Our sources
213 outlets and channels count toward our scores. Below is every one of them, with why we count it, who owns it, and what our own data says about how it scores. Any outlet can be wrong about a product; the point of an average is that no single one decides.
How an outlet gets in
- Hands-on testing. The reviewer used or measured the product. Lists built from spec sheets and other people's reviews don't count.
- Named reviewers. A real person with a track record signs the review.
- Real criticism. The outlet publishes mixed and negative verdicts, not only praise.
- No stake in the sale. Shops, brands and manufacturers are out, and on YouTube a video sponsored by the brand it reviews never counts.
- Open to read. We leave out sites that block automated reading or keep their verdicts behind a paywall.
Established publications were checked against these tests as a whole. Each specialist site was approved only after we read a sample of its reviews, and each YouTube channel after we watched a sample of its videos and checked who paid for them. Some channels count only for certain products or under conditions, shown under their name. So far we have excluded 80 websites and 26 channels, each listed below with the reason.
Same owner, separate voices
Many outlets belong to the same publisher. They still count separately, because each has its own editors and reviewers. Three rules stop one voice counting twice: a writer counts once per product, even when the review runs on two sister sites; a copied (syndicated) review counts once; and a site, its YouTube channel and its regional editions count as one outlet.
Publishers with more than one outlet in our list
- Future plc (24): TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Android Central, Tom's Hardware, T3, Windows Central, Homes and Gardens, What Hi-Fi?, Woman & Home, Creative Bloq, Top Ten Reviews, PC Gamer, Digital Camera World, iMore, Laptop Mag, IT Pro, Real Homes, Livingetc, Advnture, GamesRadar+, Ideal Home, Cycling Weekly, Fit&Well, Live Science
- Hearst (7): Good Housekeeping, Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, House Beautiful, Men's Health, Best Products, Women's Health UK
- Valnet (7): How-To Geek, SlashGear, XDA Developers, Pocket-lint, Android Police, Game Rant, MakeUseOf
- Ziff Davis (6): CNET, PCMag, ZDNET, Popular Science, IGN, Eurogamer
- Condé Nast (5): Wired, Architectural Digest, Epicurious, Bon Appétit, Allure
- Foundry (4): Tech Advisor, Macworld, PCWorld, Computerworld
- GearLab (3): TechGearLab, OutdoorGearLab, BabyGearLab
- Incisive Media (2): Trusted Reviews, Wareable
- Network N (2): Pocket Tactics, PCGamesN
- Trusted Media Brands (2): Family Handyman, Taste of Home
- Vox Media (2): The Verge, The Strategist
How to read the tables
- Reviews: their reviews we count today.
- Printed: share with a score the outlet printed itself. We estimated the rest from the verdict (see How we check estimates).
- Critical: share of their reviews that are mixed or negative, or score under 75. Outlets that mostly publish tested “best of” guides score low here by design. An outlet with no critical review among 10 or more is flagged Rarely critical; we re-check those by hand, and we never adjust their scores.
- Lean: on average, how many points above or below the other critics of the same products they score. We flag 5 points or more but never adjust for it: every review counts as written. A dash means too few shared products to tell.
Publications (76)
Staffed outlets with editors and bylined reviewers.
| Outlet, and why we count it | Reviews | Printed | Critical | Lean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TechRadar Large UK and US tech outlet. Single-product reviews by named staff and freelance testers, with star ratings and explicit pros and cons. | 429 | 79% | 16% | +2 |
| Tom's Guide Consumer tech outlet that runs its own lab tests (battery, display, speed) alongside hands-on use. Bylined, scored reviews. | 408 | 77% | 18% | +1 |
| Trusted Reviews UK tech outlet whose named reviewers use each product as their own before scoring it, with pros, cons and a verdict. | 385 | 79% | 15% | +3 |
| Expert Reviews UK reviews site with star-rated, bylined reviews and clear verdicts, including products it does not recommend. | 254 | 81% | 22% | +1 |
| Wired Long-form reviews scored out of 10, each with a plain list of what is good and what is not. | 227 | 99% | 35% | -5 |
| Tech Advisor UK tech outlet with star-rated reviews and benchmark results for phones, laptops and tablets. | 163 | 86% | 22% | +1 |
| CNET One of the oldest tech review outlets. Bylined reviews scored out of 10, backed by its own lab testing. | 154 | 64% | 11% | 0 |
| Android Central Phone and Android specialist whose reviewers use devices day to day before rating them. | 130 | 95% | 31% | +1 |
| PCMag Lab-benchmarked reviews scored out of 5, from one of the longest-running computer magazines. Regional editions count as one outlet. | 129 | 99% | 19% | -3 |
| Good Housekeeping The Good Housekeeping Institute tests appliances and home products in its own labs, alongside at-home testers. | 125 | 15% | 5% | +1 |
| TechGearLab Buys every product it reviews and tests them side by side under the same conditions, then scores each one. | 121 | 99% | 55% | -9 |
| Engadget Long-running tech outlet with bylined, scored reviews and clear pros and cons. | 119 | 71% | 24% | +1 |
| The Verge Reviews scored out of 10 by named reviewers who live with the product, with plain good and bad lists. | 105 | 86% | 34% | -4 |
| Tom's Hardware PC hardware specialist with lab benchmarks for processors, storage, monitors and peripherals. | 104 | 78% | 33% | -2 |
| ZDNET Business and consumer tech outlet with bylined hands-on reviews and ratings. | 92 | 58% | 20% | -1 |
| CNN Underscored CNN Underscored, CNN's product-testing team: bylined reviews and side-by-side comparisons. | 88 | 0% | 27% | -2 |
| Business Insider Insider Reviews, the product-testing team at Business Insider: bylined reviews and tested guides. | 86 | 0% | 3% | -1 |
| The Independent IndyBest, The Independent's product-review section: products tested by named writers. | 83 | 23% | 2% | +2 |
| Digital Trends Long-running tech outlet with star-rated, bylined hands-on reviews. | 78 | 64% | 19% | 0 |
| T3 Gadget and lifestyle tech magazine with star-rated reviews by named writers. | 71 | 42% | 7% | +2 |
| Windows Central Windows PC, laptop and Xbox specialist with star-rated hands-on reviews. | 69 | 83% | 12% | +6 |
| OutdoorGearLab Buys the gear it reviews and tests competing products side by side in the field, with published scoring. | 57 | 100% | 51% | -9 |
| The Strategist The Strategist, New York magazine's shopping section: named writers test products and interview experts. | 54 | 0% | 4% | +1 |
| The Guardian Bylined, star-rated tech reviews and tested product guides from a reader-funded newspaper. | 48 | 6% | 17% | 0 |
| Bob Vila Home and tools site whose named testers use products hands-on and report what did not work. | 46 | 41% | 2% | +3 |
| Reviewed USA Today's product-testing site, with lab tests for appliances, TVs and home products. | 44 | 2% | 14% | +1 |
| NBC Select NBC Select, NBC News's shopping team: bylined reviews and tested guides. | 43 | 0% | 12% | 0 |
| How-To Geek Tech explainer site with scored, bylined product reviews. | 43 | 79% | 28% | -2 |
| Popular Mechanics Long-running tools, gear and car magazine; editors test products hands-on. Mostly tested guides, so few critical verdicts. | 42 | 0% | 0% | +2Rarely critical |
| SlashGear Tech and car outlet with scored, bylined hands-on reviews. | 35 | 63% | 9% | 0 |
| Popular Science Popular Science's gear reviews: bylined and hands-on. Mostly tested guides, so few critical verdicts. | 31 | 0% | 0% | +1Rarely critical |
| Garage Gym Reviews Home-gym specialist that tests equipment in its own gym and scores it on a published rubric. | 30 | 93% | 10% | 0 |
| Architectural Digest Design magazine whose editors test home products. Mostly tested guides, so few critical verdicts. | 27 | 0% | 0% | -1Rarely critical |
| Epicurious Food site whose cooks test kitchen equipment side by side. | 24 | 0% | 42% | -2 |
| Macworld Mac and Apple specialist with star-rated reviews and benchmarks. | 24 | 38% | 21% | 0 |
| Family Handyman DIY magazine whose editors and pros test tools hands-on. Mostly tested guides, so few critical verdicts. | 23 | 0% | 0% | +1Rarely critical |
| Woman & Home Lifestyle magazine with bylined, hands-on reviews of beauty, home and kitchen products. | 22 | 86% | 5% | +5 |
| BabyGearLab Buys strollers, car seats and baby gear and tests them side by side, with published scoring. | 21 | 100% | 71% | -10 |
| AppleInsider Independent Apple specialist with scored hands-on reviews of Apple products and accessories. | 20 | 100% | 5% | +1 |
| Bon Appétit Food magazine whose cooks test kitchen equipment hands-on. | 20 | 0% | 30% | -1 |
| Creative Bloq Design and creative-tech outlet: drawing tablets, monitors, printers and laptops tested by working creatives. | 19 | 16% | 21% | -1 |
| Gear Patrol Gear and lifestyle magazine with bylined, hands-on reviews. | 19 | 0% | 26% | -2 |
| 9to5Toys Hands-on reviews from the 9to5 network of Apple and tech sites. | 18 | 6% | 0% | +2Rarely critical |
| Sleep Foundation Mattresses and bedding tested in-house by a named product-testing team. Not the National Sleep Foundation charity. | 14 | 57% | 0% | 0Rarely critical |
| Runner's World Running magazine whose shoes and watches are wear-tested by named runners. | 13 | 0% | 15% | +2 |
| PC Gamer PC gaming magazine with scored hardware reviews and benchmarks. | 11 | 100% | 27% | +3 |
| RunRepeat Running and gym shoe specialist that cuts shoes apart and measures them in its own lab. | 11 | 100% | 0% | +4Rarely critical |
| iMore Apple specialist with star-rated hands-on reviews. | 10 | 20% | 10% | +2 |
| Gaming Trend Games and gaming hardware site with scored, bylined reviews. | 10 | 90% | 0% | +7Rarely critical |
| Outside Outdoor magazine whose named testers use gear in the field. | 10 | 0% | 10% | 0 |
| XDA Developers Phone and PC enthusiast site with scored, bylined hands-on reviews. | 10 | 100% | 0% | +3Rarely critical |
| Pack Hacker Travel bag specialist that carries bags on real trips and reports long-term wear. | 10 | 100% | 20% | -5 |
| Wirecutter Wirecutter: staff journalists test competing products side by side, often for months. | 9 | 0% | 11% | +4 |
| IGN Games outlet with scored reviews of consoles and gaming hardware. Regional editions count as one outlet. | 8 | 100% | 25% | -1 |
| Pro Tool Reviews Tool reviews by working tradespeople, tested on job sites. | 7 | 43% | 0% | +6 |
| Reviewed Staffed outlet with bylined, hands-on reviews. | 6 | 0% | 17% | – |
| Pocket-lint UK gadget site with scored, bylined hands-on reviews. | 6 | 100% | 17% | +3 |
| America's Test Kitchen Test kitchen that runs side-by-side equipment tests and publishes winners and losers. | 6 | 0% | 33% | – |
| Switchback Travel Small independent outdoor site whose authors field-test gear and compare it head to head. | 6 | 100% | 0% | +8 |
| Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted, Forbes's product-testing section: bylined, hands-on reviews. | 5 | 60% | 20% | 0 |
| ProjectorCentral Projector specialist that measures brightness, colour and contrast for each review. | 5 | 60% | 20% | -2 |
| Men's Health Fitness magazine whose editors test gear and equipment hands-on. | 5 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Livingetc Interiors magazine with bylined, hands-on reviews of home products. | 4 | 75% | 0% | – |
| Game Rant Games outlet with scored reviews of gaming hardware. | 4 | 0% | 0% | – |
| VICE Bylined, hands-on product reviews from Vice's commerce team. | 4 | 0% | 0% | – |
| New York Post Bylined, hands-on product reviews from the paper's shopping team. | 4 | 25% | 0% | – |
| What to Expect Pregnancy and parenting site whose parent testers try baby gear hands-on. | 4 | 0% | 0% | – |
| PCGamesN PC gaming outlet with scored hardware reviews. | 4 | 0% | 0% | – |
| eCoustics Audio specialist with bylined hands-on reviews of headphones and speakers. | 3 | 0% | 0% | – |
| AmazingRibs.com Barbecue specialist that tests grills and smokers hands-on. | 3 | 67% | 33% | – |
| Best Products Hearst's product-review site, drawing on hands-on testing. | 2 | 50% | 0% | – |
| TechPowerUp PC hardware specialist with extensive benchmark-based reviews. | 2 | 50% | 0% | – |
| Catster Cat-care site with hands-on reviews of cat products. | 2 | 100% | 0% | – |
| The Next Web Tech news site with bylined hands-on reviews. | 1 | 100% | 0% | – |
| MusicTech Music-production magazine with scored reviews of audio gear. | 1 | 100% | 0% | – |
| MotorTrend Car magazine with hands-on tests of car gear. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
Specialist sites and independent testers (111)
Smaller outlets that go deep on a few categories, each approved by hand.
| Outlet, and why we count it | Reviews | Printed | Critical | Lean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homes and GardensSpecialist site Home magazine whose testers use appliances and home products at home before rating them. | 40 | 58% | 15% | +1 |
| WareableSpecialist site Wearables specialist that tests watches and trackers in daily use and workouts. | 31 | 0% | 32% | +1 |
| What Hi-Fi?Specialist site Hi-fi and AV magazine that tests every product in its own listening rooms against rivals. | 31 | 77% | 35% | -2 |
| Sleepopolis, Mattress Clarity and Mattress NerdSpecialist site Three mattress and bedding sites with one owner. Named testers sleep on each mattress and run firmness and pressure tests. They count as one outlet: see Judgement calls below. | 31 | 87% | 6% | +2 |
| soundguys.comSpecialist site Headphone specialist that measures frequency response and noise cancelling in its own lab. | 27 | 100% | 56% | -6 |
| DC Rainmaker (site and YouTube)Specialist site Ray Maker's in-depth wearable and fitness-tech tests, with accuracy data plotted against reference devices. | 24 | 0% | 33% | -4 |
| Run to the FinishIndependent specialist Named running coach reviews treadmills after long personal use, reports real issues and gives a score, though it is affiliate-supported. | 23 | 87% | 4% | +9 |
| The AmbientSpecialist site Smart home specialist that installs and lives with each device before reviewing it. | 23 | 83% | 17% | +3 |
| Vacuum Wars (site and YouTube)Specialist site Standardised vacuum tests (suction, debris pickup, battery) run the same way on every model. | 22 | 5% | 14% | 0 |
| KitGuruSpecialist site PC hardware outlet with benchmark-based reviews and clear verdicts. | 22 | 100% | 18% | +1 |
| The DisconnektIndependent specialist Bylined tech journalist reviews products used at home, with star ratings and explicit pros and cons. | 20 | 100% | 5% | +5 |
| Taste of HomeSpecialist site Food magazine whose test kitchen tries kitchen equipment hands-on. | 19 | 0% | 11% | +4 |
| Pocket TacticsSpecialist site Mobile and handheld gaming specialist with hands-on hardware reviews. | 19 | 100% | 5% | +3 |
| TweakTownSpecialist site Established hardware site with bylined hands-on reviews, numeric scores, pros/cons and a published testing method. | 16 | 100% | 6% | +9 |
| CleverHikerSpecialist site Backpacking specialist that field-tests gear. | 16 | 100% | 0% | +9Rarely critical |
| Club386Specialist site Enthusiast hardware outlet with bylined hands-on and benchmarked reviews that list clear cons and a score. | 14 | 79% | 7% | +2 |
| Top Ten ReviewsSpecialist site Product reviews by named testers with star ratings. | 14 | 43% | 0% | +5Rarely critical |
| RunningShoesGuruSpecialist site Independent specialist with named reviewers, self-purchased products, mileage testing, numeric scores and frank negative verdicts. | 13 | 100% | 54% | -8 |
| PCWorldSpecialist site PC magazine with benchmarked, star-rated hardware reviews. | 13 | 31% | 31% | -2 |
| TechaerisSpecialist site Small tech site with bylined, scored hands-on reviews. | 11 | 18% | 0% | +3Rarely critical |
| Trail & KaleSpecialist site Women-run backpacking site that field-tests gear on long-distance hikes. | 11 | 0% | 0% | +3Rarely critical |
| Digital Camera WorldSpecialist site Camera magazine whose named photographers test gear in real shoots. | 11 | 36% | 0% | +2Rarely critical |
| Laptop MagSpecialist site Laptop specialist with its own battery and performance tests. | 9 | 11% | 22% | -3 |
| GadgetGuySpecialist site Australian tech site with long-running, bylined hands-on reviews. | 8 | 100% | 12% | +5 |
| GSMArenaSpecialist site Phone specialist with standardised battery, display and speaker tests in its own lab. | 8 | 50% | 25% | +1 |
| Electric TeethSpecialist site Electric toothbrush specialist that buys and uses each brush, with detailed comparisons. | 8 | 88% | 25% | +4 |
| BBC Good FoodSpecialist site Food site whose reviewers test kitchen kit in real cooking and compare rivals. | 7 | 100% | 0% | +1 |
| NotebookcheckSpecialist site Lab-measured laptop and phone reviews: display, thermals, noise and battery, every time. | 7 | 29% | 71% | -3 |
| CameralabsSpecialist site Independent specialist reviewer (Gordon Laing) with detailed hands-on tests, measurements, a numeric rating and noted annoyances. | 7 | 0% | 14% | +1 |
| IT ProSpecialist site Business tech magazine with bylined, star-rated hands-on reviews. | 7 | 57% | 14% | +3 |
| Dong Knows TechSpecialist site Named specialist (Dong Ngo) does extended hands-on testing, gives blunt negative verdicts and numeric ratings. | 7 | 100% | 29% | -3 |
| BarBendSpecialist site Fitness specialist outlet whose named testers describe firsthand testing, give category ratings and note drawbacks such as price and assembly. | 7 | 0% | 29% | -2 |
| Home GroundsSpecialist site Named lead tester (Julia Bobak) publishes hands-on coffee gear reviews with scores, explicit pros and cons, and a stated testing method. | 6 | 100% | 17% | +1 |
| CoffeenessSpecialist site Coffee specialist that tests espresso machines and grinders hands-on with clear verdicts. | 6 | 0% | 17% | +5 |
| AndroidGuysSpecialist site Android specialist with bylined hands-on reviews. | 6 | 0% | 17% | +5 |
| PickrSpecialist site Australian tech site whose editor uses each product day to day before scoring it. | 6 | 100% | 0% | +4 |
| House BeautifulSpecialist site Home magazine with hands-on reviews of home products. | 6 | 0% | 0% | -1 |
| The Solar LabSpecialist site Solar and portable power specialist that measures capacity and output itself. | 6 | 0% | 0% | -2 |
| HouseFreshSpecialist site Air purifier specialist that measures particle removal in its own test room. | 5 | 60% | 20% | +2 |
| Believe in the Run (site and YouTube)Specialist site Running shoe specialist whose runners log real miles in each shoe before reviewing it. | 5 | 0% | 20% | -3 |
| Android PoliceSpecialist site Android specialist with scored, bylined hands-on reviews. | 5 | 100% | 60% | 0 |
| MadeForMumsSpecialist site Parenting site whose parent testers try baby gear at home, with star ratings. | 5 | 80% | 0% | +6 |
| Real HomesSpecialist site Home magazine with hands-on appliance and home-product reviews. | 5 | 0% | 0% | +1 |
| Air Purifier FirstIndependent specialist Bylined (Milan Antonic) air purifier reviews with own performance, smoke and noise tests, scores and stated downsides. | 4 | 100% | 0% | – |
| Coffee ChroniclerSpecialist site Coffee specialist with long-term hands-on espresso machine and grinder reviews. | 4 | 0% | 25% | – |
| EurogamerSpecialist site Games outlet whose Digital Foundry team measures console and hardware performance. | 4 | 0% | 0% | – |
| CoachSpecialist site Fitness magazine whose testers use wearables and gym kit in training. | 4 | 25% | 25% | – |
| Outdoor AdeptIndependent specialist Named reviewers describe specific trail testing, give scores and list drawbacks such as narrow fit and heavy weight. | 4 | 100% | 0% | – |
| TechliciousSpecialist site Bylined journalists describe hands-on tests (for example rice cooked in multiple cookers) and compare weaknesses, though sampled pages are old. | 4 | 0% | 25% | – |
| Six ColorsSpecialist site Apple specialist run by veteran Mac journalists, with hands-on reviews. | 4 | 0% | 50% | – |
| Better TrailSpecialist site Trail-running and hiking site that field-tests gear and compares it head to head. | 4 | 100% | 0% | – |
| FstoppersSpecialist site Photography site whose working photographers review cameras and lenses in real shoots. | 4 | 0% | 0% | – |
| RedShark NewsSpecialist site Video-production site with hands-on reviews of cameras and gear by working filmmakers. | 4 | 0% | 25% | – |
| Back2GamingSpecialist site PC hardware site with benchmark-based reviews. | 3 | 67% | 0% | – |
| DroneXLIndependent specialist Drone news outlet with bylined hands-on reviews including own durability tests and candid comparisons. | 3 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Binary ForkIndependent specialist Bylined editor writes long hands-on reviews with scores and candid cons, including a self-purchased unit. | 3 | 100% | 0% | – |
| HardwareZone SingaporeSpecialist site Singapore tech magazine with long-running, scored hands-on reviews. | 3 | 0% | 33% | – |
| MacRumorsSpecialist site Apple specialist with hands-on reviews of Apple products and accessories. | 3 | 0% | 0% | – |
| The GadgeteerSpecialist site Long-running gadget site where reviewers use products in daily life and report problems. | 3 | 0% | 33% | – |
| GearbrainSpecialist site Smart home and gadget site with hands-on reviews. | 3 | 33% | 0% | – |
| We Are ExplorersIndependent specialist Named author and editor, published editorial standards, described group testing and numeric scores. | 3 | 33% | 0% | – |
| SectionHikerSpecialist site Backpacking specialist that field-tests gear on real hikes. | 3 | 0% | 0% | – |
| TFTCentralSpecialist site Monitor specialist with calibrated measurements of colour, response time and uniformity. | 3 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Breaking EightyIndependent specialist Named reviewer Sean Ogle plays multiple rounds with each product, gives numeric ratings and comparisons including weaknesses. | 2 | 100% | 0% | – |
| AdvntureSpecialist site Outdoor site whose named testers use gear on real trips. | 2 | 50% | 50% | – |
| Projector ReviewsSpecialist site Bylined reviewer (Philip Boyle) describes hands-on calibration and testing and lists real cons. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| LinkdhomeIndependent specialist Named reviewer with a data-driven test methodology, numeric scores and clear criticism of products. | 2 | 100% | 50% | – |
| GamesRadar+Specialist site Games outlet with star-rated reviews of gaming hardware. | 2 | 50% | 0% | – |
| LB Tech ReviewsSpecialist site Nordic tech site with scored, hands-on reviews. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| GeekDadSpecialist site Family tech and gadget site with hands-on reviews by named writers. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| ComputerworldSpecialist site Business tech magazine with bylined hands-on reviews. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Chrome UnboxedSpecialist site Chromebook specialist that uses each device day to day before reviewing it. | 2 | 50% | 0% | – |
| Lon.TV BlogSpecialist site Lon Seidman's long-running hands-on reviews of computers, media devices and gadgets. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| ServeTheHomeSpecialist site Server, networking and storage specialist with hands-on benchmark testing. | 2 | 0% | 50% | – |
| 9to5MacSpecialist site Apple news site with hands-on reviews of Apple gear and accessories. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| road.ccSpecialist site Cycling site whose riders test bikes and kit over real miles, with scores. | 2 | 100% | 0% | – |
| SingletracksSpecialist site Mountain-bike specialist that rides and tests bikes and gear on trails. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| AutoGuideSpecialist site Car site with hands-on reviews of car gear such as dash cams. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Stacey on IoTSpecialist site Smart home and connected-device specialist with hands-on testing. | 2 | 0% | 50% | – |
| Ideal HomeSpecialist site UK home magazine with star-rated, hands-on appliance reviews. | 2 | 0% | 50% | – |
| Treeline ReviewSpecialist site Outdoor gear site that field-tests products and states what did not work. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Doctors of RunningSpecialist site Running shoe reviews by physical therapists and runners, with wear-testing. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| MakeUseOfSpecialist site Tech site with bylined, scored hands-on reviews. | 2 | 100% | 0% | – |
| The Size 15 RunnerIndependent specialist Dedicated running-shoe enthusiast site with consistent single-author voice, genuine wear-testing, and frank criticism (e.g. weight gain in the 1080 v14). | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| BikeRadarSpecialist site Established cycling publication with named testers, pros and cons, and scored product reviews. | 1 | 100% | 100% | – |
| Outdoors MagicSpecialist site Named testers describe field testing in specific locations, with star ratings and explicit 'what we didn't like' notes. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Custom PCSpecialist site PC hardware magazine with benchmark-based reviews. | 1 | 100% | 100% | – |
| ShacknewsSpecialist site Games site with scored reviews of gaming hardware. | 1 | 100% | 0% | – |
| StereoNETSpecialist site Hi-fi specialist with long-form listening reviews. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| DXOMARKSpecialist site Lab that measures camera, display and audio quality with published test protocols. | 1 | 0% | 100% | – |
| PodcastageSpecialist site Microphone and audio-gear specialist with recorded, side-by-side sound tests. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| PocketnowSpecialist site Phone specialist with hands-on reviews. | 1 | 100% | 0% | – |
| The SSD ReviewSpecialist site Storage specialist with benchmark-based SSD testing. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| LanOC ReviewsSpecialist site PC hardware site with benchmark-based reviews. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| BGRSpecialist site Tech news site with bylined hands-on reviews. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Cycling WeeklySpecialist site Cycling magazine whose riders test bikes and kit over real miles. | 1 | 0% | 100% | – |
| Motorcycle.comSpecialist site Motorcycle site with hands-on reviews of rider gear. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| CoffeeGeekSpecialist site Long-running coffee specialist with in-depth hands-on equipment reviews. | 1 | 100% | 0% | – |
| The Big OutsideSpecialist site Michael Lanza's bylined gear reviews describe specific multi-night trips and weigh pros and drawbacks; established outdoor specialist. | 1 | 100% | 0% | – |
| Smoked BBQ SourceSpecialist site Named author describes six weeks of cooking tests and gives pros and cons for each grill. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| WearTestersSpecialist site Shoe specialist that wear-tests performance footwear and reports fit and durability. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Fit&WellSpecialist site Fitness site with hands-on reviews of wearables and home fitness gear. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Women's Health UKSpecialist site Health magazine whose editors test fitness and wellness products. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Live ScienceSpecialist site Science site whose writers test telescopes, binoculars and fitness tech hands-on. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| NSMBSpecialist site Mountain-bike site whose riders test bikes and components on trails. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| APH NetworksSpecialist site Tech site with detailed hands-on reviews of peripherals and PC hardware. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| AutoblogSpecialist site Car site with hands-on reviews of car gear. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| PC PerspectiveSpecialist site PC hardware site with benchmark-based reviews. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| AllureSpecialist site Beauty magazine whose editors test hair tools and beauty devices hands-on. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| The eBook ReaderSpecialist site E-reader specialist that compares devices side by side. | 1 | 0% | 100% | – |
| Good e-ReaderSpecialist site E-reader specialist with hands-on reviews of every major e-reader. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
YouTube channels (26)
Independent video reviewers, each approved by hand. Channels that also run a website we count are listed above as one outlet.
| Outlet, and why we count it | Reviews | Printed | Critical | Lean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just Josh Long-form laptop testing with critical verdicts; earns from an affiliate deals site.Counts only for laptops, chromebooks. | 34 | 0% | 50% | -10 |
| Linus Tech Tips and ShortCircuit LTT's hands-on gadget channel. | 18 | 0% | 17% | -4 |
| Hardware Canucks Hands-on PC hardware and laptop testing. | 16 | 0% | 44% | -4 |
| Jarrod'sTech Thermals, benchmarks and battery tests on every laptop; unsponsored in.Counts only for laptops. | 16 | 0% | 50% | -4 |
| Monitors Unboxed and Hardware Unboxed Measured monitor testing. | 15 | 0% | 27% | -6 |
| The Quantified Scientist Measured accuracy testing of wearables. | 14 | 0% | 50% | -9 |
| The Run Testers Running shoe testing by runners. | 11 | 0% | 27% | -2 |
| Retro Game Corps In-depth handheld console testing with critical verdicts.Makers supply review units; counts while its reviews stay critical. Counts only for handheld game consoles, game controllers, game consoles. | 11 | 0% | 18% | -1 |
| Marques Brownlee Long-running hands-on tech reviewer. | 10 | 0% | 20% | -2 |
| Gamers Nexus Lab-measured PC hardware testing with harsh verdicts; viewer-funded (store, Patreon); its sponsors are unrelated to the products reviewed.Counts only for processors, graphics cards, game consoles, handheld game consoles, game controllers, portable ssds, computer monitors. | 8 | 0% | 38% | -16 |
| Tom's Coffee Corner Hands-on budget espresso and grinder reviews, unsponsored in, critical.Counts only for espresso machines, coffee makers. | 7 | 0% | 43% | -11 |
| Lifestyle Lab Hands-on espresso machine and grinder reviews with clear, critical verdicts.Brands supply the machines; counts while its reviews stay critical. Counts only for espresso machines, coffee makers. | 7 | 0% | 0% | +1 |
| The Stroller Workshop Stroller repair workshop since 2011; side-by-side mechanical tests with clear verdicts; no sponsorship, funded by Patreon and YouTube ads.Counts only for strollers. | 7 | 0% | 14% | -5 |
| Desfit Hands-on fitness wearable reviews. | 6 | 0% | 17% | -1 |
| Dave2D Hands-on laptop and gadget reviews. | 5 | 0% | 40% | -1 |
| Fathercraft Reviews Hands-on baby gear comparisons with clear verdicts.Many of its videos are brand-sponsored, so only videos with no sponsor at all count. | 5 | 0% | 0% | – |
| HDTVTest Calibrated TV and display testing. | 5 | 0% | 0% | -1 |
| Lance Hedrick Measured espresso machine and grinder reviews, unsponsored, critical verdicts.Counts only for espresso machines, coffee makers. | 3 | 0% | 33% | – |
| James Hoffmann Measured coffee equipment comparisons with real criticism; viewer-funded; his roastery doesn't sell the machines he reviews.Counts only for espresso machines, coffee makers, electric kettles. | 3 | 0% | 0% | – |
| sweetsavant Hands-on kitchen appliance reviews that criticise products.Any video sponsored by the brand under review is dropped, as for every channel. | 3 | 0% | 67% | – |
| Rocket Jump Ninja Gaming mouse and peripheral testing. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Erin's Audio Corner Klippel-measured speaker reviews, Patreon-funded; mostly hi-fi, so few matches.Counts only for bluetooth speakers, soundbars, smart speakers. | 2 | 0% | 50% | – |
| Mrwhosetheboss Hands-on phone and gadget reviews. | 2 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Shaving Advisor Small but unsponsored shaver and razor reviews with shave demos and criticism.Counts only for electric shavers. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Steve's Small Engine Saloon Working small-engine mechanic; hands-on mower and blower tests.Mostly repair videos; counts only when a video gives a verdict on one exact model. Counts only for lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, pressure washers. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
| Classy Tech Calibrations TV and projector reviews. | 1 | 0% | 0% | – |
No outlet matches that search.
Recently approved, reviews still being collected: androidauthority.com, backpacker.com, bestcordlessvacuumguide.com, cyclingnews.com, genuinelactation.com, hothardware.com, intheknowcycling.com, laptopmedia.com, moderncastle.com, naplab.com, outdoorlife.com, pcmonitors.info, popphoto.com, riderguide.com, soundandvision.com, thatsourdoughgal.com, theaudiophileman.com, thedrive.com, tonepublications.com, ultrabookreview.com.
Judgement calls
Most outlets pass or fail our tests clearly. These are the cases that took a decision, and the facts behind each.
- Sleepopolis, Mattress Clarity and Mattress Nerd count as one outlet.
- Mattress Clarity's own About page names Pillar4 Media as its owner, and a mattress-comparison site, GoodBed, reports that all three belong to the same company. On the 17 products more than one of them reviewed, their scores were on average 4.5 points apart. Counting all three would give one company three votes on a mattress, so one review per product counts.
- Root Nation is excluded.
- We couldn't find a published testing or review policy. All 36 of its reviews we had collected scored 80 or more, on average 8 points above other critics of the same products, and they came from several language editions of the site.
- One team, one vote.
- Linus Tech Tips and ShortCircuit come from the same team and count as one outlet. Hardware Unboxed and Monitors Unboxed count together with TechSpot, where the same reviewers write. Vacuum Wars, DC Rainmaker and Believe in the Run each count once, whether the review is on their site or their channel.
- Some outlets that are rarely critical stay in.
- CleverHiker field-tests gear with named analysts but mostly publishes products it recommends. Top Ten Reviews and several magazines reach us mostly through tested “best of” guides, which only list products they like. A high share of positive reviews is expected there; they keep the Rarely critical tag so you can see it.
- EFTM is excluded.
- Its named journalists clearly use what they review, but all 7 of its reviews we had collected were positive, scoring 80 to 95. Without any critical verdicts we couldn't confirm it meets our third test.
What we don't count, and why
- Shops, brands and manufacturers, even when their reviews are good: they sell the products.
- Customer reviews, forums and social posts: not professional testing, and easy to fake.
- Consumer Reports: its terms forbid commercial use of its ratings.
- RTINGS: its terms limit its test results to personal, non-commercial use.
- CHOICE (Australia): its ratings and verdicts are for paying members only.
- Sites that block automated reading: we respect their choice and leave them out.
- Sites and channels we checked and excluded: listed by name below.
Outlets we looked at and excluded
These came up in our searches and were checked by hand, but don't meet the tests above in the pages we sampled. Exclusion isn't a judgement of their journalism as a whole, only of whether we can count their reviews. Outlets change, so we look again when asked.
Websites (80)
- 52 Hike Challenge: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Akex: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Alex Reviews Tech: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- AVS Forum: A discussion forum: posts are by users rather than professional reviewers.
- Bennetts: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- BestReviews: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Breaking Muscle: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- BuzzFeed: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Cats.com: We couldn't confirm enough hands-on testing in the reviews we checked.
- CE Sphere: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Chef Approved Tools: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Choose.tv: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Connect the Watts: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Consumer Analysis: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Dashboard Camera Reviews: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Dehumidifier Buyer's Guide: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Digital Reviews: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Domino: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Eater: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- EFTM: Named journalists review hands-on, but every one of its reviews we had collected was positive, so we couldn't confirm real criticism.
- Elle Decor: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Field Mag: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Find My Footwear: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- FitRated: Only some of the reviews we checked showed first-hand testing.
- Fordy Runs: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Future Audiophile: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Gadget Pilipinas: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Garage Gym Experiment: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Garage-Gyms: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- GQ: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Halfway Anywhere: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Hardcore Gamer: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Hiking Feet: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Hunker: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- InsideHook: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- iPhone in Canada: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Knife Knowledge: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Marie Claire UK: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Mattress Millionaires: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Mountaineer Journey: We couldn't identify the reviewers behind the reviews we checked.
- NCOA: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- New Little Life: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- NewsBreak: Republishes reviews from other outlets; we count the original where we can.
- Nomads Nation: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Outdoor Tech Lab: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- PopSugar: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Power Station Lab: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Prevention: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- ProNews: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- ProSettings: Reviews come second to product listings on this site.
- Prudent Reviews: Mostly brand overviews rather than reviews of single products.
- PureWow: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Recording Now: We couldn't identify the reviewers behind the reviews we checked.
- Refinery29: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Review Central ME: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Root Nation: We couldn't find a stated testing or review policy, and its scores ran consistently above other critics'.
- Run Weekly: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Security.org: Has a commercial stake in the products it compares, so we can't treat it as independent.
- SELF: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Shaver Dude: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Sleep Advisor: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Sleep Doctor: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Sound Advice: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Stream Tech Reviews: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Tasting Table: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Tea in Spoons: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Tech We Like: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- TechGuide: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Techsponential: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- The Backyard Mag: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- The Cooking World: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- The Equipment Guide: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- The Run Testers (website): We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- The Shortcut: Mostly first looks and previews rather than full reviews with a verdict.
- The Sleep Judge: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Thumb Culture: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Tribune newspapers (Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, Hartford Courant, The Morning Call, Capital Gazette): Republishes reviews from other outlets; we count the original where we can.
- WWD: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
- Yahoo and AOL (shopping, style and health sections): Republishes reviews from other outlets; we count the original where we can.
- Zelpio: We couldn't confirm hands-on testing of single products in the pages we checked.
YouTube channels (26)
- Bens Appliances and Junk: Verdicts draw on surveys rather than its own testing, and a retailer sponsors videos.
- Big Clive: Teardowns rather than reviews with a buy-or-skip verdict.
- Car Seats for the Littles: No active YouTube channel.
- Chan's Tech Review: The reviews we sampled used brand-supplied units and rarely included criticism or a clear verdict.
- ChargerLAB: Detailed measurements and teardowns, but no buy-or-skip verdicts.
- Chase Reeves: Sells his own products in the category, and runs sponsored videos.
- Crosstalk Solutions: Installs the networking gear it reviews, and one sampled review was sponsored by the brand.
- Curtis Judd: The reviews we sampled often had no clear verdict.
- Darwin onthetrail: Reviews products from his own company.
- Digital Foundry: Technical analysis rather than buy-or-skip verdicts.
- Ethan Chlebowski: A cooking channel; the videos we sampled weren't product reviews.
- Fer's Reviews: The reviews we sampled rarely included criticism or a clear verdict.
- HVAC Guide for Homeowners: Explainers rather than reviews of specific models.
- HVAC School: Trade training rather than product reviews.
- J. Kenji López-Alt: A cooking channel; the videos we sampled weren't product reviews.
- Kyle Rowsell: No recent uploads, and some videos are sponsored.
- Mad Scientist BBQ: Few grill reviews, and some videos are sponsored.
- Magic Beans: A shop that sells the products it reviews.
- Outdoors55: Promotes a product he helped design in the category he reviews.
- Pushchair Expert: Works with the brands it covers, and the videos we sampled had little criticism.
- Ryan Knorr: A brand ambassador for a maker in the category he reviews.
- Smart Home Solver: Mostly sponsored trade-show coverage.
- Smokin' Joe's Pit BBQ: Grills are supplied and sponsored by brands, and the videos we sampled had little criticism.
- Stroller-Envy: No uploads in years.
- Strolleria: A shop that sells the strollers it reviews.
- The Car Seat Lady: Installation guides rather than reviews, and no recent uploads.
Think a source should be added or removed? Write to [email protected].