If you’ve spent any time researching a product online, you came across a lot of resources (and if you didn't find what you were looking for, you might have given up). Whether it’s a baby stroller, educational toys for your toddler, a comfortable pull-out sofa, or the best deal on Apple AirPods, there is no shortage of brands vying for your money in any product category. Since most products require an investment, you not only want the best quality you can find but assurance that it will last.
Sourcing the best recommendations combined with adding extended warranty protection will result in not only quality products at competitive price points, but coverage to protect your product for years to come. So before you start researching and shopping around, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited. For just $9.99 a month, you'll get coverage for all your online purchases under the same product protection plan.
Now let's talk about finding the best quality products, and what online resources you can rely on to provide solid product reviews, ratings and recommendations. We’ve compiled a list of six online resources known for providing accurate and unbiased information, from product review blogs to consumer surveys. These can be your go-to sources when you're looking for trustworthy information on the best products, regardless of the product category.
1. Consumer Reports
For unbiased, data-driven information, Consumer Reports is a fail-safe option for product ratings and reviews. As a non-profit organization, Consumer Reports has been an unbiased source of information for consumers since 1936 (before online reviews were even popular!). Consumer Reports gathers data from surveys, tests, and consumer reviews, and compiles recommendations for the best products with the goal of providing trustworthy information for consumers.
You can search the over 7.7 million products that Consumer Reports has reviewed to get an assessment of the top competing products in a specific category, a score for each product that was tested or reviewed, and other valuable insights to help you make the most informed decision possible. By searching for things like "Consumer Reports mattresses" or "Consumer Reports dishwashers", you can get tons of great product reviews.
2. Wirecutter
Now owned and operated by the New York Times, Wirecutter is another trusted source for unbiased product reviews. With Wirecutter, you’ll find recommendations and reviews based on months of research, analysis, and input from experts and consumers alike. The Wirecutter deals and Wirecutter gift guides are also very popular around the holidays, providing recommendations by gift recipients and product category.
Although Wirecutter requires a paid subscription for unlimited access, you'll still find plenty of valuable insights for free. Wirecutter can help you avoid splurging on products that don’t live up to the hype, have features you don’t need, or don't hold up to normal wear and tear.
This is also why extended warranties are a cost-effective way to extend the life of your products. Shopping with the Mulberry extension and taking advantage of online resources to do you research can help you save money initially and down the road.
3. Good Housekeeping
Good Housekeeping offers more than just food and lifestyle information. While many people might be more familiar with the Good Housekeeping magazine, the Good Housekeeping Institute test thousands of home, beauty, tech, clothing, food and health products to find the best products for you and your family. You'll find product reviews on everything from appliances to mattresses to outdoor living spaces.
Good Housekeeping is based in New York City and takes the art of product reviews very seriously. With staff members from dozens of different disciplines including engineering, culinary, biology, and chemistry experts (and many others), the Good Housekeeping Institute spends each day thoroughly testing thousands of products in order to give you thorough, unbiased review.
4. Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics magazine is a publication that has been around for over 100 years, and along with its website has become a trusted source for countless consumers when it comes to product reviews. From technology to tools, you’ll find reliable, extensively-tested reviews that you can trust (as other consumers have since 1902!).
They also cover a wide range of products like fitness equipment, storage solutions, office furniture and kitchen appliances. There's even a Popular Mechanics for kids subscription, which provides lots of fun activities and games for children. If you choose to get a Popular Mechanics subscription, you’ll also enjoy a print copy of their publication, which they send out 6 times per year.
5. TechRadar
If you're looking for advice specifically on tech gear and equipment, that's what you'll find from TechRadar. This resource focuses on everything technology-related, with the goal of being your go-to source for tech-buying advice and everything else you need to buy and enjoy the tech you love.
They have a rigorous review-testing process, looking at long-term value as well. They update and maintain their reviews regularly so you can be sure you're getting up-to-date info, regardless of when a device was released. They say if you can still buy it, it's on their radar. Though they state that they may earn commission if you purchase products through their site, they are also clear that they do not accept payment for product reviews.
6. Honest Product Reviews
Although there’s a bold claim in the name itself, many consumers agree that Honest Product Reviews lives up to its name. From pet-related items to beauty products to electronics, Honest Product Reviews offers unbiased reviews, side-by-side comparisons, and a consumer-friendly format with minimal ads to make your research process a little less painful.
One important detail to note is that Honest Product Reviews does accept compensation from retailers whose products appear on their site. This means that if you choose to click on an Amazon link on their site, chances are they’ll get some kind of commission or receive a benefit in one way or another. While they still provide quality reviews, it is something to keep in the back of your mind.
Bonus resource: Fakespot
While Fakespot doesn't have a content-based website like the other six resources, it will alert you to the quality of a review as you're shopping on retailer websites like Amazon, Walmart, Sephora, eBay, and Best Buy.
When you install the Fakespot Chrome extension, it will provide you with an analysis of existing reviews on the retailer website, giving them an overall grade of A through F based on trustworthiness. You can also choose to further analyze the reviews for a specific product with the Fakespot analyzer.
Protect your purchases with Mulberry Unlimited
Although navigating the world of product reviews can be daunting, there are resources like these to make it less confusing, and more straightforward when it comes to product research.
Additionally, you can subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited to extend the life of your products and ensure that once you do find a quality product, you'll get the maximum value out of it with product protection.