Because they're typically steeped in subjectivity, product reviews tend to be more effective when grouped together. This is generally why you, the consumer, often want to consult with multiple sources and individual perspectives in order to make an informed decision before you proceed to checkout. So, just to make things a little easier for you, we’ve put together a brief list of places on the Web you might like to go to stock up on opinions about a myriad of products, from gadgets to vehicles to attire to the miscellaneous, before laying down your hard earned cash.
Perhaps the most abundant catalogue of product reviews on the Internet, Epinions, a Shopping.com property, is a megaplex of pretty much everything under the sun that pertains to human lifestyles of all sorts. Indeed, its supply of notes about electronics is vast, but it is also holds its fair share of opinions on travel, restaurants, and food and drink. Suffice it to say that its variety is as much a strength as is the sheer volume of information it manages today.
A bit more rough-cut, but supported by Web-based heavyweights (About.com, NYTCo), ConsumerSearch is touted as a reviewer of reviews. While not the prettiest player in the market, the quantity of information found on its servers is quite large. If you’re willing to forgive its bland interface, you might find it a resource worth visiting and revisiting once in a while.
This one’s an oldie for sure, but still relevant. Some might pass it off as a review source too focused on detailed research and less about connecting consumers with the broadest product list possible, but ConsumerReports has been trusted by a large number of readers for many years, and continues to play a very active role in the field. If nothing else, it’s one more place to go to achieve that well-rounded view you’re seeking.
Amazon is a retail giant, for sure, but its product reviews are a massive resource in and of themselves. Some items will show pages of feedback, while others will show less, or maybe none at all. But taken as a whole, Amazon is a destination as valuable for its convenient shopping mechanisms as for its consumer commentary.
If electronics are your focus, CNET carries some merit among review sites. The in-house review staff at CNET regularly put out text and video reviews of gadgets built for business and personal use, and user input helps to complete the picture. CNET was purchased by CBS not too long ago, and some are expecting the adoptive parent to focus more on the TV-style projects being produced at the technology site, but for the time being, CNET is still a decent choice for aggregate opinion.
We covered Sazze earlier this year when it introduced itself as product review site with a social component, and it continues to look like a solid place for reviews. Its home page highlights a select number of products, and beneath the cover there are thousands more. There’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for here, and each page is laid out intelligently, so it’s all very easy to browse.
Reevoo launched last summer, and in that time it has built itself a bit of an international name with the debut of a French adjunct in March of this year. Simple enough to use, with a database fronted by five main categories - ‘Phones & Computing,’ ‘Entertainment,’ ‘Photography,’ ‘Home & DIY,’ and ‘Toys & Baby’ - Reevoo has quite a lot of reviews and ratings beneath the hood. Take a look, we say. You might like it.
Not to be confused with the option above, Retrevo is sort of a hybrid of reviews and general product information (product manuals, etc.). The site is completely intuitive, and while its presentation of data might not be everyone’s favorite cup of tea, its gets the job done.
You might like it for its name alone, Buzzillions, but past the title, it’s actually a good piece of kit. It has a wide reach across the product realm, and everything is pleasantly wrapped. It is for sure one of the better places to visit among sites listed here.
Another product search and review engine that presents itself as infused with expertise, Crowdstorm is low on material on its front page, which might be a touch disappointing for some visitors, but its method of delivering information is rather interesting. You can browse for products manually, or ask for “expert” advice on stuff you seek to buy. Crowdstorm operates sites for both US- and UK-based audiences.
PEbuzz is one part social network and one part gadget review joint. We offered a few thoughts on the site some weeks back, and while it could definitely use a nicer, more modern exterior, it may well be what you’re after. For what it’s worth, PEbuzz is free to join.
Photo enthusiast are you? Look no further than Digital Photography Review. Covering everything from the latest industry news to detailed - and we mean detailed - product reviews and comparisons, DPR is the place you want to go for anything to do with digital imagery.
RateItAll has some decent offerings. It likes to tout lists having to do with anything deemed culturally or consumeristically (not part of the official lexicon, but we’ll go with it all the same) significant by the populace. Will this serve you well? That depends. If you’ve read this far, it’s safe to assume you’re privy to lists. And RateItAll is right down that alley. The site also offers applications for Facebook and MySpace users.
