Is Compass free to read?
Yes. There’s no paywall, no membership and no newsletter to sign up for. Anyone can read every guide without paying or creating an account.
So where does the money come from?
From affiliate commissions. Some of the product links on Compass go to Amazon. If you click one and buy something that qualifies, Amazon pays Compass a commission. The price you pay doesn’t change.
That is the whole business model. We don’t sell products, run a store or take payment from readers.
Why did you choose this model?
Because it lets us keep the guides open to everyone. Our readers are usually in the middle of a purchase, and a link to the product is a useful part of the guide itself. Commissions let us cover the cost of running the site without charging for access or filling pages with display ads. At the moment the site shows no display ads.
Doesn’t that create a conflict of interest?
It could, which is why we set limits. Commissions don’t decide what gets recommended. Topics are chosen for reader usefulness and search demand, and research relies on manufacturer specifications, public product information and buyer feedback. The Compass Editorial Team reviews each draft before it is published. Our Editorial Policy lays out these steps.
Products without an affiliate link are eligible to be covered just like those with one, and we describe both with the same standards.
Can a company pay for a good write-up?
No. Compass doesn’t accept payment in exchange for positive coverage. We have no sponsorships or partnerships to report, and we won’t blur that line.
Where can I read the formal disclosure?
On the Affiliate Disclosure page, which includes the required Amazon Associates statement. If you have questions about any of this, write to contact@compass-om.com.