How we research our reviews

Where the facts come from

Each review starts from sources we can name: the maker’s specifications and manuals, and the store’s product page with its shipping, return and warranty terms. Many reviews rest on that published information alone. Some also draw on independent tests, measurements or coverage, and those reviews say which. When sources disagree — say, a manual and a product page give different figures — the review says so instead of picking one quietly.

A review with a Sources & verification section lists what it is based on — the maker’s documents, the store’s pages and terms, and any independent coverage, each marked as such — with the date we last read it, and names what those sources couldn’t confirm. Product and model pages are named there but not linked: the buy buttons go to them.

What we don’t claim

Unless a review says otherwise, we haven’t tested the product in person: our reviews are research, not hands-on tests. We don’t show star ratings or review counts from buyers we didn’t hear from ourselves, and we don’t invent quotes or experiences.

How we rate

An editor rates each product from 0 to 5 on that evidence: what you get for the price compared with similar products, the specs and build the sources document, and the seller’s terms — delivery, returns and warranty. The rating is an editorial judgment, not an average of user scores. The review’s pros and cons show what lifted or lowered it, and some reviews sum that up in a “Why” line under the verdict. Ratings compare products of the same kind; a sauna’s score and a headphone amplifier’s don’t rank one above the other.

“Best for” and “Skip if”

The verdict at the top of a review sums up, in a sentence each, who the product suits and who should look elsewhere, based on the same sources.

Prices and the “price checked” date

Prices come from the store’s own page. The date next to a price is the day we last saw it there. Prices, stock and promotions change often, so the price at checkout is the one that counts.

How we make money

The buy buttons on face4store are affiliate links: if you buy after clicking one, the store may pay us a commission at no extra cost to you. Stores can't pay for a review or a rating. Our Affiliate Disclosure has the details.

Corrections

If something in a review is wrong or out of date, please tell us. We fix it and update the review’s date.