comparisons.

We do not accept payment for higher placement. There are no "sponsored" positions or "featured" listings that bypass our rating system. Every product earns its position through our testing process.

Independence and integrity

No paid placements. Companies cannot pay to appear in our scanners or to receive a higher rating. Inclusion is based on market relevance and user demand.

Affiliate commissions do not affect scores. Some products we review are part of affiliate programs. The commission rate has zero influence on the rating a product receives.

We include non-affiliate products. If a product deserves to be in our comparison, it gets included regardless of whether we earn anything from it.

Transparent updates. When we update a review or change a rating, we note the change and the reason for it.

Kept up to date

All reviews are updated quarterly or whenever a provider makes significant changes to their product, pricing, or policies. You can always check the "Last updated" date on each review to see when it was last verified.