Last updated October 19, 2026
The short version
We score each tool out of 10 using six weighted criteria. Fit for executive coaching carries the most weight, followed by data handling and confidentiality. We test every product ourselves, check prices against the vendor’s own pages and record the date of each check.
Scoring criteria
| Criterion | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Fit for executive coaching | 25% | Supports the way executive coaches work: multi-session engagements, sponsor and stakeholder reporting, contracts and confidential notes. |
| Data handling and confidentiality | 20% | Where client data is stored, encryption, access controls, retention, whether recordings or notes are used to train AI models, and GDPR readiness. |
| Pricing transparency and value | 15% | Published prices, what each plan includes, per-client or per-seat costs as a practice grows, and contract terms. |
| Ease of use | 15% | Setup time and day-to-day use for the coach, and how simple it is for clients. |
| Integrations | 15% | Calendars, video, payments, email and the other tools a coaching practice already relies on. |
| Support and reliability | 10% | Response times, help resources, product stability and the vendor’s track record. |
How we test
- Set up a real practice. We create an account, add sample clients and run a typical engagement: contract, scheduling, sessions, notes, invoicing and follow-up.
- Check the client side. We go through the product as a client would, on desktop and mobile.
- Verify pricing and policies. We read the vendor’s pricing page, terms, privacy policy and security documentation, and note the date we checked.
- Score and compare. We score each criterion, apply the weights and compare the result with the other tools in the same category.
- Fact-check with the vendor. Before publishing, we invite the vendor to correct factual errors. Vendors do not see or influence scores.
Keeping reviews current
Software changes quickly. Each review shows when it was last updated and when prices were last checked. We recheck pricing at least every quarter and retest when a product changes significantly.
Editorial independence
- No vendor can pay for a place in our rankings or influence a score.
- We do not currently use affiliate links. If that changes, they will be clearly labeled on every page where they appear.
- Sponsored content, if we ever publish any, will be labeled as sponsored and kept separate from reviews.
Corrections
If you spot an error, including in a review of your own product, contact us. We correct factual errors promptly and note significant changes on the page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you test every tool yourselves?
Yes. We only score tools we have used. Where a feature needs an enterprise plan we cannot access, we say so.
Why is data handling weighted so heavily?
Executive coaching conversations are often commercially sensitive. Coaches need to know where notes and recordings are stored and who can access them before they adopt a tool.
Can vendors request a review?
Yes. Vendors can suggest their product through our contact page. Suggesting a tool does not guarantee a review or affect its score.