A rating is only useful if you know how it was reached. This page explains what we check, how we check it and what can change our view of a service or app.
How services are selected
We look at providers and apps that readers ask about or are actively comparing. Before any testing, a service must pass a basic legitimacy check: an identifiable business, published terms and privacy policy, and a credible basis for offering the channels it lists. Services that fail this check are not reviewed or recommended.
What we test
| Area | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Stability | Playback on several channels during normal and peak viewing hours; how often streams stall, freeze or drop. |
| Picture and audio | Whether advertised quality is actually delivered; audio sync; frame rate on live sport. |
| Devices and apps | Setup on Smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, Android TV and mobile; whether a separate player or licence is needed. |
| Programme guide | EPG coverage and accuracy, catch-up and recording features where offered. |
| Terms and billing | Trial and refund conditions, renewal terms, payment methods and how easy it is to cancel. |
| Support | How quickly and how usefully support answers a real setup question. |
| Privacy and security | Account protection, how login details are handled and what the privacy policy says. |
Devices and conditions
Testing is carried out on the devices readers use most: Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV and Google TV devices, and iOS and Android phones. For each review we record the device models, app versions, connection type and test dates, and we list them in the article so you can judge whether our results apply to your setup.
How we score
Each area above is assessed against the same criteria for every service. Stability and terms carry the most weight, because a service that stalls during live events or makes cancellation difficult is a poor choice regardless of its channel count. Where we give an overall verdict, we explain the reasons in plain language rather than relying on a number alone.
Observed results versus provider claims
We separate what we saw from what a provider says. Channel counts, server locations and uptime figures published by providers are reported as claims unless we have verified them. Where our results depend on location, internet connection or device, we say so.
Updates and re-testing
Reviews are revisited when a service changes its prices, apps or terms, when readers report a problem, and as part of regular content reviews. The date at the top of each article shows when it was last updated. If a service no longer meets our standards, we update or remove the recommendation.
Commercial independence
Affiliate commission never affects testing or ratings. Providers do not see reviews before publication and cannot pay to change them. Read more in our editorial policy and affiliate disclaimer.