Editorial Policy

Our promise is simple: clear, evidence‑based recommendations tested on real doorways—independent of brand influence and transparent about how we earn money.

Editorial Independence

• We do not accept payment for coverage or favorable placement.
• Review units may be purchased at retail or borrowed as short‑term loaners with no guarantee of inclusion or positive results.
• Editors have final say over picks, test protocols, and headlines.

Methodology and Standards

• We test on real porches, hallways, and storefronts across climates.
• Core metrics: alert latency, detection accuracy (person/package), false‑alert rate, night visibility, audio quality, uptime, weather resilience, Wi‑Fi performance, battery life, and lifetime cost (device, accessories, wiring, subscriptions).
• We document firmware versions, test dates, and configurations. When firmware changes materially, we re‑test.

Ratings and Picks

• Scores are derived from measured results plus fit to “Porch Profiles” (renter‑safe, HOA‑friendly, long‑driveway, high‑traffic sidewalk, storefront, etc.).
• We clearly mark trade‑offs and list who should not buy a product.

Product Sourcing and Returns

• If purchased at retail, receipts are kept for auditing. Loaners are returned or donated after testing. We do not accept gifts that could influence coverage.

Corrections and Updates

• We correct factual errors promptly with a dated note.
• Major updates receive version notes explaining what changed and why.

Conflicts of Interest

• Staff and contributors must disclose financial ties to relevant companies. Anyone with a conflict is recused from coverage.

Affiliate Disclosure and Monetization

• Some outbound links are affiliate links; if you purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
• Affiliate status never determines whether we cover a product or where it ranks.

Image, Video, and Evidence Policy

• We prefer unedited media captured in our tests. Any edits are limited to cropping, exposure, or privacy masking (faces/addresses).

Privacy and Neighbor Safety

• We prioritize privacy zones, signage, audio controls, and ethical testing that avoids capturing bystanders when possible.

Reader Feedback

• We invite challenge and replication: email [email protected] with your results or questions. Substantive reader findings may trigger re‑tests.

Use of AI Tools

• We may use AI for drafting outlines or organizing notes. Human editors control all conclusions and final copy. We do not let vendors review drafts.

Compliance

• We adhere to FTC guidance on endorsements and affiliate disclosures and follow applicable consumer protection laws.