How we score AI tools
Every tool on AI Atlas shows an editor's score from 1 to 5. Here is exactly what that number is — and what it isn't.
What the score is
The editor's score is our overall judgement of how well a tool serves the people it is built for, compared with the other tools in the same category. It is based on public information: the vendor's own website, documentation and pricing pages.
What we look at
- Capabilities — what the tool can do, and how that compares with alternatives in its category.
- Pricing and free access — whether there is a free plan or trial, and value for money on paid plans.
- Ease of use — how much setup and know-how a typical user needs to get results.
- Maturity — how established the product is and how actively it is developed.
- Privacy and control — data controls, self-hosting or enterprise security options, where relevant.
What the score isn't
- It is not a lab test. We don't run standardized benchmarks.
- It is not an average of user reviews.
- It is not for sale. Affiliate partnerships never change a score — see our Affiliate Disclosure.
Keeping it current
AI tools change fast. We re-check versions and prices periodically, and each tool page shows when they were last checked. Plans and prices can change at any time, so always confirm on the vendor's site before you buy.