Question 1

What is Best of the Year Media?

Accepted Answer

Best of the Year™ is an independent digital media, awards and insights platform built at the intersection of scientific rigor, editorial integrity, product testing and consumer advocacy. We are an expert-led, community-verified resource for tested, trusted recommendations and advice.

Our mission is two-fold: First, to help consumers make better decisions for themselves and their families; and second, to spotlight brands, products and services that truly stand out with our annual Best of the Year Awards.

Question 2

Where did Best of the Year Media come from?

Accepted Answer

Best of the Year Media was launched in 2025 by a team of longtime Good Housekeeping Institute editorial executives, with deep expertise in consumer advocacy, product testing and awards management.

The Best of the Year Media founding leadership team is Laurie Jennings, Dr. Birnur Aral and Rachel Rothman. The brand emerged from a discussion about how to bring greater transparency, consistency, and credibility to the increasingly crowded awards and review space.

We saw an opportunity to deliver a higher, more transparent standard by leaning into our collective experience and proven credibility evaluating thousands of items and overseeing trusted awards programs.

Question 3

Do advertisers or sponsors have any influence over your content or recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Never. The Best of the Year Media site is an advertising-free environment. It was created this way by design to ensure visitors have a serene, clutter-free experience that's not overrun with nonstop popups, moving ads and distracting, loud messages that we know frustrate readers. We present a calm environment, where you can easily find what you are looking for.

Editorial integrity is paramount. All testing is conducted independently and transparently. Our experts are not influenced by advertising relationships and are required to disclose any potential conflicts. If you buy anything through retailer links on our site, we may earn a commission. We clearly disclose this in our content.

Question 4

Do you use AI or other technology tools in your workflows?

Accepted Answer

We are an independent media company that embraces innovation to serve our audience. We use productivity, design and technology tools, including AI in some cases, to assist with our real-world storytelling and protect privacy. Even when we rely on AI to streamline workflows, the process is always managed by humans and all content is verified by our editors and experts for accuracy.

Longevity, Unpacked

Enter the 2026 Best of the Year^™ Awards

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