How we pick

We pick on merit, and we show our evidence.

We earn nothing from a pick unless you choose to buy it, and no brand pays to be on this list. Here is exactly what a pick means.

What we do

• Read the maker's specs and note what is claimed versus what is measured.
• Read owner reports: forums, retailer reviews, repair threads. We look for what breaks and what people complain about, not for praise.
• Link independent tests where they exist, with the reviewer named.
• Write who it is not for. Every pick must name at least three kinds of buyer who should skip it.

What we don't do

• We do not say "we tested it" unless we did. Each pick page shows which of the four evidence steps are done. Today the hands-on step is empty for every pick.
• We do not rank by commission. We show the published commission for each pick, and say plainly when there is none.
• We do not accept paid placement, free units in exchange for coverage, or sponsored "best of" lists.
• We do not invent star ratings, scores or reviewer quotes.

When we change our mind

If a pick gets worse (a price jump, a reliability problem, a better product), we change the page and note the date. A pick with a reliability pattern we can't resolve is removed.

Prices

We show price ranges, with the date checked. Retailers change prices daily, so check the price on the merchant's page before you buy.

This is the demo version of the methodology page. The processes described are the design for the live site, not a description of work already done.