What CHIP does

CHIP (chip.de) is a German-language consumer technology media portal that has operated for approximately 30 years, evolving from the print publication CHIP Magazin into a primarily digital platform. It is operated as a brand under BurdaForward GmbH, a subsidiary of the Hubert Burda Media group, and serves German-speaking consumers seeking independent technology news, product reviews, best-of rankings, software downloads, and purchase advice across categories including smartphones, notebooks, household appliances, audio/TV, software, fitness, automotive, and consumer electronics. The editorial team is reported at approximately 20 content professionals, supported by a broader organization of 251-500 employees within the parent group.

The platform is built around several interconnected product surfaces: the core chip.de web portal with editorial articles, a proprietary CHIP Testcenter testing methodology that drives the Bestenlisten (ranked best-of lists) across product categories, a categorized software download library covering Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, a Ratgeber (how-to guides) section, video and podcast properties (CHIP.Chat, launched 2025), a deals aggregation vertical, the CHIP Store e-commerce storefront, and utility tools such as CHIP Speedtest and CHIP Netztest (mobile network benchmark). The site's "30 Years" anniversary branding and self-description as "Germany's largest consumer portal" (das größte Verbraucher-Portal Deutschlands) reflect an established, high-traffic consumer destination in the DACH market.

CHIP's revenue model is media-typical and multi-stream: display and native advertising (labeled "Anzeige" on the site), affiliate referral revenue via the CHIP Store and partner integrations, newsletter monetization, and deal aggregation partnerships. Content is offered free to consumers, with monetization routed through advertiser and e-commerce relationships rather than subscription paywalls. The distribution model is direct-to-consumer via owned digital properties, with no disclosed enterprise or B2B revenue lines and no public funding or acquisition history.

Name

CHIP

Legal name

BurdaForward GmbH

Website

https://chip.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

CHIP (chip.de) is a 30-year-old German consumer technology media portal operated by BurdaForward GmbH, providing product reviews, best-of rankings, software downloads, buying guides, and editorial news to German-speaking consumers across the DACH region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

München

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Advertising: Primary revenue stream from advertisements (Anzeige) displayed throughout the website, including sponsored content and partner offers.
2. CHIP Store / E-commerce: CHIP Store (chipstore.de) generates revenue through product sales and affiliate partnerships for technology products featured in editorial content.
3. Newsletter and Partner Services: Newsletter subscription services and partner marketing integrations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CHIP (chip.de) is a German consumer technology media portal operated by BurdaForward GmbH, providing technology news, laboratory-tested product reviews (Testberichte), ranked best-in-class product lists (Bestenlisten), a multi-platform software download library, and expert buying guides (Ratgeber) for German-speaking consumers. The platform monetizes through advertising, affiliate partnerships, and an e-commerce storefront (CHIP Store) offering curated technology product recommendations.

Product overview

CHIP is a German technology media portal offering a unified content platform that combines editorial journalism with practical consumer tools. The core offerings include news reporting, product testing (Testberichte), ranked best-in-class lists (Bestenlisten), a software download platform (Downloads), and expert guides (Ratgeber). Additional services include the CHIP.Chat podcast, a deals aggregation section (Deals), an ePower division for electric mobility coverage, the CHIP Store e-commerce outlet, and utility tools like internet speed tests and mobile network testing. The portfolio is delivered through the main CHIP Online Portal with supplementary apps and newsletter services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CHIP Store: Online store for technology products and deals operated by CHIP
• CHIP.Chat
• CHIP Pick
• CHIP Bestenlisten

Products and services

• CHIP Online Portal Primary German-language consumer technology news, product tests, and editorial content portal serving German-speaking consumers with technology purchasing guidance and product information.
• CHIP Bestenlisten

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• BurdaForward GmbHparent companyOthersCHIP is operated by BurdaForward GmbH (stated in footer '© BurdaForward GmbH 2026'), a leading German media publishing group that owns and operates multiple digital media brands.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Computer Bild: Germany's flagship consumer technology magazine and portal operated by Axel Springer. Direct peer to CHIP in German consumer-tech product testing, best lists, software downloads, and affiliate-driven commerce, competing for the same German consumer audience and advertising spend.
• Heise Online: Leading German-language technology news and review portal (heise.de / c't magazine). Direct peer to CHIP covering technology news, product reviews, and downloads for a German-speaking audience, with a slightly more professional/IT-pro tilt.
• ComputerBase: Major German consumer-technology and hardware portal with detailed product tests, news, and a strong community forum. Closely comparable to CHIP in editorial depth, lab testing, and DACH audience, with a hardware-enthusiast positioning.
• Golem.de: German IT and technology news portal covering software, hardware, and professional tech. Comparable to CHIP in news, reviews, and DACH reach, with a more developer/IT-pro audience tilt.
• TechRadar: Global English-language consumer technology review and news site (owned by Future plc). Closely comparable to CHIP in best-list curation, product testing methodology, and affiliate-driven commerce, with a much larger international footprint.
• Tom's Guide: US-based global consumer technology review and advice site (Future plc). Directly comparable to CHIP in best-list rankings, hands-on reviews, and affiliate commerce, with a global English-language audience.
• Engadget: US-based consumer technology and gadget news and review site (Yahoo/Verizon Media). Comparable to CHIP in consumer tech product reviews, news, and best-list editorial, with a global English-language footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Stiftung Warentest: German government-affiliated consumer product testing foundation. Comparable to CHIP in independent product testing authority and German consumer trust, but operates across all consumer categories (not just tech) and is a non-commercial public-interest entity.
• The Verge: Major US consumer technology and digital culture publication (Vox Media). Comparable to CHIP in tech product reviews, video, and podcasts for a consumer audience, with a stronger cultural and policy tilt and global English reach.

Emerging players

• t3n (Yeebase Media): German digital business and technology magazine focused on digital transformation, SaaS, and consumer tech. Partial overlap with CHIP in German-language tech editorial and audience, with a more business/decision-maker tilt.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@chip_de
• Facebookfacebook.com/CHIP
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chip-de
• Xx.com/CHIP_online

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CHIP