The honest version.
Let me explain how this works, because you deserve to know.
Some of the links on ToolSherpa are affiliate links. That means if you click one and end up buying or subscribing to something, I earn a small commission. It costs you nothing extra — the price is the same whether you go through my link or go directly.
Now, here's the part that actually matters:
This never influences my reviews or ratings. Ever.
The Sherpa Score is based on real testing across five transparent categories. I've given low scores to tools with generous affiliate programs because the tools weren't good enough. I've given high scores to tools that don't have affiliate programs at all because they deserved it. The math doesn't change based on who's paying.
I only review tools I've actually used. If I haven't spent real time with it — testing features, breaking things, using it in real workflows — I don't write about it. Period.
Affiliate links are always clearly marked. Every affiliate button or link has a small note next to it. No hiding. No tricks.
Why use affiliate links at all? Because testing 40+ tools a month costs money — subscriptions, time, coffee, electricity for the cave. Affiliate commissions help keep this site running without having to accept sponsored deals that would compromise the reviews.
That's the deal. Full transparency. If you have any questions about this, reach out at hello@toolsherpa.io.