How We Rank Products
Our scoring system is built on 6 objective criteria. Here's exactly how we arrive at every score.
Product Selection
We identify the top contenders in each category using market data, reader requests, and editorial judgment. Only products that pass our initial viability screen make it to the testing phase.
Hands-On Testing
Each product is tested by a category specialist over a minimum of 7 days in real-world conditions. Lab benchmarks supplement but never replace lived experience.
Scoring
We score on 6 criteria (see below). Each criterion is weighted by importance to the category, so a gaming headset is judged differently from a moisturizer.
Expert Review
A second reviewer validates the scores. Any score difference greater than 1.0 triggers a re-test to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Publication & Updates
Articles go live after editor approval. We update scores whenever new data or firmware changes the picture, and note all revisions with a timestamp.
The 6 Scoring Criteria
Does it do what it claims, faster and more reliably than competitors?
Materials, durability, and long-term reliability after extended use.
Price-to-performance ratio compared to alternatives at the same tier.
Ease of setup, daily use, and the intangibles that make a product a joy (or pain) to use.
Warranty, customer service reputation, and parts availability.
Does it bring anything genuinely new to the category?
Score Scale
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Do manufacturers pay for reviews?
Never. We purchase products ourselves or receive review units that are returned after testing. Payment for coverage is prohibited by our editorial charter.
Q.How often are scores updated?
We review scores annually or whenever a significant firmware or product update is released. All revisions are timestamped and noted at the top of the article.
Q.Can I suggest a product for review?
Yes — email us at reviews@smartreviews.com with the product name and why you think it deserves coverage. We read every submission.
Q.What happens if I disagree with a score?
We welcome dissent. Email us with your reasoning and we'll re-evaluate if you make a compelling case. Several of our score revisions have come from reader challenges.