Creative Bloq’s software reviews are designed to consider all the relevant elements that make up a great creative software package. From the latest video editing software to the ideal photo editing options, we’ll go into the details to provide an in-depth look at all the best competitive software options out there, taking into account elements such as new features, the interface, price, and more. .
For each software review, our expert writers work with the product for a longer period of time, trying out a project within the software to get a full picture of its strengths and weaknesses. During this process we try to answer some important questions: Who is this software aimed at? What are the best features of this product? How good is it at what it wants to do? And how does it compare to competing products?
The way we structure our review is also important. Since we break down each software review by common areas such as price, audio features, speed, etc., it makes it easier for our readers to compare different software in a clear and simple way. Each review leads with “the verdict” and some pros and cons so our readers can see an “at a glance” of the pros and cons of each option, then choose to delve deeper into the more thorough review .
For our more general guidelines for ratings on Creative Bloq, see our how we test and review page. Keep reading this page to learn more about our software review process.
Subscriptions and Prices
An important part of any Creative Bloq software review is to look at the pricing plans a product offers and how it compares to its competitors. With so many quality software solutions available – including free options – it is essential for us to have a sound concept of value for money, in the context of the wider market.
For each software review, our expert writers work with the product for an extended period of time, giving them a full picture of its strengths and weaknesses.
In this way, price and functionality are carefully assessed and it is clear to us whether compromises have to be made to achieve a lower price, or whether a higher price is justified due to added features. After all, a professional video editor won’t find much value in cheaper software with some nice features; likewise, it would be inappropriate for an amateur to spend a lot of money on video editing software using only some of the features on offer.
Functions
The characteristics of a piece of software are the bread and butter of any review – after all, these sometimes unique characteristics are the reason a user will find a piece of software useful. Within the area of features we will look at different sections, for example in a piece of video editing software we will look at elements such as effects, templates and SEO integration.
Most brands sell their products by the length of the feature list, but this is not how we judge the quality of a piece of software. We look at which features are included, which are excluded, what is charged and for which type of user the software is best suited.
Most important of all, our writers will use each piece of software to work on a personal project, to really see which features are useful for real-time, practical use.
Interface and Support
Aside from the functionality of a piece of software, we are also interested in how the software is presented, whether the interface is intuitive or clunky, and what kind of real-time support it provides. There is, of course, a subjective side to this. If a user has only used Photoshop their entire working life and wants to expand their toolset with one of the best Photoshop alternatives, it may take a while for them to understand, understand and feel comfortable with the new interface.
Most brands sell their products by the length of the feature list, but this is not how we judge the quality of a piece of software.
We cannot judge software by how users will interact with the interface, but since our writers have extensive experience with all types of software interfaces, we will be able to provide meaningful comparisons and context that will help potential users make an informed purchase decision. Ultimately, this is fundamental to what Creative Bloq tries to provide in every software review we publish.
Who tests our software
Creative Bloq works with some exceptional writers who have extensive knowledge of creative software, both past and present. Each reviewer is also an experienced technician on the software they are testing, meaning they can use the software in a meaningful way to assess its merits for all other users.
Creative Bloq’s reviewers are based around the world, including the US and UK, and every review Creative Bloq publishes is accompanied by a detailed biography of each writer, so you can rest assured that the review is from an expert in the field.
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