How PCMag grades

Across 178 products that PCMag and at least one other outlet scored, PCMag's score sits 0.09 below the consensus on average, on a 5-point scale. That makes it number 6 of 17 from toughest to most generous among the outlets we track.

-0.09

average gap from the consensus

4.01

average score, of 5

products scored below the others

scored above (30 level)

Where PCMag was toughest

Product	Printed	Of 5	Consensus	Gap	Outlets
OWC Express 1M2 Best External SSD Enclosures	3.5/5	3.50	4.40	-0.90	5
Elgato Facecam Pro Best Webcams For Streaming	3/5	3.00	3.82	-0.82	6
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones	3.5/5	3.50	4.30	-0.80	5
Samsung Galaxy Ring Best Smart Rings	3.5/5	3.50	4.28	-0.78	5
BenQ PD3220U Best 4K Monitors	4/5	4.00	4.67	-0.67	3

Where PCMag was most generous

Product	Printed	Of 5	Consensus	Gap	Outlets
Razer Pro Type Ultra Best Wireless Keyboards	4.5/5	4.50	3.35	+1.15	4
Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 Best Air Purifiers	4/5	4.00	3.10	+0.90	2
Wyze Scale X Best Smart Scales	4.5/5	4.50	3.88	+0.63	4
Fitbit Charge 6 Best Fitness Trackers Under $200	4.5/5	4.50	3.91	+0.59	5
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) Best iPad Stylus Alternatives	5/5	5.00	4.42	+0.58	3

By category

Categories where PCMag scored 3 or more products.

Best Smart Glasses-0.08 · 6 products
Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems-0.15 · 5 products
Best Smart Rings-0.44 · 4 products
Best Instant Cameras-0.26 · 4 products
Best Over-ear Headphones-0.01 · 4 products
Best Smartwatches-0.16 · 4 products
Best Smart Thermostats-0.01 · 4 products
Best USB-C Monitors+0.11 · 4 products
Best Webcams For Streaming-0.26 · 3 products
Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers-0.37 · 3 products

Every comparison

Sorted from toughest to most generous. The printed score links to PCMag's review. The consensus is the average of every printed score on that product, PCMag's included.

Product	Printed	Of 5	Consensus	Gap	Outlets
OWC Express 1M2 Best External SSD Enclosures	3.5/5	3.50	4.40	-0.90	5
Elgato Facecam Pro Best Webcams For Streaming	3/5	3.00	3.82	-0.82	6
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones	3.5/5	3.50	4.30	-0.80	5
Samsung Galaxy Ring Best Smart Rings	3.5/5	3.50	4.28	-0.78	5
BenQ PD3220U Best 4K Monitors	4/5	4.00	4.67	-0.67	3
TP-Link Archer GE800 Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers	3.5/5	3.50	4.18	-0.67	4
Eero 7 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems	3/5	3.00	3.63	-0.63	5
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 Best Instant Cameras	3.5/5	3.50	4.13	-0.62	4
TP-Link Archer BE230 Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers	3.5/5	3.50	4.08	-0.58	5
Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD Best PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSDs	3.5/5	3.50	4.04	-0.54	7
Eero 7 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems For Large Homes	3/5	3.00	3.50	-0.50	3
Brother ADS-4900W Best Document Scanners For Home Office	4/5	4.00	4.50	-0.50	2
Chamberlain B5330 Best Garage Door Openers	4/5	4.00	4.50	-0.50	2
Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test Best Dog Dna Tests	4/5	4.00	4.50	-0.50	2
Rokid Glasses Best Smart Glasses	3/5	3.00	3.50	-0.50	2
Sonos Era 100 Best Smart Speakers	4/5	4.00	4.50	-0.50	5
JBL Charge 6 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers	4/5	4.00	4.49	-0.49	7
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED Best OLED Gaming Monitors	4/5	4.00	4.49	-0.49	7
Roborock Saros Z70 Best Premium Robot Vacuums	3/5	3.00	3.47	-0.47	3
RingConn Gen 2 Air Best Smart Rings	3.5/5	3.50	3.97	-0.47	6
Instant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart 10-in-1 6 Quart Pressure Cooker Best Instant Pot	3.5/5	3.50	3.95	-0.45	5
Logitech MX Keys S Best Wireless Keyboards	3.5/5	3.50	3.95	-0.45	4
Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition Best Mini PCs For Video Editing	3/5	3.00	3.43	-0.43	3
Amazon Echo Show 15 Best Smart Displays	3.5/5	3.50	3.93	-0.43	3
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Best Noise Cancelling Headphones	4/5	4.00	4.43	-0.42	6
DJI RS 4 Mini Best Camera Gimbal Stabilizers	4/5	4.00	4.42	-0.42	6
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Best Over-ear Headphones	4/5	4.00	4.43	-0.42	6
Corsair K70 Core RGB Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100	3.5/5	3.50	3.90	-0.40	2
Corsair MP700 Pro SE Best PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSDs	4/5	4.00	4.37	-0.37	7
Kobo Libra Colour Best E-readers	3.5/5	3.50	3.88	-0.37	4
Asus ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG Best OLED Gaming Monitors	4/5	4.00	4.38	-0.37	2
Oura Ring Gen 4 Best Smart Rings	4/5	4.00	4.35	-0.35	4
Soundcore Boom 3i Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers	3.5/5	3.50	3.85	-0.35	2
Corsair Frame 4000D RS ARGB Best Mid Tower PC Cases	4/5	4.00	4.35	-0.35	2
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid Best Instant Cameras	3.5/5	3.50	3.85	-0.35	3
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC Best PC Gaming Controllers	4/5	4.00	4.35	-0.35	2
Bose SoundLink Max Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers	4/5	4.00	4.34	-0.34	7
Razer Viper V3 Pro Best Gaming Mice	4/5	4.00	4.33	-0.33	3
Logitech Z407 Best Desktop Computer Speakers	4/5	4.00	4.33	-0.33	3
Gigabyte MO27Q28G Best OLED Gaming Monitors	4/5	4.00	4.33	-0.33	3
Dell UltraSharp U3224KB Best Color-accurate Monitors For Video Editing	4/5	4.00	4.33	-0.33	3
reMarkable 2 Best E-Ink Tablets	3.5/5	3.50	3.83	-0.33	2
Even Realities G2 Best Smart Glasses	3/5	3.00	3.33	-0.33	3
Technics EAH-AZ100 Best Wireless Earbuds	4/5	4.00	4.32	-0.32	5
Epson FastFoto FF-680W Best Document Scanners For Home Office	4/5	4.00	4.32	-0.32	3
Sony WF-1000XM6 Best Wireless Earbuds	4/5	4.00	4.30	-0.30	6
Petcube Bites 2 Lite Best Dog Cameras	4/5	4.00	4.30	-0.30	3
OnePlus Watch 3 Best Smartwatches	4/5	4.00	4.27	-0.27	3
Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS) Best Handheld Gaming PCs	4/5	4.00	4.27	-0.27	3
Sony A1 II Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Apple Mac Studio M3 Ultra Best AI Workstations	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max Best Air Purifiers	3.5/5	3.50	3.75	-0.25	2
TP-Link Deco BE63 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 BE10000 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Dreo Pilot Max Smart Tower Fan Best Tower Fans	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
DJI Osmo Action 6 Best Action Cameras For Travel	4.5/5	4.50	4.75	-0.25	2
Beatbot Sora 70 Robotic Pool Cleaner Best Robotic Pool Cleaners	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Oneplus Watch 2R Best Smartwatches	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Epson QS100B Best Ultra Short Throw Laser Projectors	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Lian Li Lancool 207 Best Mid Tower PC Cases	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Best Photo Printers	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Brother HL-L2460DW Best Laser Printers	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Glowforge Aura Best Laser Engravers	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
SNOOZ Original White Noise Machine Best White Noise Machines	4/5	4.00	4.25	-0.25	2
Polaroid OneStep 2 Best Instant Cameras	3.5/5	3.50	3.75	-0.25	2
Epson LW-PX800 Best Label Makers	4.5/5	4.50	4.75	-0.25	2
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) Best Smart Displays	4/5	4.00	4.22	-0.22	4
AndaSeat Novis Gaming Chair Best Gaming Chairs	4/5	4.00	4.20	-0.20	5
Rode PodMic Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting	4/5	4.00	4.20	-0.20	2
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) Best Smart Thermostats	4/5	4.00	4.18	-0.18	7
Fitbit Inspire 3 Best Fitness Trackers Under $200	4/5	4.00	4.18	-0.18	5
TP-Link Tapo C210 Best Indoor Security Cameras	3.5/5	3.50	3.68	-0.18	3
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Best Gaming Mice	4/5	4.00	4.17	-0.17	3
Roborock Qrevo Curv Best Premium Robot Vacuums	4/5	4.00	4.17	-0.17	5
Ultrahuman Ring Air Best Smart Rings	3.5/5	3.50	3.67	-0.17	3
Ricoh ScanSnap iX2500 Best Document Scanners For Home Office	4.5/5	4.50	4.67	-0.17	3
ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Best Chromebooks Under $500	4/5	4.00	4.17	-0.17	3
Amazon Smart Plug Best Smart Plugs	3.5/5	3.50	3.67	-0.17	3
Samsung T7 Shield Best External SSDs	4/5	4.00	4.18	-0.17	4
Corsair EX400U (1 TB) Best External SSDs	4/5	4.00	4.17	-0.17	3
Epson SureColor P900 Best Photo Printers	4.5/5	4.50	4.67	-0.17	3
HTC Vive Pro 2 Best VR Headsets	4/5	4.00	4.17	-0.17	3
JBL Authentics 500 Best Smart Speakers	3.5/5	3.50	3.67	-0.17	3
Herman Miller X Logitech Embody Gaming Chair Best Gaming Chairs	4/5	4.00	4.15	-0.15	6
Hisense U8QG 65-inch Mini-LED (65U8QG) Best 4K TVs	4/5	4.00	4.15	-0.15	3
Shure MV7+ Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting	4/5	4.00	4.15	-0.15	2
iRobot Roomba Combo Essential Robot Vacuum Best Robot Vacuums Under $500	4/5	4.00	4.15	-0.15	2
Samsung Odyssey G9 Best Ultrawide Monitors	4/5	4.00	4.13	-0.12	4
Garmin Vivosmart 5 Best Fitness Trackers Under $200	3.5/5	3.50	3.63	-0.12	6
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best Smartwatches	4/5	4.00	4.13	-0.12	2
Netgear Orbi RBE773 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems For Large Homes	4/5	4.00	4.10	-0.10	4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Best Android Tablets	4/5	4.00	4.10	-0.10	2
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best GPS Running Watches	4/5	4.00	4.10	-0.10	3
Steam Controller Best PC Gaming Controllers	4/5	4.00	4.10	-0.10	2
Dell Alienware AW2725DF Best 1440p 144hz Gaming Monitors	4.5/5	4.50	4.58	-0.08	4
BenQ PD3225U Best Color-accurate Monitors For Video Editing	4/5	4.00	4.08	-0.08	5
Amazon Smart Thermostat Best Smart Thermostats	4/5	4.00	4.06	-0.06	4
Logitech StreamCam Best Webcams For Streaming	4/5	4.00	4.05	-0.05	6
ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM Best USB-C Monitors	4.5/5	4.50	4.54	-0.04	5
Brother MFC-L3780CDW Best Laser Printers	4.5/5	4.50	4.53	-0.03	2
Google Nest Audio Best Smart Speakers	4/5	4.00	4.03	-0.03	3
Sony α6700 Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel	4/5	4.00	4.01	-0.01	5
Dell U2723QE Best 4K Monitors	4.5/5	4.50	4.50	0.00	2
Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release) Best Video Doorbells	3.5/5	3.50	3.50	0.00	2
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Best Gaming Mice	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	3
Panasonic Z95B Best OLED TVs	4.5/5	4.50	4.50	0.00	3
Keychron Q1 HE Best Mechanical Keyboards	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	8
Etekcity HR Smart Fitness Scale Best Smart Scales	4.5/5	4.50	4.50	0.00	2
Nextbase 522GW Best Dash Cams Under $200	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	5
eero Pro 7 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	5
Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE) Best USB-C Monitors	4.5/5	4.50	4.50	0.00	2
MSI Katana 15 HX Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	3
HP OmniBook 5 14 Best Budget Laptops Under $700	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	5
Acer Aspire 14 AI Best Budget Laptops Under $700	3.5/5	3.50	3.50	0.00	2
Apple Pencil (USB-C) Best iPad Stylus Alternatives	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	2
DJI Mini 4 Pro Best Drones with Camera Under $1000	4.5/5	4.50	4.50	0.00	3
GoPro Max 2 Best 360 Cameras	4.5/5	4.50	4.50	0.00	3
Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 Best Tower Fans	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	2
First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector Best Water Leak Detectors	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	2
Google Pixel Watch 4 Best Smartwatches	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	2
Wisdom Panel Premium DNA Kit Best Dog Dna Tests	4.5/5	4.50	4.50	0.00	2
Roku Streaming Stick Plus Best Streaming Devices	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	3
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Best Smart Glasses	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	3
RayNeo Air 4 Pro Best Smart Glasses	4/5	4.00	4.00	0.00	3
Bose QuietComfort Headphones Best Over-ear Headphones	4/5	4.00	3.99	+0.01	4
NETGEAR Orbi 770 Tri-Band WiFi 7 Mesh System Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems	4/5	4.00	3.98	+0.02	6
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor Best Air Quality Monitors	3.5/5	3.50	3.47	+0.03	3
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Best Wireless Earbuds	4.5/5	4.50	4.46	+0.04	5
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Best Photo Printers	4/5	4.00	3.95	+0.05	3
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X Best Over-ear Headphones	4.5/5	4.50	4.44	+0.06	7
Meta Quest 3 Best VR Headsets	4.5/5	4.50	4.43	+0.07	9
Eufy E220 Indoor Cam Best Indoor Security Cameras	4.5/5	4.50	4.42	+0.08	3
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra Best Webcams For Streaming	4/5	4.00	3.90	+0.10	5
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Best Smart Thermostats	4/5	4.00	3.90	+0.10	4
Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat Best Smart Thermostats	4/5	4.00	3.90	+0.10	3
Viture Beast Best Smart Glasses	4.5/5	4.50	4.40	+0.10	3
Tapo RV30 Max Plus Robot Vacuum Best Robot Vacuums Under $500	4/5	4.00	3.88	+0.12	4
Asus ZenWifi BQ16 Pro (2-Pack) Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems	4.5/5	4.50	4.38	+0.13	4
Netgear Orbi 870 Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers	4/5	4.00	3.88	+0.13	4
Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Best Paper Shredders	4.5/5	4.50	4.38	+0.13	2
Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW) Best Color-accurate Monitors For Video Editing	4.5/5	4.50	4.37	+0.13	3
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Best Open-ear Headphones	4/5	4.00	3.85	+0.15	2
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Best Instant Cameras	4/5	4.00	3.83	+0.17	3
Roku Streaming Stick (2025) Best Streaming Devices	4/5	4.00	3.83	+0.17	3
HP Series 5 Pro 14-Inch WQXGA Portable Monitor (514pn) Best Portable Monitors	4.5/5	4.50	4.30	+0.20	5
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Best Smart Displays	4/5	4.00	3.80	+0.20	3
Apple MacBook Neo Best Budget Laptops Under $700	4.5/5	4.50	4.29	+0.21	4
Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 Best Portable Monitors	4.5/5	4.50	4.28	+0.22	6
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus Best Android Tablets	4/5	4.00	3.78	+0.23	4
Kobo Elipsa 2E Best E-Ink Tablets	4/5	4.00	3.78	+0.23	4
Mac mini M4 Pro 64 GB Best AI Mini PCs for Local LLM	4.5/5	4.50	4.25	+0.25	2
Dell UltraSharp U3225QE Best USB-C Monitors	4.5/5	4.50	4.25	+0.25	2
MSI Modern MD272UPSW Best USB-C Monitors	4/5	4.00	3.75	+0.25	2
Acer Nitro V 16 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500	4/5	4.00	3.75	+0.25	2
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Best Android Tablets	4.5/5	4.50	4.25	+0.25	2
Hisense L9Q 4K Triple Laser UST Projector Best Ultra Short Throw Laser Projectors	4.5/5	4.50	4.25	+0.25	2
Brother MFC-L2900DW XL Best Laser Printers	4/5	4.00	3.75	+0.25	2
Fi Mini Best Dog GPS Trackers	4/5	4.00	3.75	+0.25	2
Viture Pro 2 Best Smart Glasses	4.5/5	4.50	4.25	+0.25	2
JBL Endurance Peak 3 Best Wireless Running Headphones Under $200	4/5	4.00	3.74	+0.26	5
Logitech Pop Icon Keys Best Wireless Keyboards	4/5	4.00	3.74	+0.26	4
Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni Best Premium Robot Vacuums	4.5/5	4.50	4.20	+0.30	4
Yale Assure Lock 2 Best Smart Locks	4/5	4.00	3.70	+0.30	5
Bose QuietComfort 45 Best Over-ear Headphones	4.5/5	4.50	4.20	+0.30	6
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Best PC Gaming Controllers	4.5/5	4.50	4.20	+0.30	3
Rachio WiFi Smart Sprinkler Controller (8-Zone Irrigation Remote Control) Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers	4.5/5	4.50	4.15	+0.35	2
Nothing Ear (Open) Best Open-ear Headphones	4/5	4.00	3.52	+0.48	5
NETGEAR Orbi RBE972S Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems For Large Homes	4/5	4.00	3.50	+0.50	3
Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Robotic Pool Cleaner Best Robotic Pool Cleaners	4/5	4.00	3.50	+0.50	2
HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo Best Resin 3D Printers	4.5/5	4.50	4.00	+0.50	2
Crucial T705 Best PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSDs	5/5	5.00	4.48	+0.52	8
Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni Best Robot Mops	4.5/5	4.50	3.95	+0.55	4
Logitech MX Master 3S Best Wireless Mice	5/5	5.00	4.45	+0.55	4
Shelly Flood Gen4 Best Water Leak Detectors	4/5	4.00	3.43	+0.57	3
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) Best iPad Stylus Alternatives	5/5	5.00	4.42	+0.58	3
Fitbit Charge 6 Best Fitness Trackers Under $200	4.5/5	4.50	3.91	+0.59	5
Wyze Scale X Best Smart Scales	4.5/5	4.50	3.88	+0.63	4
Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 Best Air Purifiers	4/5	4.00	3.10	+0.90	2
Razer Pro Type Ultra Best Wireless Keyboards	4.5/5	4.50	3.35	+1.15	4

Updated Nov 8, 2026. Only scores PCMag printed on its own page count; numbers read out of article text or video by software are left out. We don't test products. How we measured this.