How we rank products
Every ranking on this site is calculated, not hand-picked. Here is the whole method.
1. Specs come from the manufacturer
We enter only figures the manufacturer publishes and link the page we used under every product. If a figure isn't published we show "Not listed" instead of guessing.
2. Each spec is scaled from 0 to 1
Each criterion has a fixed reference range, from a "weakest reasonable" value to a "best in class" value (for example 40 to 70 dB of preamp gain). A product's figure is placed on that range and clamped between 0 and 1, so scores stay meaningful as products are added. For specs where lower is better, such as weight or noise, the range runs the other way. Yes/no features count as 1 or 0. The ranges are listed below.
3. Weights decide what matters most
Each category lists its criteria and weights on the page. The score is the weighted average, multiplied by 10:
score = 10 × Σ(weight × scaled value) ÷ Σ(weight)
4. Missing data is neutral
If a spec isn't published, the product gets the category median for that criterion, so it is neither rewarded nor punished. A few criteria that only apply to some products (like condenser-mic self-noise) are skipped instead, and their weight is removed for that product.
5. Prices and ratings switch on automatically
When our retailer feeds supply a current price or customer rating for at least 60% of products in a category, two more criteria join the formula: Price / value (20%) and Customer rating (15%, discounted when there are few reviews). Until then we show "Check price" and never estimate a price.
6. What the score can't tell you
Specs don't capture sound character, build feel or software quality. Use the score to shortlist, then read the pros, cons and sources. When we add hands-on testing notes, we label them clearly.
7. Money never changes the order
We earn affiliate commissions from some retailers. Commission rates are not an input to the formula, and no brand can pay for placement. See our affiliate disclosure.
Criteria by category
Audio Interfaces
- Mic preamp gain: 25% · range 40 → 70 dB
- Input dynamic range: 20% · range 100 → 120 dB
- Monitor output dynamic range: 15% · range 100 → 130 dB
- Preamp noise (EIN): 15% · range -120 → -131 dBu
- Mic preamps: 10% · range 0 → 2
- Max sample rate: 5% · range 48 → 192 kHz
- Loopback: 5% · yes/no
- 5-pin MIDI I/O: 5% · yes/no
Vocal & Podcast Microphones
- Low-frequency limit: 20% · range 100 → 20 Hz
- High-frequency limit: 20% · range 12 → 20 kHz
- Max SPL: 15% · range 110 → 145 dB SPL
- Self-noise: 15% · range 25 → 4 dBA · skipped when not published
- Connection options: 30% · range 0 → 2
Studio Headphones
- Low-frequency limit: 25% · range 30 → 5 Hz
- High-frequency limit: 15% · range 16 → 40 kHz
- Weight (no cable): 25% · range 400 → 200 g
- Impedance: 20% · range 300 → 16 Ω
- Driver size: 15% · range 30 → 50 mm
Studio Monitors
- Bass extension: 35% · range 90 → 40 Hz
- Amp power per speaker: 25% · range 20 → 100 W
- Max SPL: 25% · range 90 → 110 dB
- Upper frequency limit: 15% · range 16 → 40 kHz
MIDI Keyboard Controllers
- Keys: 20% · range 0 → 61
- Drum pads: 20% · range 0 → 16
- Knobs / encoders: 15% · range 0 → 9
- Faders: 15% · range 0 → 9
- Key aftertouch: 15% · yes/no
- 5-pin MIDI out: 15% · yes/no
AI Mastering Tools
- Free to try: 30% · range 0 → 3
- Reference matching: 20% · yes/no
- Runs in your DAW / offline: 20% · yes/no
- 24-bit export: 15% · yes/no
- Album / batch mastering: 15% · yes/no