Free tools ask for your files, links or data before they ask for money. Five checks that take minutes and tell you what you are really paying.
Who runs it. A serious tool names the company or person behind it and gives a way to reach them. An anonymous site with no about page or contact is a reason to be careful, especially when you are asked to upload a file.
Where your data goes. Some tools process files in your browser; others upload them to a server. The privacy policy should say what is stored and for how long. If there is no policy, assume everything you upload is kept.
What the free tier costs you. Free plans are paid for with limits, ads, your data or an upgrade later. None of these is wrong, but you should know which one applies before you depend on the tool.
How it behaves. Excessive redirects, forced notifications or download prompts that have nothing to do with the tool's job are warning signs. A tool that does one thing should ask for very little.
Your exit. Check that you can export or delete what you create. A free tool you cannot leave is not free; it is a lock-in.
Every tool we list gets these checks before it goes on the site, and we recheck them over time. See the full list on the home page.