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Methodology

How we score

One number from 4 to 10, from the maker's own specs.

Last updated

Every score is shown as a number out of 10, like 8.6/10. It only uses specs the maker publishes, so you can check every input on the product page.

The formula

Each spec is placed on a fixed scale from worst (0) to best (1). We multiply it by its weight and add them up. The total maps to the score: 4 + 6 x total. A product at the bottom of every scale scores 4.0/10; one at the top of every scale scores 10/10.

If a spec is missing, its weight is dropped and the rest are rescaled. If specs covering under 60% of the weight are known, the product gets no score.

Why fixed scales

A product's score never changes because we add another product. Two scores from different months still compare.

What the score leaves out

Price, build quality, sound and comfort. The score is a spec summary, not a review. A value part (specs per dollar) comes once live store prices are on.

Weights and scales by category

Laptops

Laptops score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Memory20%832
Storage10%2561000
Refresh rate15%60240
Brightness10%250600
Portability (lower weight)20%2.61.1
Battery capacity25%4090

Monitors

Monitors score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Refresh rate30%60360
Resolution (megapixels)25%2.078.29
Response time (lower)20%50.03
Brightness25%250600

Headphones

Headphones score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Battery life35%2060
Noise cancelling25%01
Multipoint15%01
Weight (lower)25%350220

Earbuds

Earbuds score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Battery life per charge35%410
Noise cancelling25%01
Water resistance (IPX level)20%07
Multipoint20%01

Gaming headsets

Gaming headsets score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Battery life40%20100
Weight (lower)30%400250
Wireless10%01
Driver size20%4053

Mice

Mice score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Weight (lower)35%14050
Polling rate25%1258000
Battery life40%40150

Keyboards

Keyboards score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Hot-swap switches30%01
Polling rate30%1258000
Battery life40%20200

Webcams

Webcams score weights and scales
SpecWeightWorstBest
Max resolution30%2.078.29
Max frame rate25%30120
Autofocus20%01
Field of view25%6590

Consoles, handhelds, controllers and microphones have no score yet: their key specs don't rank well on one scale.

More on sources and updates: methodology.