Every review on Deals Radar Lab follows the same process, so you can judge how much weight to give our verdict.
Our reviews are specification-based
We do not physically test the products we review. Instead, we compare them on paper — using the manufacturer’s or provider’s published specifications, pricing, warranty terms and, where they exist, independent test or audit reports — against the closest competitors in the same price range. We link to those sources in every review, so you can check them yourself.
1. Pick the comparison points
For each product category, we choose the specifications that matter most to buyers. A few examples:
- Home and kitchen appliances — power, capacity, energy use, noise level, dimensions, warranty and price.
- Tech and gadgets — performance specs, battery life, compatibility, included accessories, warranty and price.
- Software and online services (such as VPNs) — independent audits, privacy policy, security features, number of devices, the real price billed upfront and at renewal, and the refund period.
Each review lists the exact comparison points it uses.
2. Rate each point
Each product gets a rating on every comparison point, based on how its specification compares with the competing products.
3. Add up the score
We add up the ratings for all points to get the overall score out of 5. The score is a calculation from the specifications — brands and retailers cannot change it, and earning a commission does not change it.
4. Updates
Prices, models and specifications change. Each review shows when it was last updated, and we re-check our top picks regularly.
Read our Affiliate Disclosure to see how the site is funded.