WhistleOut Australia :Review Policy


Reviews are a very important part of what we do at WhistleOut. Without them, we’d be flying blind when it comes to recommending the tech, phone, and internet plans that offer the best value for your money.

Our reviews are an authentic account of what it’s really like to use a given product or service and a frank assessment of whether that reality lives up to the hype. No two reviews read the same, but we think that’s a strength. Every device we cover - be it a smartphone, wearable, tablet, or other tech product - is assessed in a moment as unique as the writer responsible for that review. Pretending otherwise isn’t really useful, so we try to embrace that reality and turn it into a strength.

That being said, the ultimate utility of the reviews we publish often relies on some degree of standardisation. To that end, we’ve developed comprehensive criteria to compare and test both products and services.

How we test and review products at WhistleOut

Every product review you’ll find on WhistleOut Australia starts and ends with first-hand experience.

Devices we review are typically loaned to us by the manufacturer, but our reviews are conducted impartially and without financial incentive. When we’re done, the sample is typically returned to the manufacturer. However, there are exceptions to this, such as products where hygiene makes that difficult - such as earbuds or robot vacuum cleaners.

Testing products isn’t just about using them for a few minutes and forming an opinion. We believe a product’s true performance can only be assessed when used as an average consumer would. That’s why we integrate products into everyday life for an extended period, evaluating aspects such as comfort, durability, ease of use, and practicality. Products that feel flimsy or poorly designed tend to snag lower scores, while those with premium materials and practical ergonomics score higher.

Different devices require different types of assessment, but in general, our testing process incorporates a consistent methodology for devices like laptops, smartphones, and headphones.

How we score reviews at WhistleOut

Reviews on WhistleOut are scored out of five possible stars. Here’s a short rundown on what each star represents.

Bad -

Steer clear of this product. It’s not just not worth the money; it isn’t worth the risk.

Disappointing -

A two-star product might even perform as expected for some, but you don’t have to look too hard to find something that offers more value or a better experience.

Fine -

You probably won’t be disappointed by a three-star product, but you probably won’t be all that thrilled either. While a three-star product is perfectly servicable, good, even, it isn't that exciting either. 

Great -

A four-star product does basically everything it says on the tin and does it better than most. Whatever drawbacks there are aren’t enough to detract from the value and experience as a whole.

Fantastic -

Five-star products set a new benchmark for their respective categories, becoming the product that the competition will be compared against for months or years to come.