How we score

Every score is explained

We never want you to take a number on trust. Whenever Nexgadgets gives a device a score out of 10, that number is backed by a clear, published method, and the review says which method was used.

Our two evaluation methods

Hands-on. For products we can actually use, we test them first-hand and say how long we spent with them. These reviews carry the most weight because the score comes from direct experience.

Research-based. For hardware we cannot physically test, we do not pretend otherwise. These verdicts draw on published specifications, official benchmark data, and aggregated owner feedback, and they carry a clear “research-based, no hands-on unit” banner at the top of the review.

The scale

Scores run from 0 to 10. The words matter as much as the number:

  • 9.0 and above: Exceptional
  • 8.5 to 8.9: Excellent
  • 8.0 to 8.4: Very good
  • 7.0 to 7.9: Good
  • 5.0 to 6.9: Average
  • Below 5.0: Below par

Every review includes

A clear verdict number, a “Best for” and a “Skip it if” line so you know the right fit, a pros and cons split, and a note on where the score came from. We publish the “how we evaluated” detail on every review.

Editorial independence

Reviews are never paid for. We do not sell coverage, we do not change a score to please a brand, and PR agencies cannot buy a verdict. Where a manufacturer provides a device for review, that never guarantees a positive score.

How we make money

Nexgadgets is reader-supported and advertising-supported. We run display advertising and include affiliate links in some articles. If you buy through one of those links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That commission never changes a verdict. Our full statement is on the Affiliate Disclosure page.

When we get it wrong

If a score should move because of new firmware, a discovered defect, or better-available data, we re-evaluate and update the review, and say what changed. You can always report an error via the Contact page.

Where the data comes from

Research-based verdicts cite the published specifications, benchmark results, and aggregated user feedback they rely on. We prefer tested, cited, first-party data over marketing claims, and we say so when a claim comes from the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions

Does Nexgadgets accept payment for positive reviews?

No. We never sell reviews, accept payment for a score, or let a brand influence a verdict.

What does research-based mean?

It means we could not physically test the device. The verdict draws on published specifications, benchmark data and aggregated owner feedback, and carries a clear banner on the review.

Does a commission change a score?

No. Affiliate and advertising revenue never influences whether we cover a product or the score we give it.