How ConsumerAffairs ranks the top picks in every category
In early 2025, ConsumerAffairs moved to a standardized scoring algorithm for Top Picks. Placement is now determined by performance across every key component for each category.
What are Top Picks?
Top Picks are the set of highest-rated brands on the ConsumerAffairs buyers guides, spanning categories from home warranties to moving companies. Every Top Pick is based on the same methodology, customized for the category.
How ConsumerAffairs determines Top Picks
The same three principles apply in every category.
Once you meet a review threshold to qualify, quality matters more.
To qualify, a brand needs to clear a review quantity threshold within a set time period. After that, the algorithm rewards reviews that describe a strong experience. Because the algorithm runs off the overall sentiment, continuing to collect reviews from every customer will provide an accurate customer experience.
The product and offerings, not just reviews
Objective attributes like cost, availability, and eligibility count too because consumers care whether a product fits their needs.
Relative to other brands in the same category
A brand needs to relatively outperform other brands in the same category. Star rating is generally correlated with ranking; however, a brand’s star rating is not part of the algorithm.
How to increase your chances of becoming a Top Pick
ConsumerAffairs provides independent reviews that reflect real customers’ experiences and real product value.
With that in mind, the best ways to help improve your chances of becoming a Top Pick include:
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Keep inviting every customer to write a review. Once you’ve passed the review quantity threshold, the Top Pick algorithm uses the proportion of your reviews that reflect a strong experience. The reliable way to improve in the Top Picks is to earn reviews from all of your customers. Each new review can impact your position in Top Picks.
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Address complaints. Fix the themes that show up again and again in critical reviews. The algorithm rewards turning complaints into compliments.
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Improve your offerings relative to competitors. Improving offers like price, coverage, or product quality can help close the gap with competitors.
Frequently asked questions about Top Picks
Does review quantity determine my Top Picks placement?
A brand must hit a minimum threshold of reviews over a certain time period to qualify. After that, the content of the reviews matters more than quantity.
Does my star rating determine whether I'm a Top Pick?
No, star rating is not part of the Top Pick calculation. Your star rating is important and visible to consumers, but the Top Pick methodology does not include it.
Can the Aspect Marketplace team move my Top Picks ranking?
No. The Aspect Marketplace team has no influence over editorial outcomes. The ConsumerAffairs Editorial team created Top Picks to reflect true customer experience and product value. Editorial and Marketplace are kept separate for that reason.
What’s the fastest way to move up in Top Picks?
Three things move the needle: keep collecting detailed reviews; address the complaints reviewers mention; and work to improve your product against competitors.
Talk to an Aspect expert
Work with Aspect to learn from customers in order to improve your product offerings.