Editorial Standards

Our commitment to independent, ethical, and transparent technology journalism. These standards guide every review, comparison, and recommendation we publish.

Last updated: September 2024

Our Core Values

Independence

We maintain complete editorial independence from manufacturers, advertisers, and other commercial interests.

  • All review units are purchased independently or borrowed without conditions
  • No manufacturer influence on review content or scores
  • Clear separation between editorial content and advertising
  • Transparent disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest

Objectivity

Our reviews are based on standardized testing, objective measurements, and consistent evaluation criteria.

  • Standardized testing procedures across all product categories
  • Professional-grade testing equipment for accurate measurements
  • Consistent scoring methodology applied fairly to all products
  • Multiple reviewers for subjective assessments to reduce bias

Transparency

We openly share our testing methodology, funding sources, and editorial processes with our readers.

  • Detailed explanation of testing procedures for each category
  • Clear disclosure of how we acquire review products
  • Open about our revenue sources and business model
  • Published correction and update policies

Reader Focus

Every review and recommendation is made with our readers' best interests in mind, not commercial considerations.

  • Honest assessments of products' strengths and weaknesses
  • Clear guidance on who should or shouldn't buy a product
  • No artificial promotion of products for commercial reasons
  • Regular updates to recommendations as markets change

Editorial Policies

Review Product Acquisition

Purchase Policy

Whenever possible, we purchase review products at retail price using our editorial budget. This ensures we receive the same product quality as consumers and maintains our independence.

Manufacturer Loans

When products are borrowed from manufacturers (typically for expensive or pre-release items), we establish clear terms: no editorial influence, reasonable testing period, and return shipping at our expense.

Gift Policy

We do not accept products as gifts. Any unrequested products received are either returned, donated to charity, or clearly marked as such if reviewed.

Conflict of Interest Policy

Financial Relationships

We disclose any financial relationships with companies whose products we review. Our editorial team members are prohibited from owning stock in companies we regularly cover.

Personal Relationships

Editorial staff must disclose any personal or professional relationships that could influence their judgment of products or companies.

Recusal Process

Team members recuse themselves from reviews where they have conflicts of interest. Alternative reviewers are assigned to ensure objective evaluation.

Content Update Policy

Review Updates

We update reviews when products receive significant software updates, price changes, or when market conditions change substantially. Update dates are clearly marked.

Correction Policy

Errors are corrected promptly and transparently. Significant corrections are noted at the top of articles with explanation of what was changed and when.

Recommendation Updates

Our buying guides and recommendations are reviewed quarterly to ensure they reflect current market conditions and product availability.

Quality Assurance

Editorial Review Process

1
Author Research & Testing
Comprehensive testing period with documented methodology
2
Fact-Checking & Verification
Independent verification of all claims and measurements
3
Editorial Review
Senior editor review for accuracy, clarity, and standards compliance
4
Publication & Monitoring
Post-publication monitoring for reader feedback and corrections

Reader Trust Measures

  • Open Corrections Policy
    Errors are corrected quickly and transparently
  • Reader Feedback Integration
    We actively seek and respond to reader concerns
  • Regular Audits
    Quarterly reviews of our editorial processes and standards
  • Staff Training
    Ongoing training on ethics, accuracy, and best practices

Revenue & Funding Transparency

Affiliate Programs

We participate in affiliate programs with retailers. Commissions from purchases made through our links help support our editorial operations.

Display Advertising

We display advertisements from various technology companies. Advertisers have no influence over our editorial content or reviews.

Editorial Budget

Revenue funds our independent product purchases, professional testing equipment, and staff salaries to maintain editorial independence.

Important: All affiliate links are clearly marked, and we only recommend products we genuinely believe provide value to our readers. Our reviews and recommendations are never influenced by potential commission earnings.

Questions About Our Standards?

We believe in complete transparency and welcome questions about our editorial practices. If you have concerns about our coverage or suggestions for improvement, please reach out.

These editorial standards were last updated on September 7, 2024. We review and update our policies regularly to ensure they reflect best practices in technology journalism.