How we choose products
- We prioritize products readers are most likely to consider, based on availability, reader questions, and category relevance.
- We include products with and without affiliate programs.
- Until a product completes hands-on testing, its review is labeled research-based and carries no score.
- Whenever practical, we buy units at retail. If a manufacturer supplies a unit, the review says so.
How scores are weighted
Each hands-on tested product receives an overall score out of 10, built from the four testing pillars plus practical factors.
| Category | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Battery & heat | 30% | Usable capacity versus rating, sustained output, thermal behavior |
| Inverter quality | 25% | Waveform cleanliness, surge handling, sensitive-load behavior |
| Solar recharging | 20% | Real solar input and recharge time versus claims |
| Weather readiness | 10% | Behavior across our temperature range |
| Practical & value | 15% | Usability, portability, warranty, and price relative to performance |
Weights apply within a product category. We do not compare scores across unrelated categories, such as a small power bank versus a whole-home system.
Keeping results comparable
- Every product in a category runs the same procedures, in the same order, with the same loads.
- We record ambient conditions for every test session.
- If a result looks unusual, we rerun the test before publishing.
Retesting & updates
- We revisit picks when a product is revised, discontinued, or substantially changes price.
- Every review shows its last-updated date.
- Corrections are noted on the page with the date and what changed.
Independence
No manufacturer, retailer, or affiliate network can pay for a score, a ranking position, or a review. Manufacturers do not see reviews before publication. Our full policy is on the About page.