Our story starts with a tired inbox
Friendly SW began in 2019 when our founder, Maya, spent three weeks testing productivity apps and came away more frustrated than focused. She wanted reviews that read like advice from a thoughtful friend, not spec sheets dressed up as journalism.
So she recruited a handful of writers and developers who shared her belief: software should make life easier, not louder. Today that team has grown, but the mission hasn't changed.
Meet the editorial team →Our Values
Human first
We test software the way real people use it: during busy weeks, on imperfect wifi, with deadlines breathing down our necks.
Honest verdicts
No paid placements, no affiliate-driven rankings. If a tool disappoints us, we say so plainly and explain exactly why.
Plain language
Jargon hides lazy thinking. We translate tech-speak into words your non-technical friend would actually understand.
The best software feels like a quiet helper in the room, not a salesperson shouting from your screen.
How we actually test
Every review reflects at least two weeks of daily use across work, creative, and personal tasks. We track bugs, billing surprises, and the small moments where a tool either shines or gets in the way.
Our scoring is transparent: each category (design, privacy, support, value) carries equal weight, and we publish our rubric so you can judge our judgment.
See our review process →By The Numbers
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