Product Review Benchmarks

There is no secret sauce here. We use a simple and repeatable scoring method. Each product is measured against clear criteria. We then blend those results with the average online review rating across multiple retailers. The result is the Verdict Score.

What the Verdict Score Means

• How well the product meets our test criteria
• How customers rate the product across major online retailers

We calculate it the same way for every product. If our hands on checks uncover real world issues that matter, we make a small adjustment and explain why.

Live Benchmark Widget

Here is a sample benchmark view we use for surge protectors and power conditioners.

Our Scoring Building Blocks

1. Criteria scores
   • We define a list of criteria that match the product type
   • Each criterion has a clear target
   • A product earns a score from 0 to 100 for each criterion
     • 100 means it meets or exceeds the target
     • Partial credit if it comes close
     • 0 means it does not meet the target at all
2. Online review rating
   • We collect ratings from several well known retailers
   • We use the average rating across those sources
   • We convert that rating to a 0 to 100 scale
     • 5.0 out of 5.0 becomes 100
     • 4.2 out of 5.0 becomes 84
3. Hands on adjustments
   • During checks we may spot small issues that specs do not reveal
   • Examples include tight plug sockets or crowded outlet layouts that block larger adapters
   • We may apply a small positive or negative tweak so the score reflects real use

Standard Criteria for Surge Protectors and Power Conditioners

We tailor criteria to each product category. For surge protectors and similar devices we commonly use the following targets.

Note: there is no strict rule on the exact number of outlets for a standard surge protector. Our targets reflect what we find suitable in the market today.

How We Calculate Scores

Step 1. Score each criterion

• For every criterion we assign a score from 0 to 100 based on how close the product is to the target
• If the product meets or exceeds the target it receives 100 for that criterion
• If it partially meets the target it receives proportional credit
• Example for cord length with an 8 foot target
  • 6 feet may receive 75
  • 4 feet may receive 50

Step 2. Compute the Criteria Score

• Take the average of all criterion scores
• If we specify weights we use a weighted average
• If no weights are specified all criteria are counted equally

Step 3. Compute the Review Score

• Take the average star rating across selected retailers
• Convert that value to a 0 to 100 scale

Step 4. Combine into the Preliminary Verdict

• By default we blend the Criteria Score and the Review Score with equal weight
• Preliminary Verdict equals the average of Criteria Score and Review Score
• If a category uses different weights we will state them in that review

Step 5. Apply any Hands On Adjustment

• We may adjust the preliminary score slightly up or down based on what we find during checks
• We keep adjustments small and explain the reason in the review

Example: Review of Model X Surge Protector

Assume five criteria with the following results.

• Outlets 100
• Joules 90
• USB A 80
• USB C 100
• Cord length 75

Criteria Score
Sum 100 plus 90 plus 80 plus 100 plus 75 equals 445
Divide by 5 equals 89

Online Review Ratings across retailers
Retailer A 4.5 out of 5
Retailer B 4.3 out of 5
Retailer C 4.7 out of 5
Average 4.5 out of 5 converts to 90 out of 100

Preliminary Verdict
Average of 89 and 90 equals 89.5

Hands On Adjustment
We found that two outlets sit too close to the USB ports and bulky adapters can block them
Small negative adjustment of 1 point

Final Verdict Score
88.5 which we round as stated in the review

Physical Review

At times we adjust the final score if we find minor faults that could be deal breakers for some users. Tight sockets that make plugs hard to insert are one example.

Why Perfect Scores Are Rare

No single product can satisfy every need for every user. We focus on products that strike a good balance across the criteria that matter for their category.

Different Products Use Different Criteria

• A travel surge protector will not be judged on cord length
• A gaming PC surge protector may add noise filtering and peak current handling to the criteria

Quality Control

We fact check and proofread our reviews. If you spot an error or have ideas that can make our work more useful please contact us. Thank you for helping us improve.