How We Rank

1. User Review Index Score (75% of Overall Score)

This score is determined by the quantity and especially the quality score of consumer reviews published on BestCompany.com. Below are the criteria that make up this score, with their respective weights (weights are presented here as a % of the Overall Score):

• Star Rating of Reviews (52.5%) – The average 1-5 star score of a company’s published consumer reviews.
• Number of Reviews (17.5%) – The total number of reviews that have been published about a company.
• Responsiveness to Reviews (5%) – A company’s responsiveness rate to its consumer’s reviews that have a star rating score of 3 or lower.

The “Best Rank” algorithm does not weigh every review the same. Reviews that are from verified paying customers of the company receive a higher weight. Also, reviews that are published within the last 120 days reveive a higher weight. This ensures that the voice of consumers who have recent, meaningful interactions with the company, whether they be positive or negative, play a larger role in determining its overall score.

Lastly, we pride ourselves in ensuring the authenticity of the consumer reviews published on our site. Prior to being published, every review that is submitted on BestCompany.com is examined by our Review Moderation Team. Reviews that are identified as factually inaccurate, fraudulent, and/or purposely misleading are denied publication. For more information regarding our review moderation process please refer to our Review Guidlines.

2. Market Index Score (25% of Overall Score):

This score is determined by comparing how a company stacks up against the rest of the companies in its industry in the following categories:

• Recurring Fees (5%) – The affordability of any fee a company charges its customers on a recurring basis
• One-Time Fees (5%) – The affordability of a company’s up-front or onetime fees it charges its customers.
• Contract or Warranty Length (5%) – The length or term of the contract/warranty to which a company requires/offers its customers to consent upon purchase of the company’s product and/or service.
• Brand Search Volume (2.5%) – The number of online search queries made by consumers that contain the company’s brand name.
• Time in Business (2.5%) – The number of years that a company has provided its products and/or services to consumers.
• Verification of Data (5%) –If the company has “claimed” its profile on BestCompany.com and verified that the information regarding the company is factually accurate.

Disclaimer: If Best Company finds a company is engaged in questionable or fraudulent business practices, is flagged consistently for unethical review solicitation, or is unable to service new consumers in a timely manner, its overall score will receive a penalty until it has resolved the issue. Any such penalties will be disclosed on the company's profile page.