MakeUseOf’s mission is to simplify technology for everyone so that they can use and understand all the tech in their lives in practical ways. With product reviews, our technology experts strive to achieve that goal by evaluating the most popular devices available and providing the best buying advice for our readers.
We employ a comprehensive and meticulous approach to product testing, ensuring that each device is evaluated thoroughly before we make any recommendations. The process begins when products arrive at our office in Virginia. Here, our photographer and social media team capture high-quality photos and videos of the device. This initial step is crucial as it provides our readers with a closer look at the product, showcasing its design, features, and any unique aspects that might not be immediately apparent through text alone.
Once the visuals are captured, the product is handed to our expert reviewers. We want to ensure that every device is more than just its benchmarks, so MakeUseOf emphasizes hands-on testing in the real world. This approach allows us to provide insights into how the product integrates into daily life, highlighting practical benefits and potential drawbacks that might not be evident in a controlled setting. For example, we'll test a smartphone's battery life during a typical workday, or play games and edit photos on a laptop, ensuring that the review reflects our actual experiences.
When MakeUseOf is done reviewing a product, if the company or PR agency that supplied the device doesn't want it back, it's returned to our office in Virginia. From there, it can be used by any number of Valnet's publications and editorial departments, including further testing for buyer's guides, head-to-head product comparisons, and guides. When the item is no longer needed, MakeUseOf will donate it to a local charity.
MakeUseOf maintains strict editorial independence in our product reviews. We do not accept sponsorships or compensation from companies in exchange for favorable reviews. Our team has complete autonomy in selecting products for evaluation and crafting unbiased reviews. While we may earn affiliate commissions through qualifying purchases, these commissions do not influence our editorial decisions or product recommendations.
How We Score Reviews
MakeUseOf evaluates products using a 10-point rating system. While reviews are subjective and include opinions, we do our best to combine our real-world experience with the product with testing data on performance, price, and competition to deliver balanced scores.
Here’s how our review scores break down:
- Does Not Work
- Barely Functional
- Severely Lacking in Most Areas
- Functions, but Has Numerous Issues
- Fine, Yet Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
- Good Enough to Buy on Sale
- Great and Worth Purchasing
- Fantastic, Approaching Best-in-Class
- Best-in-Class
- Borderline Perfection
MakeUseOf occasionally updates review scores after publication to reflect significant changes in the product. These adjustments, both positive and negative, are clearly explained in a note at the top of the review.
Staff Pick
At MakeUseOf, we test hundreds of devices each year. The Staff Pick badge signifies that a product is great and worth purchasing. Reviews that score 7 or higher qualify for the Staff Pick award.
Previous recipients of the Staff Pick award include:
MakeUseOf Recommended
The Recommended award signifies MakeUseOf's endorsement of a product. Through testing, we've found such products fantastic and have no reservations about recommending them to our readers. Products that score an 8 or higher typically qualify for a Recommended badge.
Below are several products that received a MakeUseOf Recommended award:
Editor’s Choice
The MakeUseOf Editor's Choice award recognizes products that are the best in their category and outperform the competition. To be considered for the award, the device needs to offer exceptional quality and value for our readers. Once nominated by the reviewer, additional editorial members of the Reviews Department vote on whether they believe the product merits the award.
Several products that have earned the Editor's Choice award are listed below:
Please email us at reviews@makeuseof.com if you have questions about Valnet’s reviews program. For award licensing inquiries, contact valnet@evgmedia.com.