How we test products

As product experts, it’s our mission to deliver top-quality, thoroughly evaluated product recommendations to you, our audience. We aim to create objective, helpful review content covering the health, fitness, and wellness industries. Here’s how we achieve it.

Why you should trust us

Each piece is published on Fortune Recommends, written, reviewed, and approved by a team of medical professionals, fact-checkers, and certified experts. Each product we recommend is vetted and often hands-on tested by expert product testers. Our testing process involves rigorous evaluation across a variety of categories so we get a complete picture of the item’s performance and value. We never recommend a product we don’t fully stand behind or expect our audience to love.

How we test

We aim to test every product featured in Fortune Recommends. That means completing rigorous, disciplined, hands-on evaluations in a lab setting performed by professional product testers. We prove that we’ve done the work by including custom images shot during the testing process.

We may occasionally include products we haven’t yet had the chance to test. We update our reviews after testing them for several weeks or months. Until then, we rely on advisors’ expertise to conduct thorough research when determining the best choices to include in our lists.

Even though we earn commission through affiliate links and sometimes receive free products for editorial consideration, all of the opinions we share are 100% our own. Not every product we test will make it to our published reviews—our primary focus is endorsing products that meet our high standards.

How we score products

Each product category’s testing needs have been carefully considered, and we’ve created a detailed scoring rubric for each one. We assign every product a score for each category in its rubric, and rather than average those scores together, we weigh them based on what’s most important. Then, we average them to create the cumulative score. The result is a precise system to sort the excellent products from the less-than-stellar.

How we receive products

Sometimes, brands may send us samples of their product for editorial consideration. That does not guarantee that the products will be featured or featured favorably. We are committed to 100% honesty and transparency—if that means calling out the product’s bad features just as much as the good ones, that’s what we’ll do.

Often, we purchase products independently to evaluate the purchasing process from a consumer’s perspective. If a checkout process is frustrating or shipping fees are high, we want you to know that before you buy. If we need to engage with customer service, you can bet we’ll tell you about that, too.

Our categories

How we choose the best mattresses

Healthy sleep starts with your mattress, which is why we’re serious about our mattress reviews. You can read the full testing methodology here. We rate mattresses on the following criteria:

Sleep experience: Factors like temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support, and mattress technology can play a huge part in sleep quality. We test these factors across a variety of sleep styles and needs.
Comfort and support: Firmness, pressure relief, spinal alignment support, and customization options combine to create a comfortable mattress. Using multiple sleep testers, we can better determine which mattress fits each sleep type.
Value: This category isn’t just about the lowest price point—it’s also about the best value for your money. If a mattress’s construction, materials, and features are worth more than its price tag, we’ll mention that—and vice versa.
Customer experience: Between shipping costs, unwieldy boxes, and lack of firsthand testing, buying a mattress online can be a hassle. This category evaluates the customer’s experience, from warranties to sleep trials to company communication.
Health and safety: A mattress is more than just a surface. It’s the space you spend eight hours (we hope!) of your day. So, factors like allergies, sensitivities, and off-gassing are crucial when shopping for mattresses.

How we choose the best strength equipment

We rely on the expertise of seasoned personal trainers, strength coaches, and home gym experts to test and evaluate equipment. We then determine the best equipment for every training style and gym size. You can read the full testing methodology here. Each piece of equipment is rated on the following criteria:

Performance: Durability, versatility, and material quality are essential factors for gym equipment. They need to hold up to daily use and not break down in the middle of a set.
Customer experience: Gym equipment is a significant purchase—you want to feel secure in your choice. That’s why we factor in warranty, shipping costs, setup, packaging and delivery, and customer service.
Value: We leverage our expert knowledge to sort the pricey products from the hidden gems. Our evaluators know the industry deeply, with insights into the market and how much a piece of equipment should cost.
Size: Size matters when choosing gym equipment, whether working with an entire garage or the corner of a room. We pay close attention to a product’s footprint and versatility for its size.
Extra options: From matching colors to adjustable features, we’ll let you know when a product goes above and beyond.

How we choose the best cardio equipment

Cardio equipment is a highly individualized category, so we utilized our personal trainer and strength coach resources to determine the best fit for every user. You can read the full testing methodology here. We rate products in these categories:

Performance: The most important thing is how well a piece of equipment performs—and how well it helps you perform. We consider material quality, durability, and versatility.
Customer experience: Good customer experience signifies a good purchase. Factors like warranty, shipping costs, setup, package and delivery, and customer service help you feel confident in your investment.
Value: A more expensive piece of equipment doesn’t always mean higher quality. We utilize our deep industry knowledge to determine a product’s “true” cost.
Size: If a product provides an excellent experience with a small footprint, that’s typically a plus. We aim to provide picks for gyms of all sizes.
Extra options: Training programs, built-in speakers or fans, and other additional features can bring a product’s value from good to great.

How we choose the best fitness programs

Fitness programs aren’t one-size-fits-all, so we aim to help you find the program that fits your specific needs and desires. You can read the full testing methodology here. These are the categories we evaluate:

Program design: A good fitness program explains the “why” behind the workout, offers options for a wide variety of users, and incorporates longevity features like rest days and gradual ramp-up in training.
Value: We factor personalization, technology, and fair price into a program’s overall score.
Extra options: If a program offers additional programs, coaching, and tech extras, we consider that a plus for the user experience.
Customer experience: An app is useless if it’s not user-friendly and reliable. We also examine reviews, cancellation experiences, and free trials when determining a program’s score.

How we choose the best recovery products

Recovery is essential—and when making a large purchase like a sauna or cold plunge tub, you want to know you’re treating your body to the best. You can read the full testing methodology here. Here’s what we consider when testing recovery products:

Performance: Factors like temperature range and stability, durability, ease of use, and power demand all matter when considering a recovery product purchase.
Design and safety: Safety is, of course, first and foremost a consideration. We look at size, accessibility features, material safety, certifications, and safety features just as much as performance.
Value: Value lies at the intersection of performance, durability, quality, and financial investment.
Customer experience: We factor in shipping costs and times, assembly, warranty, and customer support, as those features can help you feel confident in your purchase.

How we choose the best nutrition programs

There are thousands of nutrition programs online—we help you find the best one for you. You can read the full testing methodology here. We assess nutrition programs by evaluating the following factors:

Program design: An excellent program should explain the “why” behind nutrition science, be adaptable to various lifestyles and preferences, be sustainable, and offer realistic expectations.
Value: Features like food tracking, tools, recipes, and a fair price can help you feel like you’re getting a good return on your investment.
Extra options: Secondary features like coaching, community support, education, and workouts can help make a lifestyle change more manageable.
Customer experience: Free trial periods, reviews, reliable technology, and customer service are all factors to consider when choosing a nutrition program.

How we choose the best supplements

Supplements can fill key nutritional deficiencies in your diet. But because they’re a consumable item, safety is a critical consideration. You can read the full testing methodology here. We evaluate these products on the following factors:

Efficacy: We look at clinical evidence, calories per serving, dose efficacy, synergistic effects, and proprietary blends to determine a product’s overall efficacy.
Safety and side effects: Consumers should have confidence in their supplements, so we consider reported side effects, third-party testing, manufacturer accreditation, and artificial sweeteners.
Value: Beyond just the price per serving, we determine the combined factors that deliver an excellent return on investment.
Customer experience: Factors like ease of purchase, shipping, returns, and customer support all add up to a consumer’s overall experience.

How we choose the best meal delivery programs

Meal delivery programs can impact a user’s life but can also be a pricey lifestyle addition. We help consumers make an informed choice. You can read the full testing methodology here. We assess meal delivery programs by testing the following factors:

Meal choices: Deliveries shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all, so we consider meal options, substitutions, guidance, and label transparency.
Food quality: Factors like flavor, healthiness, and freshness keep you coming back for more, so they matter when determining the meal delivery program that’s right for you.
Value: A reasonable value for many consumers includes a competitive price, multiple quantity options, and customization ability.
Customer experience: When something goes wrong in an order, the user should expect to find friendly customer service. Innovative packaging, easy preparation, and user reviews also matter.

How we choose the best teletherapy

Over the past few years, teletherapy services have emerged to provide flexible, accessible solutions to those seeking mental health improvement. We recognize that user needs vary widely, so we hope to match users to their perfect program. You can read the full testing methodology here. We assess teletherapy by evaluating the following:

Therapist quality: A teletherapy app is only as good as the therapist it provides you. We look at factors like expertise, personalization, and interaction quality to put a number to the experience.
Accessibility and convenience: Ease of use, therapist availability, and platform reliability can be the difference between a lackluster teletherapy program and a helpful one.
Cost and value: Mental health services can, unfortunately, be a privilege for people who don’t have insurance that covers it. We evaluate insurance and coverage, pricing transparency, and value for money to provide a complete picture of a service’s cost.
Support and resources: Access to additional resources can boost mental health long after a therapy appointment. Features like supplementary materials, customer support, and aftercare are essential to consider.
Privacy and security: A user’s data should be protected, particularly in the sensitive teletherapy space. We look into each service’s compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws, encryption and security measures, and options for anonymity.

How we choose the best hearing aids

Hearing aids don’t just amplify sound; they help users communicate and navigate the world around them, improving their quality of life in the process. You can read the full testing methodology here. We test hearing aids on the following factors:

Performance: Sound quality, noise reduction, feedback control, programmability, and connectivity all separate the best hearing aids on the market from ones that miss the mark.
Features: These days, hearing aids are designed with better-than-ever features, like durability, battery life, hearing loss range, wireless connectivity, water resistance, and safety features. We evaluate how well they work and how reliable they are.
Value: Value includes purchase price and considerations like durability, performance, maintenance costs, insurance coverage, and financing options.
Customer experience: We look at each hearing aid’s shipping time, packaging, warranty, and customer support to get a complete picture of its value and usefulness.

How we choose the best medical alert systems

Medical alert systems offer peace of mind and timely help in emergencies. Our review process combines hands-on testing with insights from professionals to help you choose the best system for your needs and preferences. You can read the full testing methodology here. We test these categories:

Reliability and response: Response time, signal range, battery life, water resistance, and fall detection are all factors that matter most during emergencies.
Ease of use and accessibility: All users, regardless of technology proficiency or ability level, should be able to access medical alert systems easily. That’s why we test wearability, voice clarity and volume, setup and use, and accessibility features.
Value: Price is essential when considering medical alert systems. We determine a system’s overall cost by determining initial cost, ongoing fees, contract flexibility, included features, add-on features, and insurance.
Customer experience: Shipping, warranty, and customer support all directly influence user satisfaction and, therefore, users’ ability to trust the service during emergencies.

Meet our team

Our expert writers

Each of our writers is a subject matter expert in their field, from licensed therapists to certified sleep science coaches to registered dietitians and more. They’re selected for their extensive experience on the page and in their fields and their ability to clearly, concisely, and accurately explain the topics.

Our editorial team

Fortune Recommends’ editors ensure the clarity, accuracy, and helpfulness of each piece you read on our site. They come with years of experience editing for digital publications. Their goal is to leave no grammar mistakes unchecked and no statement unverified.

Our reviewers

Every piece published on our site has been checked and approved by an expert reviewer. Our roster includes a health and human sciences professor, a board-certified doctor of internal medicine, a registered and licensed dietitian, and a licensed clinical professional counselor.

These reviewers scrutinize each piece for medical and scientific accuracy and provide up-to-date information in their fields. They critique where necessary and provide additional context where helpful.

Our pieces are reviewed by the expert that best aligns with the subject, and feedback is considered and implemented before publication. Each piece is published with the official approval of its reviewer.

Our fact-checkers

When medical claims or facts are involved, delivering accuracy, truth, and clarity is especially important. That’s why all Fortune Recommends content has been examined line-by-line by a professional fact checker. Our fact-checkers are explicitly experienced within the health and wellness fields. They ensure every claim is verified and backed up by the latest studies and professional guidance. We also cite and list our sources at the bottom of each piece for transparency.