The Meta Directory (TMD) publishes guides, comparisons, and reviews across crypto, Web3, blockchain, and AI. Because these topics can impact real decisions and carry risk, we follow a consistent methodology designed to keep reviews clear, independent, and genuinely useful.
This page explains how we evaluate products and platforms, what we look for, and how we handle affiliate relationships and updates.
Our review principles
Every review and comparison is guided by these core principles:
- Clarity over hype: we explain what a product does, who it’s for, and what to watch out for
- Transparency: we highlight limitations, fees, and restrictions where information is available
- Independence: partnerships do not dictate our conclusions or rankings
- Security awareness: we prioritize safety signals and risk education
Usefulness: we focus on real-world usability, not buzzwords
What we review
We may review or compare third-party products and services including:
- crypto wallets (hot wallets, hardware wallets, custody options)
- exchanges and trading platforms
- Web3 tools (dApps, DeFi tools, NFT platforms, infrastructure providers)
- AI tools used in digital workflows (including automation and analytics tools)
- blockchain gaming and crypto casino platforms where relevant to our audience
Not all platforms will be covered, and inclusion is never guaranteed.
Our evaluation criteria (what we look at)
When reviewing a platform or tool, we consider criteria such as:
Security and trust signals
- security features (e.g., 2FA support, security history, transparency signals)
- custody model (self-custody vs custodial platforms)
- risk disclosures and user protections (where applicable)
- company or project transparency (public documentation, policies, disclosures)
Product quality and usability
- onboarding experience for beginners
- interface quality and ease of use
- feature depth and settings for advanced users
- mobile and desktop experience (where relevant)
Costs, terms, and limitations
- fees, spreads, pricing models, and hidden costs (where disclosed)
- withdrawal limits, processing times, and restrictions
- geographic availability and eligibility requirements (where applicable)
Reputation and support
- user experience patterns and common issues
- quality of customer support options
- track record and consistency over time
Value for different user types
- best fit for beginners vs experienced users
- best fit for traders vs builders vs casual users
pros and cons based on real use cases
How we research (and why it matters)
To create accurate and useful reviews, we may use a combination of:
- official documentation and product pages
- publicly available terms, policies, and fee schedules
- feature checks and interface walkthroughs
- comparisons against similar platforms
- community feedback patterns (not single comments, but repeated themes)
Because crypto and Web3 evolve quickly, our methodology is designed to be update-friendly rather than “set and forget.”
How we handle affiliate links and paid placements
Some pages on The Meta Directory may contain affiliate links or paid placements. If you click an affiliate link and sign up or purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate relationships do not determine:
- what we review
- how we rank platforms
- what we say about strengths, weaknesses, or risks
Where a placement is sponsored or paid, we aim to disclose this clearly.
For more details, see our Affiliate Disclosure page.
Editorial independence
The Meta Directory operates independently from advertisers and commercial partners. Affiliate relationships do not influence what we review, how platforms are ranked, or the conclusions we reach.All editorial decisions are made in line with our Editorial Policy, which outlines our standards for accuracy, transparency, and content integrity.
Rankings, “best of” lists, and comparisons
When we publish “best of” lists or comparisons, we typically rank options based on:
- fit for a specific user type (beginners, traders, builders, etc.)
- security and trust signals
- value vs cost
- usability and features
- availability and common limitations
Because needs vary, a “best” product for one user may not be the best for another. We aim to state who each option is best for.
Updates and corrections
We aim to update key reviews and comparison pages when:
- product features change
- fees, terms, or availability changes
- new information materially impacts accuracy
- a platform’s risk profile changes
If you spot something outdated or incorrect, you can contact us and we’ll review it.
Important note: not financial advice
The Meta Directory provides educational and informational content only. Nothing on this site should be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Crypto carries risk and you should do your own research before making decisions.
Contact
Want to suggest a platform for review, report a correction, or request a comparison? Contact us through our Contact page.
No. Affiliate partnerships do not determine what we publish, how we rank platforms, or what we say. Our goal is to provide clear pros, cons, and risks so readers can make informed decisions.
We prioritize platforms and tools that are relevant to our audience and have clear real-world use cases across crypto, Web3, blockchain, and AI. Submissions do not guarantee coverage.
We update key pages when features, fees, availability, or other material details change. We also refresh core “best of” lists periodically to keep them current.