Our methods
How we test and score
One honest number, and exactly how we get it
Every product page leads with The Shortcut Score: two numbers that tell you what the experts think and what we think.
The media score
We gather published reviews from trusted outlets and convert each rating to a 0–100 scale. A 4 out of 5 becomes 80, and an 8.5 out of 10 becomes 85. The media score is the average of those reviews.
- We only show a media score once at least three reviews are in. Until then, the product reads "Soon."
- Every review card links back to the original review, with the reviewer's name and headline. We round up their work. We don't replace it.
- When an outlet doesn't publish a number, our editors assign an adjusted score from the review's verdict and note it.
The editor's score
Our own verdict, from a Shortcut editor who used the product. It sits next to the media score, so you can see when we agree with the crowd and when we don't.
What the colors mean
| Score | Label |
|---|---|
| 90–100 | Must-have |
| 80–89 | Very good |
| 75–79 | Good |
| 60–74 | Mixed |
| 0–59 | Skip it |
A review counts as positive at 70 or higher. That's the "6 of 6 reviews are positive" line on each product.
Prices and deals
Prices come from the stores we link to and are checked regularly. "Lowest price" marks the cheapest in-stock store. "How much should I pay?" is our editors' advice on what a good deal looks like.
Money never moves a score
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Stores and brands can't pay for a better score, a higher spot or a review. See our affiliate disclosure.