Methodology

How OurBestBrands decides what earns a recommendation.

Every ranking begins with a buyer decision, not a sponsor list. We define the eligible market, identify the evidence that matters, publish category-specific weights, normalize comparable facts, and only then score candidates. A high score can support a recommendation, but it does not erase material drawbacks or make one option best for every buyer.

1. Define the decision and eligibility

We state who the ranking serves, what problem it is meant to solve, and which products or providers qualify for review. Eligibility rules can include availability, product type, minimum feature set, regulatory status, geographic reach, or other category-specific requirements.

2. Build the evidence set

We prefer primary and authoritative sources where they exist: official terms, fee schedules, specifications, regulatory records, safety data, policy documents, and recognized testing sources. Independent testing and reporting can supplement those sources when firsthand performance or usability matters.

3. Publish the scoring rubric

Each ranking uses a category-specific rubric totaling 100%. Criteria may include price, fees, rates, features, reliability, safety, service, availability, ownership cost, usability, coverage, performance, and other decision factors. The weights shown on a ranking page are the weights used for that ranking.

4. Normalize before scoring

We compare like with like wherever practical. Units, time periods, fees, limits, coverage terms, specifications, and other facts are normalized before scoring. If two facts cannot be compared fairly, we disclose the difference instead of forcing them into one number.

5. Calculate the score

Each criterion is scored on a five-point scale and multiplied by its published weight. A final numeric score is not displayed unless every required criterion has a valid score and the rubric totals 100%. This prevents incomplete research from producing a misleading overall rating.

6. Add buyer-fit judgment

The highest overall score is not automatically the best choice for every person. We identify where each candidate is strongest, who it fits best, what tradeoffs matter, and when a lower-ranked option may be the better decision for a specific use case.

7. Show the evidence trail

Published ranking entries are designed to include the material facts supporting the recommendation, visible pros and cons, a fact-check or review date, and the criteria that drove the result. Unsupported placeholder winners are not published as recommendations.

8. Recheck material changes

Rankings should be reviewed when pricing, rates, fees, product availability, major features, safety information, provider terms, regulations, or other decision-critical facts change materially. A ranking can be revised, suspended, or removed when its evidence is no longer current enough to support it.

Health and wellness coverage

Consumer health and wellness comparisons require additional care. Product specifications and consumer features can be ranked using the same transparent framework, but medical or treatment claims require appropriate evidence and expert review. OurBestBrands rankings are not individualized medical advice.

Editorial and commercial separation

OurBestBrands may earn compensation from some links or partners. Compensation does not guarantee inclusion, a positive review, or a ranking position. Commercial relationships are disclosed on relevant pages and are kept separate from the scoring rubric.