Methodology for best software picks

At Ramp, we strive to maintain transparency and uphold integrity in all of our published content. It’s important to note that we believe our products are of exceptional value, which may bias our perspective. As a result, Ramp’s software invariably holds the top position in our lists.

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Our bias toward our product stems from our confidence in the features and benefits of our platform, which are designed to help businesses grow. Although we strive to provide accurate and impartial information about the features of various platforms and software, we encourage our readers to keep this bias in mind when considering our recommendations.

How we choose the best business software

Our content team follows a methodical approach that involves analyzing competitors, comparing software in a category, and conducting frequent reviews to ensure that our recommendations are reliable and up-to-date.

1. We decide which software qualities are important based on the article topic.

Each of our software articles lists cards in a different category (e.g. Best Expense Management Software or Best Business Travel Management Tools). We determine the relevant software features to consider when choosing software for each article.

2. We identify the most beneficial software in a category through a meta-analysis of software reviews.

We perform a meta-analysis of software reviews from G2 and affiliate websites to evaluate and choose software to feature. Our objective is to identify the most beneficial and highly rated software on the market within a given category.

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This comprehensive review process involves aggregating and examining data on software features and user satisfaction ratings. The set of criteria we consider includes the software’s features, pricing, promotions, availability, and other eligible criteria.

3. We research each software to create card features and pros and cons lists.

Once we’ve chosen a set of software to feature, we create card features and pros and cons lists. To decide which information to include, we carefully read reviews of each software. Then, we fact-check the information against each software’s company's website to confirm its accuracy. 

4. We fact-check details on a regular basis.

We fact-check details regularly to keep our content up-to-date. If software fees or features change, we update our content with current information. 

5. We consistently update our choices to uphold the credibility of our advice.

In addition to updating information, we regularly review our recommendations to make sure the software we chose is still the best value on the market. In some cases, we may choose to remove a software application if it is no longer a good value compared to other software in its category. If a software application has been taken off the market, we may find a new one to feature in its place.

Criteria for software selection:

Software features

We select software that we believe will be valuable for businesses based on its features, benefits, or both. If the software includes tools like expense management or accounts payable solutions, we highlight this information. In some cases, software may have limited financial management tools but still be valuable due to other strong features. When this occurs, we make sure to note the tradeoff.

Pricing

We evaluate software based on its pricing tiers and the value provided at each level. Software that offers robust features at a competitive price is highlighted as a strong option. In some cases, higher-priced software may be recommended if it includes premium tools or capabilities that justify the cost.

Promotions

We consider any available promotions, such as free trials, discounts, or special offers, that can provide additional value to businesses. These promotions are highlighted to help businesses take advantage of cost-saving opportunities when choosing software.

Platform availability

We assess the availability of software across different platforms, including web, iOS, and Android. Software that is accessible on multiple platforms is prioritized, as it offers greater flexibility for businesses to manage their operations from various devices. This ensures that users can access the software’s features and tools regardless of their preferred platform or device, enhancing usability and convenience.

Qualification criteria

We review the qualification criteria for software to ensure it meets the specific needs of businesses. This includes evaluating any requirements such as business size, industry, or specific operational needs. Software that accommodates a wide range of businesses is prioritized, but we also highlight solutions that cater to niche markets or specialized needs. Understanding the qualification criteria helps businesses determine if the software is a good fit before investing time and resources.