This page explains how StackSMB selects, evaluates, compares, and updates the software it covers. We publish this methodology so readers can assess the basis for our recommendations and understand what our editorial process does and does not include.
Scope of coverage
StackSMB covers payroll software, accounting software, HR software, time tracking tools, and adjacent back-office software relevant to small and midsize businesses. We focus on products used by teams of roughly 1 to 50 employees. Enterprise-only products outside this range are generally outside our scope.
Who the content is for
Our content is written for business owners, operations managers, and office leads who are evaluating software for their teams. We write for people making purchasing decisions, not for developers, enterprise procurement teams, or technical administrators.
Evaluation criteria
We evaluate software against criteria that matter to SMB operators making real purchasing decisions. The primary criteria we apply are:
- SMB fit — whether the product is designed and priced for small business use cases
- Pricing transparency — whether pricing is publicly available and predictable
- Feature breadth — whether the product covers the core use cases for its category
- Integration options — whether the product connects with tools SMBs commonly use
- Onboarding complexity — how much setup and training is required to get started
- Support quality — what support channels exist and how accessible they are
- Contract friction — whether the product requires long-term contracts or has penalty-free cancellation
- Ecosystem fit — whether the product works well alongside other tools the business already uses
How products are researched
Our evaluations are based on publicly available information including vendor documentation, pricing pages, feature lists, published user reviews from credible third-party platforms, and expert assessment of product positioning and SMB suitability. We do not claim to have conducted hands-on testing of every product we cover unless explicitly stated on a specific page.
Where we have directly tested or used a product, we say so. Where our assessment is based on research and published sources, we say that too. We do not fabricate experience we do not have.
How best lists and comparisons are built
Best-of lists and comparison pages are built around use-case fit, not universal rankings. We do not declare one product the best for every situation. We organize recommendations by the scenario they best serve — for example, best for very small teams, best for QuickBooks users, best for businesses that need HR alongside payroll.
Inclusion in a list reflects our editorial judgment that the product is genuinely relevant to the decision stage the page addresses. Rankings are editorial judgments, not guarantees of quality or suitability for any specific business.
How affiliate relationships are handled
Some products we cover have affiliate programs. Where we participate in those programs, we may earn a commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. Participation in an affiliate program does not guarantee inclusion in a list, a positive review, or a specific ranking position. Our affiliate disclosure explains the commercial relationships on this site in full.
Update policy
Software pricing, features, and availability change frequently. We review commercial pages on a regular cycle to update pricing, feature information, and product positioning. Pages display a last-updated date so readers can assess how current the information is. If you find information that appears out of date, use the contact page to let us know.
Corrections policy
We take factual accuracy seriously. If a price has changed, a feature no longer exists, or a comparison contains an error, we want to know. Corrections can be submitted through the contact page. We will review and update confirmed errors promptly.
Vendor correction requests
Vendors may contact us to correct factual errors in how their product is described. We will review and update confirmed factual errors. Vendors cannot request changes to editorial assessments, ranking positions, or recommendation framing through the corrections process.