While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers had a great experience with this company. Customers praise the platform for its clear, well-structured, and easy-to-understand content, which helps them grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively. Many appreciate the practical approach, noting that the courses provide actionable strategies and real-world examples that lead to increased confidence and improved results in their trading. The ability to learn at their own pace and the engaging format, including quizzes and assignments, are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects. However, some customers also noted issues with refunds and payments. A few people were dissatisfied with the product, describing it as not working as promised or being a waste of money. Additionally, some reviewers felt that while the basic material was good, there could be more in-depth explanations, advanced topics, or interactive content and real-time feedback without needing to pay extra.

What people talk about most

User experience

Customers had positive experiences with user experience. Many reviewers found the platform intuitive,... See more

Refund

Reviewers mention negative feedback about refund. Customers report asking for a refund, indicating... See more

Product

People report ambiguous experiences with the product. Many customers are happy with the course, finding it... See more

Payment

Consumers express dissatisfaction with the payment process. Many reviewers were hesitant about paying for the... See more

Staff

Clients share ambiguous opinions on staff. Many reviewers praise the instructors for their responsiveness,... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Thank you for the training!!I really enjoyed the course: they explain it in simple terms, without being boring, and they actually let you try it, not just listen to theory. After the course, I gained... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The course's overall approach suited me; I saw what I was looking for and came here for it. I was particularly impressed by the instructor's clear explanations of market situations: by the very next... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I’ve been following this course for a few weeks now, and overall, I’ve seen a positive shift in how I approach trading. The content is solid, and I appreciate how each lesson builds on the last. I lov... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

LearnSpread courses are perfect for beginners like me. However, it would be great if the beginner program included slightly more advanced topics and strategies. This would allow you to dive into tradi... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I saw an ad for a trading software that promised huge returns. To get access, I was forced to buy a course from Homingo LTD (Learn Spread). What a mistake. The software is a total scam—it absolutely d... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

This platform works well for beginners, though sometimes the material felt a bit too basic for me. The structure is neat and the quizzes are engaging, yet I often wished there were more in-depth expla... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

For someone just starting out, this platform can be useful, but I felt that the pace was a bit slow and some lessons repeated similar information. It worked fine while I was learning the basics, but o... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The course turned out to be much more comprehensive than I expected. The material covers everything you really need to understand at the start: the fundamentals, the system's working approaches, the... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

For me, this is the perfect place for online learning. The courses are varied, the teachers are experts in their field, and the learning process itself is smooth and easy. I have already recommended t... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The information is presented clearly and accessibly, I liked it. I was especially pleased with the real examples of transactions. It would be cool if they added even more practical cases with analysis... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I accidentally found the courses on LearnSpread while browsing the internet. I visited the site, looked at the options and immediately liked what I saw. This was my first experience with this format.... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I am happy to leave my feedback about the training. I want to thank the entire team for their work. I started my training from scratch, even, to put it mildly, not knowing what trading was. I put in a... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The platform is user-friendly and well-equipped. Each module also contained tips I could immediately apply. The only thing I would recommend is adding more material on managing large positions and ris... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A great platform for learning trading, but I would like more materials on real trading in line with the latest trends. This will help improve skills and prepare for the real market.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The training is well thought out. True, I did not find a trader's dictionary on the site. Perhaps they will add it later, but I asked for it and they provided it to me, as well as additional informati... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I enrolled in the course and found the course content to be very detailed. The classes provided a solid theoretical foundation and the instructors were knowledgeable. However, I felt that the inclusio... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The platform provides useful perspectives that helped me rethink some of my trading habits. I found the explanations clear and accessible, which made it easier to digest challenging concepts. However,... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I spent a long time going through this course, dedicating several months to studying the materials, and honestly, I wasn't sure if it would ever pay off. But over time, I finally realized that I star... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I started with zero knowledge about investing and was honestly overwhelmed. Learn Spread structured the lessons logically and gradually. After completing the first two modules, I could actually analyz... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Before, I panicked after every unsuccessful trade and lost confidence. The course showed me that mistakes are part of the process, not a disaster. It teaches not just strategies, but the correct trade... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

From an analysis point of view, the platform works smoothly and the learning flow is easy to follow. The materials cover the fundamentals well and are presented in a clear, accessible way, so there’s... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The platform works well on mobile, but the charting interface could be slightly faster during peak times.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Excellent academy. I am studying here for the first time. I chose based on reviews. I completed the courses and was satisfied. But it would be great to add more live sessions , as I had questions on s... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I am a beginner and it is important for me to learn information gradually. The Academy provides good materials and examples. Sometimes I would like a shorter explanation,but after reviewing the materi... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Training is effective when there are examples, not just theory. And there's plenty of that here: cases, homework, short tests.I completed everything and learned everything. After each module, I felt l... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve been interested in trading for a while, and I’m glad I chose this course. The lessons are detailed and very practical, covering specific problems and solutions. However, as a beginner, I found so... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Learnspread is a clear leader in this field that I've encountered. I'm currently learning, and although I'm not a beginner, I've realized that if you want to make money this way, you need to constantl... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had some doubts at the start, but after completing a few challenges, I realized how much my trading mindset had changed. The built-in rules made me more responsible with risk, and I appreciated the... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I completed the training a few months ago, even tested how it affected my results, and it turned out to be a valuable experience, albeit a bit pricey. They explained how to work with charts, how to re... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I liked the course — the topics are relevant and the material is up-to-date. But honestly, sometimes I had to struggle to understand the more complex parts. It’s not as simple as it might seem at firs... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I rarely write reviews, but I want to thank you here. All modules are professionally designed: high-quality sound, graphics, logic - everything is thought out. Now three of my friends are also studyin... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I really liked the platform the course is hosted on; everything is structured and intuitive. I also liked the way the material is presented: everything is clear and user-friendly, in both video and t... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I started from absolute zero, and honestly, I didn’t expect to grasp everything this easily. The material is straightforward, no fluff. The practical tasks are the best part — they really help you und... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've been looking for courses for a long time that could teach me how to trade from scratch, and I finally found what I needed! The course materials are very well structured: first there's theory and... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I began with no background and was surprised at how quickly I gained confidence using this platform. The lessons build on each other naturally, and the range of topics is impressive — from basic conce... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After trying several courses, this platform stands out for its clear, well-organized lessons that actually make complicated concepts easier to understand. What I like most is that every lesson offers... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure if I could handle trading challenges, but the clear instructions and structure really helped. I made a few mistakes in the beginning, but learned from them quickly. It feels like I’m act... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I got stuck during registration because I entered the wrong email. Sent a message to support and they fixed it in less than 10 minutes. That kind of speed and attention makes a big difference when you... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had a question about the strategy, and I contacted the curators. I received a quick answer, with examples and advice. Thank you for being in touch and for the information, it helped me avoid making... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Before learning, consistency was my biggest challenge. The clear and concise lessons, along with the practical checklists and examples, made it easier to develop a process that I could stick to. As a... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Being a working professional, I was worried about fitting the course into my busy schedule. However, the flexibility of being able to study at my own pace made all the difference. The material is clea... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was initially hesitant about paying for this course again, but I’m so glad I did. The content is well-rounded and comprehensive, especially the insights on fundamental analysis. I loved how the quiz... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

In fact, I was looking for a very long time where to get knowledge about trading. There is a lot of information on the Internet, but it is difficult to figure it out on your own.I am very glad that I... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The platform is incredibly inspiring, providing me with the information and knowledge I need to improve my trading skills. What I like most is that the platform not only teaches trading strategies, bu... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to that clear structure and practical focus, I was able to rework my strategy: I ditched vague “gut feelings” and replaced them with clear rules. My trades became more consistent, I started ana... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After completing it, I didn't feel disappointed. I understand that success depends on me, but I received the tools and direction. That's a rare feeling after online courses.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

All these: "longs", "shorts", "Fibonacci levels" used to sound like magic. And now I operate with these concepts freely. The Academy gives a foundation with which it is no longer scary to go to the re... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This academy offers a great learning platform filled with useful and varied materials. The courses are organized into clear and logical modules, making it easy to digest the information without feelin... See more


Company details

  1. Special Education School

Written by the company

We are here to be in touch with you! Be free in your thoughts and actions. Write to us using the contacts below:


Contact info

  • Registered address: Harlow Enterprise Hub Kao Hockham Building, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex, England, CM20 2NQ, Operational address: Gunnery House, Suite Ground, floor 19a, Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SW, United Kingdom

  • +442045772639
  • office@learnspread.io
  • learnspread.io

4.0

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

190 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Replied to 5% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 24 hours

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A very convenient platform

A very convenient platform, everything is intuitive, even if you have never traded before. Excellent tools, many indicators, high speed of execution of transactions. Support responds quickly, solves issues without problems. Withdrawal of funds works stably, without long wait.

24 February 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Hello Thomas Holland,

Learnspread.io is an educational platform and we made our courses accessible and easy to understand for novice traders. We're glad to hear that you found the course useful, and - judging from the praise for your broker - felt ready to practice!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great for self-study

I have a busy schedule, and there was never enough time for full-fledged training. But Learn Spread allows you to study at a comfortable pace, without overload. The material is presented logically and structured, you can immediately apply knowledge in practice. I can already see the first results, and most importantly - I have more confidence in my actions!

6 March 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear EmilioGarrido,

Thank you for your review! We're glad Learn Spread's flexible format fits your schedule and allows you to apply knowledge right away. Wishing you continued success and confidence in your trading journey!

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The pricing is fair

The pricing is fair , but the discounts are what make it truly worthwhile . A solid deal overall !!!

19 February 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Emily Johnson,

Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you find the pricing fair and appreciate the discounts. Great to hear you got a solid deal!

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

the course gave me a solid understanding of the market and strategies

The course is excellent; the information is presented in an accessible and logical way. However, in the risk management section, I would have liked more practical tasks to reinforce key concepts. The theoretical part is substantial, but additional interactive cases focused on real-world risk scenarios would make the learning experience even more immersive. Overall, the course gave me a solid understanding of the market and strategies, and I definitely recommend it!

20 February 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Mat_Gagne,

Thank you for your detailed feedback! We're glad the course provided a strong foundation in market understanding and strategies.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is the best thing I've tried!

I started from scratch, but Learn Spread helped me figure everything out. The platform is convenient, the materials are clear, and most importantly - there is practice. Now I confidently make deals. The course is worth every minute spent!

28 January 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Ferrrrarrri.Erika,

We're thrilled that Learn Spread helped you build confidence in trading. It's great to hear you found the platform convenient and the practice valuable!

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I did not regret the purchase

The course fully met my expectations. The material is presented clearly, but it takes time to master. If you study superficially, there will be no result - it is important to understand the details. I am glad that I chose Learn Spread, now my transactions have become more conscious and my confidence in trading has grown.

19 February 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear LeeSam,

Thank you for your review! We're glad the course met your expectations and helped you trade with more confidence. Taking the time to understand the details really makes a difference—wishing you continued success!

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

THIS COURSE IS A GAME-CHANGER

THIS COURSE IS A GAME-CHANGER! THE STRATEGIES ACTUALLY WORK, AND I’M FINALLY SEEING PROFITS!

3 February 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Ed Frazier,

Thank you for your review! We're thrilled to hear the course made a real impact and helped you achieve profitable results.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I actually wanted to try out the…

I actually wanted to try out the Quantum X...
ATTENTION!!!! FRAUD!! BE CAREFUL!!!

I actually wanted to test the Quantum X platform. But then I ended up on the dubious Learn Spread website. I then activated the small amount. However, I didn't want to be given any training or lectured. They don't want to accept an objection here, you are kept waiting forever, you get ominous calls from some number from abroad or artificially generated German numbers (+49 33212248484) that are assigned to telephone service providers!! Then I get messages on WhatsApp from my supposed personal analyst who comes with an AI-generated profile picture. I've been waiting for the refund for almost a week now and there's been no response!

ATTENTION!!!! FRAUD!! BE CAREFUL!!!

They also tried to get me to pay twice the amount instead of €250. I was informed that I had accidentally paid 2x €250 by VISA card. But that would actually be even better, because now at €500 I would get a bonus of €200. When I then wanted the sum of €500 back with the cancellation - I had of course only paid the €250 by VISA card - the whole thing was suddenly an oversight by their accounting department, who had allegedly confused my name with another user! Yes, of course. When I then asked in a roundabout way whether it could be possible that I had agreed to the 2x €250 and then they had tried again to debit the amount of €250 from my VISA card, there was great indignation and they were not fraudsters etc. etc.!!

As I wrote, I have not heard anything since then and there has been no response to my cancellation.

This great training platform is absolutely despicable!

ATTENTION!!!! SCAM!! BEWARE!!!

20 February 2025
Unprompted review
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Peter Sponsel,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

It looks like there may be some confusion here. Learn Spread is an educational platform offering trading courses, and it looks like you are talking about your experience with Quantum X and investment services. Learn Spread does not provide such. Our courses are designed to provide knowledge and skills for independent trading, and are often recommended by traders, especially for novices.

If you intended to review a different website, we recommend double-checking the platform you interacted with. If you have any concerns regarding a purchase made on Learn Spread, you can always reach out to our official support team, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team
office@learnspread.io

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really cool thing if you r a nub likke…

Really cool thing if you r a nub likke me!!! like the way everything is so easy to understand

7 January 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Carol Rose,

Thank you for your review! We're glad you found the course easy to understand and helpful for beginners.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I read the reviews and thought that…

I read the reviews and thought that this course was easy. But when I started it, I faced many troubles. Need to learn much on myself as the lesson just mentions some specific term but does not explain it. You need to stop teh video and to explore the thing then go back to the lesson. Without that work you will not pass the test. Mind this.☝️

7 January 2025
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Tabitha Barr,

Thank you for your feedback! We understand that some concepts may require additional research, and we appreciate your dedication to learning.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent course on cryptocurrencies

I have been understanding crypto for a long time, but LearnSpread helped me organize my knowledge. I learned how to analyze the market, choose coins, and evaluate prospects. The information is relevant, everything is to the point! Now I confidently invest in crypto assets.

22 January 2025
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

This is a scam

This is a scam
I was called by somebody who claimed they were working for the London Stock Exchange and they will be trading on my behalf. The minimum deposit starts at USD250 and I agreed. The first call was a lady from UK and gave me a link to 'deposit' my USD250 and that was via learnspread.io which I found it strange but gave it a benefit of doubt. Subsequently, a financial advisor was assigned to me and I was given access to a read-only website under Fortmill Finance Limited. I immediately requested for a withdrawal and this was when I was faced with difficulties where they gave various reasons to refuse. Today (22 Jan 2025), I requested a full refund for the fee paid on learnspread.io and shall see if they do refund since the 'purchase of course' was made a week ago and within their refund policy. I will also be making a police report about this if I do not receive a full refund since this will further confirm everything and also since there was already so many negative reviews and comments about the website linking to a scams.

22 January 2025
Unprompted review
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear JY,

We are concerned to hear about your recent experience and take such matters very seriously. At Learn Spread, we specialize solely in providing educational courses on trading and investing; we are not a trading platform and do not offer trading services or manage investments on behalf of clients.

It appears that your complaint is about a different company, which contacted you regarding your interest in trading. We strongly advise caution when approached by individuals or entities claiming to represent reputable organizations and requesting funds for investment purposes.

Regarding your refund request, our policy allows for refunds within the first 30 days of membership, provided that no more than 50% of the course content has been accessed.

You can always reach out to us at office@learnspread.com or +44-204-577-2639 with any requests or questions you might have.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Scammers - DO NOT USE

Today, I received a call from a UK-registered mobile number. The caller claimed to be a "blockchain agent" and mentioned that I had opened a crypto wallet back in 2017, which was now frozen. They said they could help me recover the account, supposedly worth £200,000, and assign my case to a "financial adviser."

The scam is clever:

They use CoinStats.app, a legitimate crypto portfolio tracker, to create a fake dashboard under your name.

Using your mobile number as the username (a real CoinStats feature), they reset the account and display a fabricated £200,000 portfolio. They even rename the wallet to match your name to make it more convincing.

They then demand a £400–£500 "verification fee" via a link they send through WhatsApp. The link I received redirected me to a suspicious payment site (learn spread checkout page).

The scam fell apart when I refused to pay. Upon calling them out, the scammer resorted to insults and blocked me after attempting repeated WhatsApp video calls.

This scam preys on those unfamiliar with cryptocurrency or cyber scams by creating a seemingly legitimate scenario. Reviews on this page suggest this scam has been ongoing, with fake positive reviews bolstering their credibility.

Do Not Engage: If you get such a call, hang up immediately.

Avoid Clicking Links: Never trust links sent through unsolicited messages.

Report It: Take screenshots of communications and report the incident to Action Fraud (UK) or your local cybercrime authority.

Educate Others: Share this review and warn friends and family.

10 January 2025
Unprompted review
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Chris Conlon,

Thank you for sharing your experience, but what you mentioned does not seem related to our services.

LearnSpread.io is solely focused on providing educational courses in capital markets. We don’t use WhatsApp, handle cryptocurrency payments, or have anything to do with crypto wallets or accounts, or the company you mentioned. It seems there might be a mix-up.

We strongly encourage anyone encountering such a scam to stay safe and act wisely.

If you’d like to discuss this further or verify anything about our platform, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at office@learnspread.io. Stay safe!

Best Regards,
Learnspread Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

MIX UP

WELL MY EXPERIENCE was I was sent to another account, then a phone call to start another account in my name then at 1 point asked for my driving licence or passport then I became suspicious was I scammed could you reply asap

26 December 2024
Unprompted review
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Mr. Kaye,

Thank you for sharing your review. However, what you mention does not sound like Learn Spread. We also cannot locate any registration under your name. If you do have one, please contact us at office@learnspread.io, mention the review, and provide more details related to this situation.

We are dedicated to providing high-quality education and training for traders. our educational courses helped thousands of clients learn more about the world of finance and investing. 
We do not make marketing calls or require documentation: you can just register, accept our terms and conditions, and purchase the desired course on our website learnspread.io.

Should you, or any of our clients, face any issues with our services or require assistance, we encourage direct contact with our support team at office@learnspread.io or +44-204-577-2639.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was hesitant to invest in the…

I was hesitant to invest in the advanced trading course, but it’s been a game-changer! The case studies are incredibly detailed and mirror real-world scenarios. It’s exactly what I needed to level up my skills.

13 December 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The weekly webinars are a fantastic…

The weekly webinars are a fantastic addition. I learned so much about market trends and strategy optimization in just a few sessions. If you’re looking for ongoing education, this is worth every penny!

2 December 2024
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Vivatox.io is misguiding people to pay…

Vivatox.io is misguiding people to pay for learnspread.io please be aware. I was never wanted to have course and trying to open trading account but Vivatox send me the link for payment which I should have noticed before payment and my money went to learnspread.io order.
I have asked for refund but not sure I will get that or not. This is collaborative scam site.

11 December 2024
Unprompted review
Learn Spread logo

Reply from Learn Spread

Dear Subhasis,

We are sorry to see you leave us with a bad review. From what you write, it seems you meant to complain about a different company, Vivatox, which is not us.

Learn Spread is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training for traders, and we are proud to be recommended by various traders for our comprehensive educational resources. We operate with transparency and integrity, and offer a straightforward refund process for any of our clients who are not satisfied with our courses.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and you can always reach out to us at office@learnspread.io or +44-204-577-2639 for any help.

Best Regards,
Learn Spread Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

course

video course turned out to be more useful than I expected!! I received a recommendation from my broker and was not disappointed. I especially liked how complex points are explained in detail. I recommend it to those who want to delve deeper into the topic!!

17 October 2024

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.

Learn more about other kinds of reviews.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look