How we test.
What we cover, how we get products, how we compare them, and the lines we don't cross. Written so you can hold us to it.
Our promise
We're a small editorial team producing product reviews and buying guides for real buyers. We choose what to cover, we test where we can, and we say what we actually think — including the parts that aren't flattering.
We earn a commission when readers buy through our links. That's how we fund the work. It never buys a better score, and it never buys a spot on a "best of" list.
How we choose what to review
Selection is driven by:
- Reader demand. Questions in our inbox, gaps in what's out there, categories where the existing coverage is thin or obviously sponsored.
- Category depth. Once we start a category, we commit to it — a single review in isolation isn't useful.
- Something to say. If we can't add a real point of view versus what's already been written, we skip it.
How we test
Each review falls into one of two lanes, and we say which up top:
- Hands-on tested. We buy or receive the product and use it for a real span of time — days for consumables, weeks for wearables, months for anything meant to last. We photograph what we actually own, not stock shots.
- Thoroughly researched. When hands-on isn't practical (limited stock, regional availability, safety-sensitive categories), we say so plainly. We cross-check specifications, aggregate verified owner reviews, and interview real users where we can.
Every "best of" list uses the same criteria across every product on it. Where we can measure, we measure. Where we can only judge, we say what we're judging on.
What we won't do
- Accept editorial input from brands in exchange for coverage.
- Rewrite a review after publication because a brand asked us to.
- Recommend a product we haven't personally used or thoroughly researched.
- Publish a "best of" list where every entry conveniently ships from one retailer.
- Hide affiliate relationships. See our disclosure page.
How we handle updates
Prices, availability, and successor products change. When we substantively update a piece — new testing, revised pick, replaced product — we change the "Last updated" date and note what changed at the top. Cosmetic edits (typos, image swaps) don't reset the date.
Talk to us
Corrections, requests, or hard questions: editorial@affluencerhub.com.