Reviews you can't trust
Star ratings are the first thing most people check, which is exactly why they get gamed. BuyWise looks at whether the ratings and reviews on a page look like they come from real buyers.
Signs of fake or unreliable reviews
- A near-perfect rating from only a handful of reviews.
- Short, generic praise that could describe any product.
- Many reviews that sound alike or repeat the same phrases.
- Almost all 5-star and 1-star reviews, with little in between.
- Reviews that describe a different product or version.
Mixed reviews
Real buyers disagree. That's normal. Read the 1 to 3 star reviews: if the complaints are about things you don't care about, it may still be right for you.
Good to know
In the US, the FTC banned fake reviews and buying positive reviews in 2024, but plenty still slip through.