How Sterling Pick makes money

Sterling Pick is paid by the makers of the apps it lists. We say so plainly, on every listing, because a recommendation is only worth something if you know how it came about.

What makers pay for

• A review fee pays for a careful, hands-on review of the app. It doesn’t buy a listing: apps that don’t meet our nine criteria aren’t listed, and the maker gets our reasons in writing.
• An annual listing fee is charged only after an app passes. It keeps the app listed for a year. Each listing is re-checked before it renews.

What payment never buys

• Ranking. Lists are ordered by category, editorial choice or date, never by payment. There are no featured or promoted placements for sale.
• Our words. We write the reviews. Makers can ask us to correct facts, but they can’t edit or approve what we write.
• A badge that outlives the review. The badge on a maker’s website is served by us. When a listing lapses or is removed, the badge stops vouching for the app.

How listings are labelled

Every listing, and every list of listings, carries the label “Paid listing, reviewed by Sterling Pick”. Links to listed apps are marked as sponsored, so search engines know they’re paid placements too.

Conflicts of interest

Sterling Pick’s founder also makes an app, Mewie. It will never be listed on Sterling Pick.

Questions

Write to hello@sterlingpick.com.