Find the Best Concrete Sealer for 2025: Expert Reviews

 4.8/5 (181)

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior concrete sealing and protection. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.

My Suggestions for the Best Concrete Sealers

Click on the link and jump straight to my reviews:

The Best Concrete Sealers for 2025

Choosing the Best Concrete Sealer for Your 2025 Projects

Concrete is one of the most versatile materials, used in a variety of interior and exterior applications such as driveways, vertical brick walls, brick paver patios, and basement floors. However, its porous nature makes it susceptible to damage from water, UV radiation, wear and tear, and more.

To protect and extend the life of your concrete surfaces, sealing or waterproofing is a must. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve conducted hands-on testing of popular concrete sealers and compiled detailed ratings and reviews to guide you in selecting the best products for your home improvement projects.

Whether you’re looking to protect a heavily used driveway or enhance the beauty of a brick patio, the right concrete sealer can make all the difference. Explore my reviews and find the top-performing sealers for 2025 to ensure your concrete surfaces stay protected and looking great for years to come.

Want personalized help? Post your questions below, and I’ll be glad to help you find the best concrete sealer.Best Concrete Sealers

Understanding Concrete Sealer and Water Repellent Types

Sealing your concrete is one of the best investments you can make to protect it from the elements. A quality sealer guards against deicing salts, spills, mold/mildew, and freeze/thaw damage, extending the life and beauty of your concrete surfaces. Whether it’s a driveway, sidewalk, pool deck, or patio, sealing provides essential protection.

With so many types of concrete sealers available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To simplify the process, I’ve broken down the most common types of concrete sealers and their ideal uses. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your specific project.


Penetrating Concrete Sealers

Penetrating sealers are a popular choice for their ability to provide deep, long-lasting protection. These sealers react chemically with the concrete, penetrating up to ½ inch below the surface to shield against moisture and damage. They are especially effective for horizontal surfaces where water repellency is crucial.

Key Benefits:

  • Protects against salts, efflorescence, and freeze/thaw damage.
  • Retains the natural appearance of the concrete with a matte finish.
  • Does not alter the surface color or texture.

Ideal Applications:
Penetrating sealers are perfect for plain poured or white concrete and can be used on:

  • Driveways
  • Patios
  • Walkways
  • Retaining walls
  • Exterior brick walls
  • Basements
  • Garages

Penetrating Concrete Sealer Photos

 

Types of Filming and Enhancing Concrete Sealers

Sealing concrete is not only about protection but also about enhancing its appearance. Filming and enhancing sealers are excellent choices for those looking to add both durability and aesthetic appeal to their surfaces. Below is a breakdown of these popular sealer types and their uses.


Filming Concrete Sealers

Filming concrete sealers form a thin protective film on the surface of the concrete, offering both durability and breathability. The most common type of filming sealers are acrylics, which create a protective layer that shields the surface from wear and tear.

Appearance:
Filming sealers can slightly alter the look of the concrete, often giving it a darker or shinier finish depending on whether the product is water-based or solvent-based.

Ideal Applications:

  • Concrete Brick Pavers
  • Stamped Concrete
  • Exposed Aggregate
  • Stained Concrete Surfaces

Enhancing (Wet Look) Concrete Sealers

As the name implies, enhancing sealers are designed to amplify the visual appeal of concrete surfaces. These sealers form a thicker, more durable film compared to standard filming sealers, offering a wide range of finishes, from glossy to matte.

Key Features:

  • Enhances the surface with a wet look or a subtle sheen.
  • Available in various finishes: glossy, semi-gloss, satin, matte, or no shine.
  • Can include pigments for added color, ideal for restoring or customizing faded surfaces.
  • Highly durable, abrasion-resistant, and water-repellent.

Ideal Applications:

  • Concrete Brick Pavers
  • Stamped Concrete
  • Exposed Aggregate Surfaces

Gloss and “Wet Look” Concrete Sealers

For homeowners seeking a bold, wet look, high-gloss concrete sealers are the go-to option. These sealers contain a high percentage of solid content, darkening the surface to give it a wet, freshly-sealed appearance.

Key Benefits:

  • Restores the original color of faded surfaces.
  • Provides a deep, rich finish that enhances the surface’s natural beauty.
  • Protects against moisture and weather damage.

Ideal Applications:

  • Concrete Brick Pavers
  • Stamped Concrete
  • Exposed Aggregate Surfaces

Gloss and Wet Look Concrete Sealer Photos

Epoxy Concrete Coatings

One of the more popular concrete coating types I like to use is the Epoxy Coating. These coatings have proven to be some of the most durable. Epoxy Coatings can be used for interior and exterior applications, but most are used for interior or covered surfaces. By using Epoxy Concrete Coatings, you can prolong the life of the concrete surface while making it easier to clean.

Where to Use: Garage floors, warehouse floors, industrial floors, shop floors, basements, concrete patios, and concrete countertops.

Best Overall Concrete Sealer

Best Concrete Epoxy Coating

Best Overall

Gloss Concrete Sealer

Best Wet 

Look 

Concrete

Sealer

Best Overall Concrete Sealer: Super Seal-M Water Repellent

SuperSeal M Sealer Review

SuperSeal M Sealer Review

  • My favorite concrete water-repellent. Works great and does not cost a fortune.

SUPER SEAL-M is a water-based Silicone Water Repellent made of a special hybrid of Silane and Siloxane. SUPER SEAL-M provides water repellency to porous construction materials such as bricks, stone, concrete blocks, mortar, and grout. The active ingredients in the SUPER SEAL-M Water Repellent Sealer are a mixture of different-sized particles larger, some smaller, to fill different-sized voids. The active ingredients in SUPER SEAL-M Water Repellent can chemically react with the substrate, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Best Gloss Concrete Sealer Review: Super Seal 30 Concrete & Paver Sealer

Super Seal 30 Concrete Sealer Review

Super Seal 30 Concrete Sealer Review

  • My favorite stamped concrete sealer.

SuperSeal30 is a Higher-Gloss Concrete Sealer that can be used on many types of concrete surfaces. It is very popular for Brick Paver Patios, Exposed Aggregate, and Stamped Concrete. This sealer darkens the appearance and leaves a shine. It is a solvent-based, breathable acrylic sealer.

Note: Not to be used for plain poured (white) concrete.

  • Where To Find: SuperSeal30 Concrete Sealer
  • Sealer Type: High Gloss Solvent-Based Styrene Acrylic
  • Types of Substrates: Pavers, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate, Decorative Concrete, Acid Stained Concrete
  • Consumer Star Ratings: 4.7/5 (50)
  • ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating: 8.6/10
  • See My Review Article Here: Super Seal 30 Sealer Review

Best Concrete Epoxy Coating Review: Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating

Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating Review

Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating Review

  • By far, it is the best Epoxy coating I have ever used!

Restore-A-Garage is an advanced, water-based Concrete Epoxy Floor Coating System for maximum protection and longevity. It is a 100% solid, high-build garage floor epoxy coating that undergoes a chemical reaction that results in a thick coating tightly bonded to the prepared surface. Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating will protect against abrasions, stains, impact, and chipping AND IS resistant to moisture, dirt, chemicals, and salts, making it ideal for those living in climates where rain and snow are common as the seasons change.

  • Where To Find: Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coatings
  • Coating Type: Two-component, Epoxy 100% Solids. 12 different color options.
  • Types of Substrates: Garage Floors, Basements, Shop Floors, Warehouse, Counter Tops
  • Consumer Star Ratings: 4.9/5 (18)
  • ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating: 8.8/10
  • See My Review Article Here: Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Review

Best Wet Look Concrete Sealer Review: Supreme Shield SB-600

Supreme Shield Wet Look Concrete Sealer

Supreme Shield Wet Look Concrete Sealer Review

  • I love this wet-look sealer for brick pavers and exposed aggregate patios

SUPREME SHIELD SB is a solvent-based penetrating sealer designed for stamped concrete, concrete pavers, and other porous concrete surfaces. The application of SUPREME SHIELD SB will enhance the color and give it a wet look without adding the gloss and plastic look associated with other traditional film-forming sealers. Once treated, the surface repels water and oil to prevent staining.

Note: Not to be used for plain poured (white) concrete.

  • Where To Find: Supreme Shield SB-600
  • Sealer Type: No Gloss Wet Look Sealer Solvent Based
  • Types of Substrates: Pavers, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate, Decorative Concrete
  • Consumer Star Ratings: 5/5 (20)
  • ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating: 9/10
  • See My Review Article Here: Supreme Shield SB-600 Review

Best Concrete Paver Sealer Review: Super Seal 25 Concrete Sealer

Super Seal 25 Concrete Sealer Review

Super Seal 25 Concrete Sealer Review

  • My favorite brick paver sealer! We have been using it for over twenty years and have applied it to thousands of paver projects.

SuperSeal25 is a Semi-Gloss Concrete Sealer that can be used for Brick Paver Patios, Exposed Aggregate, and Stamped Concrete. This sealer will darken the appearance and leave a shine similar to a semi-gloss. The SuperSeal25 is a 25% solid solvent-based, breathable acrylic sealer and curing compound. This product is suitable for use on interior and exterior concrete surfaces.

Note: Not to be used for plain poured (white) concrete.

  • Where To Find: SuperSeal25 Semi-Gloss Sealer
  • Sealer Type: Semi-Gloss Solvent-Based Styrene Acrylic
  • Types of Substrates: Pavers, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate, Decorative Concrete
  • Consumer Star Ratings: 4.8/5 (21)
  • ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating: 8.4/10
  • See My Review Article Here: Super Seal 25 Sealer Review

Best Concrete All-Purpose Sealer: MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water RepellentMasonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent

MasonrySaver® (Also known as “Defy”) All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent is a modified siloxane-based product designed to penetrate most masonry and concrete pores deeply. Unlike acrylics, silicones, and other waterproofing sealers that remain on the surface and trap water vapors, this masonry waterproofing product allows deep penetration of its active ingredient of up to 1/4 inch or more.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Best Concrete Sealers

What is the best type of concrete sealer?

The best type of concrete sealer depends on your surface and performance goals. For driveways and exterior concrete, penetrating sealers like silane/siloxane blends work best. For decorative stamped or stained concrete, acrylic-based wet-look sealers or urethane topcoats are often preferred.


What is the difference between penetrating and film-forming sealers?

  • Penetrating sealers absorb into the concrete, creating an invisible barrier that repels water, deicing salts, and freeze/thaw damage.

  • Film-forming sealers sit on top of the surface, enhancing appearance with a gloss or satin finish while offering protection from stains and UV rays.


How long do concrete sealers last?

  • Penetrating sealers typically last 5–10 years.

  • Acrylic sealers last 1–3 years, depending on traffic and weather.

  • Urethane or epoxy coatings can last 7–10+ years with proper maintenance.


Can I apply a concrete sealer myself?

Yes, many concrete sealers are DIY-friendly. Penetrating sealers are the easiest to apply (using a sprayer or roller). Film-forming sealers may require multiple thin coats and attention to temperature, humidity, and cure times.


Do concrete sealers make surfaces slippery?

Glossy or high-solids film-forming sealers can become slippery when wet. To reduce slip hazards, use a non-slip additive or choose a matte-finish penetrating sealer for safer foot traffic areas like pool decks.


When is the best time to seal concrete?

The ideal time to seal concrete is in mild weather (50°F–85°F) with low humidity. Make sure the surface is clean and fully dry for 24–48 hours prior to application.


The Best Concrete Help and Tips

What is the Best Concrete Sealer to Use? How to Choose the Right Product

The answer depends on why you are sealing, what surface you are trying to seal, and your final expectations. There are many types of sealers for concrete and masonry surfaces. Concrete sealers come in both water-based and solvent-based formulas. They can be generic formulas for all surfaces or specific to the surface you are applying to. For example, you would want a Brick Paver Sealer for a Paver Patio and a Chimney Sealant for your Chimney. Still, you could use MasonrySaver All-Purpose Water Repellent for both.

Why seal your concrete or brick? The primary reasons to seal and waterproof your concrete are:

1. Preventing hairline cracks due to water expansion during freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Prevent water penetration and seepage of water through walls and foundations.

3. Enhance the appearance by adding a gloss or darkening the overall color.

4. Prevent damage from deicing salts during winter months.

5. Provide protection from “Pitting,” “Spalling,” or deterioration of the concrete, which causes chunks of the concrete to separate from the concrete structure.

Once I understand the surface we are treating and the reasons we are treating it, we can narrow down the best concrete sealer to use.

Here is an example of a concrete surface.

1. What State do you live in Florida

2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface: Exterior

3. Vertical or Horizontal application: Horizontal

4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance: Wet Look/Gloss

5. Type of surface examples: Driveway, Paver Patio, Brick Wall, etc. Paver Driveway

Based on the answers, you would want a sealer specific to brick pavers that gives excellent UV resistance since it is in Florida, adding a shiny, enhanced look. Based on these questions, you would want to look at:

I Can Help You Find the Best Concrete Sealer

Answer these questions to help you choose “the best concrete sealers.” Just post a comment below, and based on your answers, I will suggest a couple of different options for what sealant or water repellent you should use:

Let me know if you’d like additional details or recommendations for your project! 

Please Rate This Article/Product. You may post comments or ask questions below.

author avatar
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 Owner
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993, he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash, specializing in exterior pressure washing and concrete/brick paver sealing. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter, concentrating more on exterior wood and concrete/paver restoration. Scott and his Pressure Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 projects in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the concrete and brick pavers restoration industry and has contributed to numerous forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold online and in retail stores, allowing consumers to choose their means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites sell many of the top brands he endorses, and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered, feel free to purchase from one of them.

You may also like

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
4.5K Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mackie Melson
Mackie Melson
8 years ago

1. Indiana
2. exterior
3. Horizontal
4.Gloss
5. Driveway

SQP
SQP
8 years ago

1. What State do you live in? California (Southern/High Desert)

2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Interior/Residential

3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal

4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? Low Lustre Gloss

5. Type of surface examples: Interior slab on grade 1950's cabin interior

*Also wondering about additional application of silicone waterproofing? Any concerns re: hydrostatic pressure on a main-level floor (no basement)?

Arthur
Arthur
8 years ago

Stripping sealer off my stamped concrete pad. I've used the Clemson concrete stripper to remove sealer but i still have a few areas where the area seems to be some white stuff still there. My question is should I use the Clemons stripper to restrip the area or should I use some xylene to try and remove it and pressure wash after? I've used a string brush as well as with Clemons degreaser after i have stripped the sealer.

Steve
Steve
8 years ago

Want to seal new concrete in a 3000 sq ft shop and do not want to resell for at least 10 years what would be the best sealer to use we live outside Nashville TN

Dennis Brown
Dennis Brown
8 years ago

California
Exterior
Horizontal
No change in appearance
Concrete patio over garage – severe water penetration into garage

Mike Ferris
Mike Ferris
8 years ago

we live in Florida,Driveway pavers are exterior, horizontal and we would like the wet/glossy look.

thank you.

Paul Romatz
Paul Romatz
8 years ago

Looking for the best sealer/wet look. Live in Michigan. Exterior patio and walkway. Have stamped concrete and pavers.
Where can I purchase this product?

Tommy hardwick
Tommy hardwick
8 years ago

1. Alabama
2. Interior
3. Vertical and horizontal
4 . No change in appearance
5. Newly Poured concrete walls and floors in walkout basement

Ryan
Ryan
8 years ago

South Carolina
Exterior
Horizontal
Wet Look/Gloss
Overlay Decorative Concrete Curbing with Stamps after new install so cure and seal

Mike Ranger
Mike Ranger
8 years ago

This is a brand-new driveway pavers looking for the best water-based product that I could put on this driveway would certainly appreciate your comments

Megan Ropp
Megan Ropp
8 years ago

i live in ohio and looking to seal/paint poured concrete basement walls and poured basement floor. house was bulit 24 years ago.

Mel
Mel
8 years ago

North Carolina exterior chimney prefer wet look

Vicki
Vicki
8 years ago

I live in Wisconsin, building in spring. thinking of staining my bathroom and shower floor. I'm ok with the wet look but not glossy or slippery. just want to clear coat waterproof the stained concrete floor to elliminate water absorption. Is that possible?
Thank you for looking at my question.

william
william
8 years ago

It seems all the quotes i am getting use seal n lock here in florida…

1. What State do you live in? Florida

2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior

3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Pool deck travertine, and pool water line + Grout weir wall lines

4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? Wet Look/Gloss

5. Type of surface examples: Driveway, Paver Patio, Brick Wall, etc. —- Pool deck, Travertine natural, sand base. Water edge tile also travertine, and fire pit is travertine.

Shirley
Shirley
8 years ago

1. Washington
2. Interior
3. Horizontal
4. No change if possible
5. Concrete dining room table

Patrick
Patrick
8 years ago

Pennsylvania – in an urban city
Interior – common area floor which is the top of a residential unit's ceiling (concrete-based)
Horizontal
Both can be fine – no appearance change or gloss
Building interior residence's ceiling (Since common area pipes occasionally leak water (drips, condensation, etc.) onto this ceiling, it will be sealed with the best waterproofing sealant(s).

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jim
Jim
8 years ago

Central new jersey
Exterior
Horizontal
No change
Concrete driveway

Kris
Kris
8 years ago

1. New York
2. Interior
3. Horizontal
4. No change in appearance
5. Garage floor

Betsy
Betsy
8 years ago

1. What State do you live in? Belize, C. A. (hot tropical climate)
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Vertical
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? unsure
5. Type of surface examples: The walls of my house, added pigment to the cement plaster

reddienblog
reddienblog
8 years ago

1) Massachusetts
2) Interior
3) Horizontal
4) appearance doesn't matter
5) thin concrete "rat slab" in old building basement

Basement is used for storage, want to reduce dust and moisture if possible.
Ventilation is poor, would prefer low VOC product.

Cortney
Cortney
8 years ago

1. Arkansas
2. Interior
3. Horizontal
4. Wet look/gloss
5. Stained concrete

Sal S
Sal S
8 years ago

New York
Exterior
Vertical
No change of appearance
Brick wall

JOHN A. PROIOS
JOHN A. PROIOS
8 years ago

What would be the best sealer for my exterior,
Horizontal, concrete sidewalk in New York State?
I want no change in appearance. I want maximum
Protection from deicing chemicals including salt.

TARA BRAITHWAITE
TARA BRAITHWAITE
8 years ago

Florida
Interior
Horizontal
No change
Interior floor (kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bath) concrete foundation before laying laminate wood floors

randy
randy
8 years ago

minnesota
exterior
horizontal
don't care
surface is a sidewalk that was poured on a flat garage roof, water is leaking thru concrete sidewalk, what would be the best product to use ?

Ter
Ter
9 years ago

Nebraska
Interior
Horizontal
No Change
Fresh Concrete replacement on basement floor.

John M
John M
9 years ago

Live in Chicago Illinois (northernmost part of the state)
Exterior (freshly laid, new, concrete 4 by 8 paver bricks)
horizontal (patio)
Would like a "wet look" but do not want glossy. Would prefer a "matte, wet look" if possible
paver patio….foot traffic only, no automobiles

thank you

Heather L Phoenix
Heather L Phoenix
9 years ago

1. Massachusetts – Cape Cod

2. Exterior

3. Horizontal

4. No change to appearance. No gloss

5. Mortar joints in cobblestone paving

Bob
Bob
9 years ago

1. Maryland
2. Exterior concrete sidewalk
3. Horizontal
4. No change
5. Sidewalk

Roxanne Mahroom
Roxanne Mahroom
9 years ago

1. California
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4. Wet Look; No Gloss
5. Over 4000 sq.ft. of colored concrete paver/patio stone patios, and colored concrete paver driveway and walkways.

Allison
Allison
9 years ago

Colorado
Exterior
Vertical/multi surface
no appearance change, just protected
concrete lion moved here from Florida from my grandfather's house a few months ago- currently in garage but want to place outside along with a couple of decorative pedestals that we plan to place plants on

Elizabeth P
Elizabeth P
9 years ago

Ohio
Exterior
Horizontal
No change
Driveway

Earl
Earl
9 years ago

Virginia
Exterior
Horizontal
No change in look
Brick pavers with grout

Tony
Tony
9 years ago

Kentucky
Exterior
Horizontal
No change
Driveway and walkway

anna kennedy
anna kennedy
9 years ago

Indiana
Interior plaster over brick
Vertical
Gloss
Inside wall of outsider enclosed porch

Tony
Tony
9 years ago

Kentucky
Exterior
Horizontal
No change
Drive way and concrete walkway

Judith Morris
Judith Morris
9 years ago

Tennessee….exterior…new aggregate….want brown sealant with some shine.

Tim
Tim
9 years ago

Arkansas
Exterior
Horizontal
Natural, semi gloss
Concrete driveway

J Rob
J Rob
9 years ago

Florida
Exterior
Horizontal
Slight sheen but skid proof
Pool deck
Recommended sealer?

Chuck
Chuck
9 years ago

1. Michigan
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4. Wet look or enhanced color and contrast
5. Patio & sidewalk & porch, fresh new stamped colored concrete with 2nd color in release for variation and stone look.
Will it be slippery? Can I use the shark tooth product?

Binh Tran
Binh Tran
9 years ago

1. Colorado
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4. No change in look
5. Patio and driveway

Mark
Mark
9 years ago

1. Hawaii
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4.No change in appearance
5. Patio & sidewalk
I want to restrict the growth of mold and/or make it easier to clean.

Daniel Donohue
Daniel Donohue
9 years ago

1. New York
2. Interior
2. Horizontal
4. Gloss/wet look
5. Concrete basement floor with Acid stain applied

Miya
Miya
9 years ago

1 California
2 Exterior
3 Horizotal
4 Wet look / gloss
5 Driveway concrete in front of garage and walkway concrete around the house

Miya
Miya
9 years ago

Thank you for your reply. It is colored regular concrete, new (still waiting for drying), on driveway in front of our garage and walkway around our house. Did I answer your question?

Miya
Miya
9 years ago
Reply to  Miya

Can you please let me know which sealer should I use? Thank you.

Gordon
Gordon
9 years ago

Michigan
Interior
Vertical and horizontal
No to need to change appearance
Grade A Dairy facility to seal concrete.
Recommendations??

C Starnes
C Starnes
9 years ago

1. North Carolina

2. Interior

3. Vertical

4. non skid

5. Pet Boarding Facility Stained Concrete

Isaac Bengochea
Isaac Bengochea
9 years ago

Nevada
Exterior
Horizontal
No change in appearance
Concrete driveway

Lisa
Lisa
9 years ago

1. Washington State

2. Interior

3. Horizontal

4. No preference

5. Shower floor

Mark Murphy
Mark Murphy
9 years ago

TEXAS
EXTERIOR
HORIZONTAL
ENHANCE COLOR AND SEAL
Pool Deck with Exposed Aggregate that has been diamond grinded to smooth surface

1 18 19 20 21 22 43
4.5K
0
Questions or leave a review, please comment!x