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.

Question 5

How can I become a Best of the Year Media contributor?

Accepted Answer

We welcome freelance journalists and subject-matter experts to pitch ideas by emailing us at hello@bestoftheyearmedia.com.

Question 6

What's the best way to share launch news and press releases for editorial consideration?

Accepted Answer

Our annual Best of the Year Awards is one of the best ways to get your products, services and programs in front of our experts, judges and consumer testers. Outside of the award-submission period, we welcome brands and PR companies to share news, updates, samples and more with our editorial team for editorial consideration.

At Best of the Year Media, we assess all goods and services before including them in any content. Share pitches directly via email with your primary Best of the Year editorial contact or email hello@bestoftheyearmedia.com.

Question 7

What is Best of the Year Awards?

Accepted Answer

Best of the Year Awards is our annual, independent, third-party recognition program that honors excellence across all consumer categories and sectors. The program is grounded in rigorous evaluation, blending expert scientific analysis, editorial integrity, and real-world performance criteria to ensure trusted results. Winners are eligible to license the Best of the Year badge and can take advantage of our expansive promotional tools.

Question 8

How are Best of the Year Media's editorial content and Awards related?

Accepted Answer

Best of the Year Media produces independent editorial content year-round that spans expert advice, tested and trusted recommendations, news, trends and more. We also run Best of the Year Awards, an annual submission-based recognition program, dedicated to spotlighting excellence across all consumer categories. Editorial coverage and awards evaluations are produced independently of each other.

While entering the Awards guarantees a submission gets in front of our experts, it does not guarantee editorial inclusion, unless it's a winner. Being included in our editorial content is not equivalent to entering or winning a Best of the Year Award. All parties interested in the Awards program must complete the full submission process to be considered.

Question 9

How is Best of the Year Awards different from other awards programs?

Accepted Answer

Best of the Year Awards is a single, annual program anchored by one powerful promise that immediately communicates a clear and compelling benefit: BEST. The Awards program is open to all consumer categories, from beauty and wellness to home, travel, food, pets, parenting, personal finance, and beyond. We chose one strong name intentionally to eliminate unnecessary complexity or confusion for those interested in entering.

We also offer a streamlined submission process with a single deadline across all categories (no more tracking countless deadlines and complex fee structures), one-time profile registration, and an account dashboard for easy tracking.

Entries are evaluated using clear, transparent criteria grounded in Best of the Year Media's proprietary 5P Methodology, with assessments conducted by our experts and carefully screened independent judges. At-home consumer testers also provide feedback for a complete, real-world picture of performance.

Every participating brand, winner or not, benefits from our Guaranteed Feedback Loop, with a snapshot of testing feedback available upon request.

Question 10

Who can enter?

Accepted Answer

The Best of the Year Awards is open to all products, services and programs across consumer categories and sectors. The only exception: prescription drugs and procedures. We welcome entries from established brands, emerging startups, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. New launches are welcome, but must be available to consumers at the time the winners are announced. For a comprehensive list of categories, please click here.

Question 11

Can I enter more than one item?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may submit as many entries as you like, either within the same category or across different categories. Our streamlined Awards Portal is designed to support multiple submissions efficiently, making it easy for brands, PR teams, and organizations managing larger portfolios to complete submissions in one streamlined experience. Each entry requires its own submission form and paid entry fee. The entry fee is $495.

Question 12

Can I nominate something for consideration?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We welcome nominations from our community. Simply email us at hello@bestoftheyearmedia.com with the product name and contact information and our team will follow up—please note that a completed submission is still required for formal consideration.

Question 13

How do I submit an entry?

Accepted Answer

We've worked very hard to create an easy, streamlined process to submit entries. Start by creating an account to access our Awards Portal. All you need is a valid email address. You never need to remember a password because you will receive a six-digit verification code via email.

Once you have created an account, you can return to complete existing entries or add new ones anytime through the portal. Make your entry stand out by answering all questions in the Awards portal. Focus on what makes your entry unique. While some questions are mandatory, some are optional and you can stop, save and come back any time.

For any questions during the submission process, email us at hello@bestoftheyearmedia.com. Each submission is complete once all required questions are answered and the entry fee has been paid in full.

Question 14

What happens after I submit an entry?

Accepted Answer

Our team reviews each entry to determine how many samples or additional materials are needed for evaluation. You can always track the status of your entry in the Awards Portal.

Question 15

Do you require samples?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sample requirements vary by category. Our team will work with you directly regarding quantities, timing and logistics.

Question 16

How are Best of the Year Awards winners chosen?

Accepted Answer

The Best of the Year Awards evaluation process is designed to be rigorous, multi-layered, unbiased and fair. Each submission is first reviewed and assessed by the Best of the Year expert team.

Entries are then assigned to qualified, independent judges with relevant category expertise. Judges evaluate each entry using our proprietary 5P Methodology. Next, at-home consumer testers add real-world performance insights to complement the expert analysis and provide a comprehensive 360-degree assessment.

Best of the Year Award winners are selected based on overall excellence across the full evaluation framework, reflecting both how well an entry performs and how it distinguishes itself within its category.

Question 17

What is the 5P Methodology used to evaluate Best of the Year Awards entries?

Accepted Answer

The Best of the Year Awards are evaluated using our proprietary 5P Methodology—a comprehensive yet practical approach designed to assess excellence from multiple angles. Each entry is reviewed across five dimensions that together paint a complete picture of quality, impact, and distinction:

Performance — Does it work? We assess whether the entry delivers on its promises, supported by evidence, testing, and claims integrity. If it doesn't perform as intended, it doesn't move forward.

Purpose — Why does it exist? We look at the intent behind the offering: the problem it solves, the need it addresses, and whether it brings meaningful innovation or improvement to its category.

Planet — Environmental impact: We consider materials, packaging, production choices, and efforts to reduce environmental footprint or support circularity, where applicable.

People — Human and social impact: We evaluate how the product, service, or program affects people—through inclusivity, accessibility, ethical considerations, and contributions to community wellbeing.

Practices — How the business operates: We examine how responsibly the company operates, including transparency, ethical business conduct, and long-term accountability.

Together, these five dimensions allow us to move beyond surface-level reviews and identify what truly makes something worthy of a Best of the Year distinction. While Performance serves as a functional gatekeeper, all five dimensions are assessed holistically to determine the winners.

Question 18

Who are the Best of the Year Awards judges?

Accepted Answer

Our judges comprise internal and external experts, scientists, consumer product experts, subject-matter specialists and professionals, thought leaders, researchers, academics, and more.

Question 19

Can I nominate myself or someone else as a judge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we actively accept self-nominations and third-party nominations for subject-matter experts to serve as judges. Candidates should have deep expertise in a relevant consumer category and a demonstrated track record of thoughtful, independent analysis. We welcome experts from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including academia, industry, journalism, retail, sustainability, and other fields where professionals evaluate consumer products and services for performance, innovation, design, and impact.

To nominate yourself or someone else, simply contact us by email at hello@bestoftheyearmedia.com to receive the Jury Nomination Form. All prospective judges are required to complete a conflict-of-interest disclosure as part of the nomination process. Individuals with a potential conflict may be recused from evaluating specific categories or entries to preserve independence and integrity.

Please note that serving as a Best of the Year Awards judge is a non-paid, independent role, with no financial incentive tied to award outcomes.

Question 20

How much does it cost to enter Best of the Year Awards?

Accepted Answer

The fee per entry is $495. The final step in the submission form includes paying the fee. All fees must be paid in full after completing the entry form through our Awards Portal for the submission to be considered complete. Entry fees are a critical component to ensure an awards program is credible and operates with accountability and integrity.

Question 21

Does paying an entry fee influence award outcomes?

Accepted Answer

No. Entry fees support the evaluation process but do not influence judging, scoring, or award outcomes in any way.

Question 22

Are there any other fees?

Accepted Answer

All winners have the opportunity to license and use the Awards badge. Winners will receive more details on badge usage and related licensing fees at the time they are notified of their win. Licensing fees start at $1,500.

Question 23

When will the winners for the 2026 Awards be announced?

Accepted Answer

The winners for the 2026 Awards cycle will be announced in Q3 2026.

Question 24

How do you notify the winners?

Accepted Answer

Winners of our 2026 Awards will be notified by email using the contact information provided in their Awards Portal account. At that time, we will share more details regarding the embargo period, public announcement timing, and next steps, along with information about winner celebrations and related events.

Question 25

Will you be notifying me if my entry does not win?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will notify the assigned contact person for each entry who didn't make it in this awards cycle via email by the time the winners are publicly announced in Q3, 2026.

Question 26

What does your Guaranteed Feedback Loop mean?

Accepted Answer

Every participating brand, winner or not, benefits from our Guaranteed Feedback Loop, with a snapshot of testing feedback available upon request. This feedback will be available at the end of our 2026 Award cycle in late Q3, 2026.

Question 27

What are the benefits of winning?

Accepted Answer

Winning a Best of the Year Award signals credibility. In a crowded marketplace, it tells consumers, retailers, partners, and the media that the winner has risen to the top through an independent and rigorous evaluation, beyond marketing claims or popularity. For brands, this recognition can build trust at the point of decision, strengthen storytelling with third-party validation, and reinforce long-term quality and accountability. Simply put, it's not just an accolade. It's a meaningful marker of excellence that holds up under scrutiny.

Question 28

If we win, how can we promote the honor?

Accepted Answer

Best of the Year Award winners may license the official Best of the Year Awards badge, along with a suite of approved promotional assets, including editorially-approved language, imagery, and select expert and consumer tester quotes, to amplify their recognition across owned marketing, retail, and communications channels. Winners may also be featured in related editorial coverage on the Best of the Year Media site.

In addition, Best of the Year Media promotes award recipients through its owned and operated channels and via an official newswire press release. Select award recipients may receive additional exposure through external media coverage, including national television, digital platforms, podcasts, or satellite media tours, at editorial discretion.

Question 29

How can I become an at-home tester for the Best of the Year?

Accepted Answer

We welcome you to join the waitlist for our at-home consumer testing community, affectionately named "Besties."

Question 30

What is the Besties community, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

The Besties are Best of the Year Media's at-home consumer testing community. Besties are everyday consumers who participate in select product evaluations to provide real-world feedback alongside expert analysis. Besties community members may be invited to test products, complete surveys, or share usage insights, depending on category and evaluation needs.

Participation is voluntary, and selection is based on a range of factors to ensure diverse perspectives and relevant use cases. All feedback collected is used to inform evaluations and enhance transparency, not as a replacement for expert testing or judging.

Question 31

How can I share my feedback with you?

Accepted Answer

We are a small and mighty team, constantly building new features and welcome your feedback. Email us at hello@bestoftheyearmedia.com.

Question 32

Why do I need an account to use Best of the Year?

Accepted Answer

If you've ever submitted for an awards program, you'll notice we've greatly streamlined the submission process with one-time account creation and payment processing all consolidated in our Awards Portal. Once you create an account you can view your entries in the Awards Portal at any time.

Question 33

How is my data protected?

Accepted Answer

We take data protection seriously. We use industry-standard encryption and never sell your personal information to third parties. See our [Privacy Policy](/privacy) for full details.

Question 34

What is the best way to support Best of the Year Media?

Accepted Answer

Best of the Year Media is an independent media organization built on rigorous evaluation, editorial integrity, and consumer trust. The most meaningful ways to support our work are to engage with our content, share it with others, and participate thoughtfully with our brand, whether as a reader, tester, contributor, or awards participant.

For brands and organizations, participating in the Best of the Year Awards helps sustain our independent testing and evaluation efforts while supporting a transparent, high-standard recognition program. For consumers, following along, providing feedback, and spreading the word helps us grow a community rooted in informed decision-making.

Above all, we value engaged, curious audiences who care about quality, accountability, and better products, and we're grateful to everyone who helps make this work possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Best of the Year Media

About the Best of the Year Awards

Awards Submission Process

Awards Judging & Evaluation

Awards Fees & Licensing

Awards Timeline & Announcements

Community & Consumer Testing

Account, Privacy & More

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