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How Gizmodo Tests Products

Gizmodo is committed to providing accurate, reliable, and unbiased reviews. Our testing process ensures that every product we review is thoroughly evaluated, allowing you to make informed decisions when purchasing tech products. Read on to learn more about our processes and journalistic standards.

How we choose products to review

We prioritize products that we think will be the most relevant and interesting to our audience. We don’t favor any brand or manufacturer, and companies do not compensate us for reviewing their products. We aim to cover big, established brands as well as emerging, lesser-known companies.

How we review and benchmark

Our review process combines real-world testing with synthetic benchmarking, depending on the type of product we are reviewing. We strive to use these products like you would in your daily life. Most of our benchmarking tools are publicly available, though we use very specific testing methodologies to ensure all products are tested under the same or very similar conditions.

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How we score reviews

All products we review are given a score. Our 5-star rating system is based on several factors, including design, ease of use, performance, and pricing. Anything rated 3 or higher is considered a good product. Certain products may score high enough to receive the additional honor of the “Gizmodo Recommends” badge; the most impressive items earn the “Gizmodo Editors’ Choice” designation.

Gizmodo Editors Choice Logo 2024 Black badgeGizmodo Editors’ Choice
Products that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovative features, impeccable design, and great value are candidates for an Editors’ Choice badge. We also consider a product’s potential post-launch support and long-term reliability. Only products that receive our highest review scores (4 stars and higher) are eligible to receive the Gizmodo Editors’ Choice badge.

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The Gizmodo Recommends badge indicates a strong endorsement of a product. It may be the best choice for a specific price point, do one thing especially well, or simply be a delight to use.

Gizmodo Best Of Ifa Logo 2024 BlackGizmodo Best Of Show (CES, IFA, PAX, MWC, etc)

Best of Show awards are given during trade shows. They can be awarded to any product at an event that has a demonstration, such as a hands-on or guided demo. They are for products that impressed us in a short amount of time and left us excited for the future.

Ethical Review Practices

Gizmodo maintains complete editorial independence and does not accept payments for reviews or recommendations. Any affiliate links, sponsorships, or partnerships are clearly disclosed.