This is what the different rating scores on senses mean (ratings are on a scale from 1-10):
- 10 – Incredible, an absolute must
- 9 – Fantastic, near perfection
- 8 – Awesome
- 7 – Very good
- 6 – Good
- 5 – OK – you get what you can realistically expect for the price
- 4 – Flawed
- 3 – Bad
- 2 – Very bad
- 1 – Terrible, avoid completely
How senses assigns ratings
The ratings on senses.se are assigned by product experts after careful and independent testing. The testing period naturally depends on the nature of the product, but it is always long and thorough enough for us to judge, as fairly as possible, the experience a user could expect from it (and at the price it cost at the time of testing, which you can see in the info box). The ratings are absolute and a synthesis of several factors. The number of pros and cons obviously has some, but no absolute mathematical connection to the final score; rather, it is a composite overall assessment.
Rating philosophy
Because there is a tendency toward rating inflation, where expectations seem to be that a 7 or higher means a “good” product, we are actively working to change this. 5 is an average score, a completely OK rating where we assess that “an average consumer would feel they received acceptable value for money.” This means that you are neither extremely satisfied nor disappointed, but simply content. This is where most products at a normal price are expected to land.
A 6 means good to us. A 7 is a very good rating, a clear recommendation. 9 and 10 are must-haves, our absolutely most highly regarded buying recommendations, and they are not handed out lightly or generously.
Independence and transparency
Senses is editorially independent. Manufacturers and distributors who send us review units have zero influence over our testing process, our conclusions, or the ratings we assign. We always disclose at the end of each review whether a product was purchased by us or provided as a review unit. We do not accept payment for reviews, and we have no affiliate agreements that influence our editorial judgments. If a product is bad, we say so, regardless of our relationship with the brand.
How we test
Our testing periods vary depending on the product category, but we always aim to replicate real-world usage as closely as possible. Smartphones are tested as our primary device for a minimum of two weeks. Headphones and audio equipment are tested over at least one week across multiple genres, sources, and environments. Smart home products, cameras, and accessories are tested in our homes and offices under everyday conditions. We do not rely on spec sheets or manufacturer claims; every conclusion in our reviews is based on our own firsthand experience.