**ZDNET’s Recommendations: What They Mean and How They’re Made**
When you see a “ZDNET Recommends” label attached to a tech product, it’s not just a casual endorsement. The team at ZDNET puts significant time and effort into ensuring their recommendations are trustworthy, data-driven, and genuinely helpful for readers. Each product or service featured goes through a rigorous process of research and hands-on testing, alongside careful price comparisons and a review of customer feedback from real users.
**How ZDNET Selects Products**
ZDNET’s experts don’t just rely on press releases or vendor claims. They gather data from multiple sources, including retailer listings, independent product review sites, and user reviews. The aim is to understand how products perform in real life, what features matter most to everyday users, and how these items stack up against the competition.
Importantly, editorial independence is a cornerstone of ZDNET’s process. While the site may earn affiliate commissions if you purchase through their links, this does not influence the products they review or recommend. Neither ZDNET nor its authors are compensated by manufacturers or advertisers for their editorial opinions, and they have strict guidelines to maintain this separation. If errors or misleading information ever appear in their coverage, ZDNET commits to correcting or clarifying it quickly. Readers are encouraged to report inaccuracies so the team can uphold the highest standards.
**Helping You Shop Smarter**
ZDNET’s primary mission is to empower readers to make informed, smart buying decisions, especially in the fast-moving world of technology. The editors thoroughly fact-check each recommendation and only feature products they believe are genuinely worth your attention and money. Their expertise ensures that you get the most reliable advice, whether you’re shopping for a new laptop, headphones, home entertainment system, or smart home device.
**Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Early Deals and Smart Shopping Tips**
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching (this year falling on November 28 and December 1, respectively), ZDNET’s editorial team is particularly focused on helping readers navigate the flood of deals and discounts. Major retailers like Best Buy have already started rolling out significant price cuts on a wide range of products, from laptops and tablets to gaming consoles and headphones. Best Buy’s official Black Friday event starts November 20, but early deals are already available.
ZDNET recommends checking prices at multiple retailers before finalizing any purchase, as the same product might be available at a lower price elsewhere. Best Buy, for example, is offering exclusive doorbuster deals in the run-up to Black Friday, but it’s wise to compare with other retailers such as Walmart, which may have similar discounts on different models or colors.
A few standout early deals highlighted by ZDNET’s editors include:
- **Apple’s AirTag Value Pack:** A cost-effective way to keep track of essentials. - **Samsung’s 65-inch Frame TV:** On sale with a wall mount included. - **Apple MacBook Air M4:**