How We Research and Rank

Ezvid Wiki publishes ranked lists of everything from batteries to tents. This page explains how a list is put together, what we don't do, how the site makes money, and how to report a mistake.

How a list is made

Before we shortlist anything, we work out which features really separate one model from another in the category, such as battery life, capacity, size or compatibility. Those decision factors, and how much each one matters, become the scoring guide for the list.

Most lists start from 15 to 25 current candidates: strong sellers in the category, the picks of reputable publications, and whatever is already on our list. The strongest candidates get a closer look, using these sources:

Makers' specifications, manuals and datasheets. Dimensions, weights, capacities and warranty terms come from the maker's own documents wherever they exist. Manuals also show setup problems and maintenance needs that a listing leaves out.
Standards and regulations. We note the rules that apply in a category, such as safety standards for toys and button-cell batteries.
Independent tests, where they exist. Lab results and long-term reviews from other publications help confirm or question makers' claims.
Patterns in owner reviews. In owner reviews and forum discussions we look for problems that several owners report independently, such as a clip that breaks or a size that runs small, and we watch for signs of fake reviews. We don't republish retailers' star ratings or quote their reviews.
Recall and safety checks. Every brand on a list is checked against recall records from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and from Health Canada or other agencies where they apply. Anything for young children must have a maker's age range that fits, and we leave out anything with a choking warning.

Picks are chosen and ordered against the category's decision factors:

Number one is the best in its class or an outstanding value, never simply the most expensive model. We include cheaper or less obvious picks when they suit how people really use this kind of gear.
We aim for 10 picks, but only strong ones. A shorter list beats a padded one, so some lists have 5 to 9 picks.
We leave out near-duplicates, models with a consistent defect in recent owner reports, and models that are discontinued or replaced by a newer version.
In fast-moving categories such as phones, laptops, routers and TVs, we favor models released within the past year.
Where the category allows, a list includes at least three brands. Luxury, professional or industrial models that don't fit the main list may appear as special honors.
Every pick gets honest drawbacks as well as strengths.

All text is our own; we don't copy makers' or retailers' descriptions. Prices shown as "about $N" come from retailer listings at the time of research and change often, so check the retailer before you buy. Before a refreshed list goes live, every buy link is matched to the exact model we describe, every spec needs a source, and the text is checked for claims we can't support.

What we don't do

We don't accept payment for placement or rankings. Brands can't buy a spot on a list or a better position on one.
We don't accept sponsorships, free merchandise or samples from the brands we cover.
The 3D models at the top of many refreshed lists are illustrations built from published dimensions and photos. They aren't photos or scans of items we own.

How we make money

Ezvid Wiki earns money through affiliate commissions. When you follow a link from our pages to a retailer and buy something, the retailer may pay us a commission. It doesn't change the price you pay.

As an Amazon Associate, Ezvid Wiki earns from qualifying purchases. We also link to other retailers, such as eBay and Target, and may earn commissions from some of them.

Commissions don't decide what goes on a list or in what order. A pick earns its place through the research above, and special honors usually link straight to the maker's own website.

Updates

We refresh lists on a rolling basis. A refresh re-checks every pick on the list, replaces the ones that no longer meet our standards, and updates the text, specs and prices. On a refreshed list, the date under the title shows when it was last updated. Lists that haven't been refreshed yet were written to our earlier standards.

Each refresh adds a dated editor's note that records what changed: what came in, what went out, and why. Earlier notes stay on the page, so you can see how a list has changed over time.

Corrections

If you spot a mistake, such as a wrong spec, a broken link, or an item that has been recalled or discontinued, please email us at [email protected] (see our contact page). Include the page address and what's wrong. When we confirm an error, we correct the page and note the correction in its editor's notes.

Who we are

Ezvid Wiki is published by Ezvid, Inc. The site grew out of the community around Ezvid's video software and has published buying guides since 2011. Refreshed lists are signed "Ezvid Wiki Admin," the account our editorial team publishes under. Older lists show the name of the writer who first wrote them.

To learn more, read About Ezvid Wiki, or contact us.