Welcome to the Filter US, the Guardian’s home for product reviews and recommendations

Our goal is to provide thorough <a href="https://shoppixy.com/how-to-spot-ai-fake-product-reviews/" title="How to Spot AI Fake <a href="https://shoppixy.com/a-majority-of-u-s-tiktok-users-are-there-for-product-reviews-and-recommendations/" title="A majority of U.S. TikTok users are there for product reviews and recommendations”>Product Reviews“>product reviews, guidance on maintaining what you already have, and even advise you on items to avoid. This is your guide to Filter US

Based in the UK? Read our Filter UK product reviews

The market is saturated with low‑quality options. A quick online search for almost any item yields pages of gimmicks, influencer promotions, and disposable plastic waste. The Filter cuts through the clutter so you can purchase fewer, higher‑quality products. Our specialist reviewers have rigorously tested everything from PFAS‑free cookware and raincoats to plush bath towels, an ideal sleep mask, and family board games, ensuring you know which items are worth the investment and built to endure.

We never assume your trust. Our journalists uphold the Guardian’s high editorial standards and follow its code of conduct. All of our pieces are written by people, not AI. We may spend months evaluating a product and often bring in experts—such as the chef who examined 17 rice cookers or the five dermatologists who selected their preferred facial cleansers. To determine the top instant coffees, we collaborated with Drexel University’s food lab and conducted a blind taste test with 85 volunteers.

Our assessments consider whether a product fulfills its purpose, its design quality, and any potential health or environmental impacts. Not every solution requires a purchase, so we also explain how to repair or upgrade existing items and steer you away from deceptive bargains. As a global news outlet, we showcase unexpected choices from around the world, like Mongolian winter wear or the cost‑saving clothes dryers popular in the UK. When you’re buying for someone else, we help you pick meaningful gifts that will surprise and delight.

We operate with complete independence. Companies cannot buy placement in our rankings. If a new or hyped release doesn’t meet our standards, we say so and investigate any dubious marketing claims. Whenever possible, we highlight small businesses.

We’re not here for corporations. We’re here for you, our readers.

What kinds of things do you review?

Our coverage spans everything from the best instant coffee, packing cubes, bike locks and blenders to skin cleansers, wedding gifts and college‑dorm essentials. We recommend “buy it for life” items—high‑quality pieces built to last—such as a cherished chef’s knife, a reliable backpack, durable sandals and socks with lifetime guarantees. We also point out overhyped tech (the new iPhone) and products that truly deliver value (eSIMs for travelers). Stay tuned for more.

Who writes the Filter?

The Filter is produced by the Guardian’s editorial team, and we commission reviewers based on their expertise and independence.

How do you test products?

When ranking products, we believe reviewers need real‑world experience before recommending them. This can involve long‑term home use or destructive testing, where we measure how long a product lasts under stress. We also gather insights from experts and our readers.

We contend that unchecked consumerism harms the planet, so we aim to endorse items proven to endure. We may flag potential risks, such as non‑stick coatings in cookware, and suggest safer alternatives.

Can companies pay to be included?

No. Reviewers select products based on their knowledge and research.

How do you obtain products to test, and what do you do with products once you have tested them?

We request sample units from manufacturers; if none are provided, we purchase the items ourselves. After testing, reviewers either return the products to the companies, donate them to charity, or keep them for ongoing evaluation.

How does the Filter make money?

The Filter earns a small commission when readers click on links in our reviews and make a purchase. This incurs no additional cost to the consumer, and any article containing such links includes a disclosure at the top for transparency.

There are some items for which we do not receive revenue, yet we may still link to them because guiding readers to the highest‑quality choices outweighs any financial gain.

The Guardian is owned by a trust, not by billionaires or shareholders, and is supported by readers and advertising. All profits are reinvested in journalism. Think of the Filter as another way to support our work.

How can readers get in touch?

We welcome your feedback at thefilter.us@theguardian.com. Let us know what you’d like us to review, share your product experiences, or voice any disagreements with our recommendations.

Please also sign up for our weekly newsletter, which offers smart and thoughtful shopping tips.

We are not responsible for the quality or safety of any product you purchase, nor for the content on third‑party sites—see our terms and conditions for more details.