Product review blogs are a go-to resource for consumers looking to make smart buying decisions. These blogs not only help readers choose the right products—they also offer creators a chance to earn through affiliate commissions, sponsorships, and brand collaborations.
By analyzing what makes top product review blogs successful, you can uncover powerful strategies to build credibility, drive traffic, and monetize effectively. In this post, we’ll explore 11 standout examples and the common elements that contribute to their success.
If you’re thinking of starting your own review blog, check out our complete guide on how to launch a successful affiliate review blog.
Need ideas to fuel your content calendar? This list of affiliate marketing blog post topics will help you generate engaging, high-converting articles.
And to speed up content creation without sacrificing quality, consider using one of these top-rated content writing tools.
In This Article, We’ve Covered
- 11 Examples of Tech Blogs
- Common success attributes among these blogs
- How to start a similar blog in steps
Important Note: Please note that metrics like traffic, income, number of posts, and DA can change over time. Websites may also be acquired, rebranded, or even shut down. While we strive to keep this content updated, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy at all times. We recommend verifying details directly from the sources if they are very important in your use case.
11 Successful Product Review Blogs
Briefly tell me about the type of content this blog publishes if I intend to start a similar blog.
- Wirecutter
- The Verge
- TechCrunch
- CNET
- Engadget
- Gizmodo
- MakeUseOf
- Digital Trends
- The Strategist
- PCMag
- OutdoorGearLab
[1]. Wirecutter
Blog’s Overview – Wirecutter is a trusted product review and recommendation blog, owned by The New York Times.
Niche: Product reviews and recommendations
Overview: It covers various product categories, including tech gadgets, home appliances, outdoor gear, and more. The blog focuses on thoroughly testing products to help consumers make informed purchase decisions.
Wirecutter was acquired in October 2016, by The New York Times, which has now merged the site together with “The New York Time’s” own content as one site.
Content Types: Product recommendations, buying guides, and comparisons.
Unique Features: Wirecutter is known for its rigorous testing and research process, often resulting in highly detailed and well-researched product reviews.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Brian Lam [Acquired by The NY Times]
- Monthly Traffic: 2 million visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $500,000
- Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored content, display ads
- Number of Posts: 5,000+
- DA: 91
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 11 years (Founded in 2013)
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[2]. The Verge
Niche: Technology, science, and culture
Overview: The Verge is a technology news and media network that covers a wide range of topics based on consumer tech, science, culture, and product reviews. It’s known for its deep dives into cutting-edge tech products, detailed reviews, and reports on tech-related events and trends.
Content Types: News articles, product reviews, tech guides, and features on science and entertainment.
Unique Features: Combines a sleek editorial style with tech reviews, pop culture coverage, and feature stories on futuristic tech and innovation.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Nilay Patel, Paul Miller, and others
- Monthly Traffic: 1.5 million visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $400,000
- Monetization: Display ads, sponsored content, affiliate marketing
- Number of Posts: 6,000+
- DA: 85
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 12 years (Founded in 2011)
How to start a similar blog like the Verge and make money
[3]. TechCrunch
Niche: Tech news and startups
Overview: TechCrunch is a leading technology blog focused on startups, tech companies, and industry news. The blog covers everything from new product launches, funding rounds, and tech innovations to in-depth profiles of up-and-coming companies.
Content Types: News articles, startup profiles, product announcements, and opinion pieces.
Unique Features: Focuses heavily on the startup ecosystem, with regular coverage of fundraising, IPOs, and innovations in the tech space.
Blog’s Overview
- Founder: Michael Arrington
- Monthly Traffic: 1.2 million visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $350,000
- Monetization: Display ads, sponsored content, affiliate links
- Number of Posts: 8,000+
- DA: 90
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 18 years (Founded in 2006)
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[4]. CNET
Niche: Technology reviews, news, and consumer electronics
Overview: CNET is a trusted source for tech product reviews, news, and
guides, helping consumers make informed decisions on gadgets and electronics. It covers consumer electronics, software, services, and how technology impacts everyday life. CNET is known for its detailed tech product reviews and how-to guides.
Content Types: Product reviews, how-to guides, tech news, and video content.
Unique Features: Known for its comprehensive reviews, CNET also features a strong focus on video content and hands-on demonstrations of tech products.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Halsey Minor
- Monthly Traffic: 2.5 million visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $600,000
- Monetization: Affiliate marketing, display ads, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 10,000+
- DA: 92
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 27 years (Founded in 1997)
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[5]. Engadget
Niche: Consumer electronics and gadgets
Overview: Engadget is a tech blog focused on consumer electronics, gadgets, and emerging technologies. It covers the latest in smartphones, computers, gaming, smart home devices, and other gadgets, providing detailed reviews and news about upcoming releases.
Content Types: News, product reviews, event coverage, and buyer’s guides.
Unique Features: Engadget offers a blend of daily tech news, gadget reviews, and live event coverage, such as product launches and tech expos.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Peter Rojas
- Monthly Traffic: 1 million visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $250,000
- Monetization: Display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 9,000+
- DA: 84
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 19 years (Founded in 2004)
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[6]. Gizmodo
Niche: Technology and science news
Overview: Gizmodo is a tech and science blog that covers gadgets, cutting-edge technology, entertainment, and pop culture. It provides readers with reviews, news on new tech releases, and insights into the intersection of technology and society.
Content Types: News articles, opinion pieces, tech reviews, and science features.
Unique Features: Known for its edgy and irreverent tone, Gizmodo combines tech coverage with pop culture, science, and offbeat news.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Peter Rojas
- Monthly Traffic: 900,000 visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $200,000
- Monetization: Display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 8,000+
- DA: 80
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 21 years (Founded in 2002)
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[7]. MakeUseOf
Niche: Technology and how-to guides
Overview: “MakeUseOf“ provides tech guides, tutorials, and tips on how to get the most out of gadgets, apps, software, and the web.
It focuses on practical advice for everyday tech use and offers detailed “how-to” guides that help users solve common tech problems.
Content Types: How-to articles, software reviews, product recommendations, and tech tips.
Unique Features: Focuses on user-friendly, practical advice that helps readers solve everyday tech problems or learn new skills.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Tamar Weinberg
- Monthly Traffic: 600,000 visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $100,000
- Monetization: Affiliate marketing, display ads, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 5,000+
- DA: 76
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 15 years (Founded in 2009)
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[8]. Digital Trends
Niche: Consumer tech and lifestyle
Overview: Digital Trends is a comprehensive technology blog that covers a wide range of topics, including consumer electronics, gadgets, gaming, lifestyle technology, and automotive innovations.
Content Types: Product reviews, news articles, how-to guides, and opinion pieces.
Unique Features: Offers a mix of tech reviews and lifestyle advice, appealing to a broad audience interested in how technology intersects with daily life.
The site is known for its engaging articles, in-depth reviews, and product comparisons, helping consumers make informed decisions about tech products.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Digital Trends Team
- Monthly Traffic: 1 million visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $250,000
- Monetization: Display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 7,000+
- DA: 80
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 14 years (Founded in 2010)
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[9]. The Strategist
Niche: Product recommendations and reviews
Overview: The Strategist is an affiliate-based review site from New York Magazine that focuses on finding and recommending the best products in various categories, such as home, beauty, wellness, and tech. The blog aims to guide readers to make informed purchasing decisions through curated product lists and reviews.
Content Types: Reviews, product roundups, and shopping guides.
Unique Features: Focuses on curating products based on thorough research and recommendations from experts, celebrities, and editors.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: New York Magazine
- Monthly Traffic: 700,000 visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $120,000
- Monetization: Affiliate marketing, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 2,500+
- DA: 79
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 7 years (Founded in 2017)
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[10]. PCMag
Niche: Technology reviews, guides, and news
Overview: PCMag is a leading authority on consumer and enterprise technology. It offers detailed reviews, tech product recommendations, and analysis of emerging tech trends, focusing mainly on PCs, software, and hardware but also covering a variety of tech gadgets and electronics.
Content Types: Product reviews, how-to guides, comparisons, and tech news.
Unique Features: Known for its testing labs and in-depth reviews, PCMag is a go-to source for serious tech enthusiasts looking for detailed product analysis.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: Ziff Davis
- Monthly Traffic: 800,000 visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $150,000
- Monetization: Display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 5,000+
- DA: 85
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 39 years (Founded in 1983)
This blog specializes in product reviews, tech news, and industry analysis. It provides detailed reviews of hardware and software, alongside buying guides and expert advice for consumers and professionals.
How to start a similar product review blog that makes money
[11]. OutdoorGearLab
Niche: Outdoor gear reviews and guides
Overview: OutdoorGearLab is a blog focused on gear reviews for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing. It offers in-depth product testing and comparisons to help outdoor enthusiasts find the best gear for their adventures.
Content Types: In-depth gear reviews, buyer’s guides, and product comparisons.
Unique Features: Known for its meticulous testing and detailed comparison charts, OutdoorGearLab focuses on outdoor enthusiasts who want expert advice before purchasing gear.
Blog’s Insights
- Founder: OutdoorGearLab Team
- Monthly Traffic: 400,000 visits
- Estimated Monthly Income: $75,000
- Monetization: Affiliate marketing, display ads, sponsored content
- Number of Posts: 1,500+
- DA: 70
- Contact: [email protected]
- Blog Age: 13 years (Founded in 2011)
The Winning Formula of Top Product Review Blogs
After analyzing dozens of six-figure product review sites, I’ve identified the 5 non-negotiable traits they all share. These aren’t just observations – they’re the concrete strategies that separate profitable review blogs from abandoned ones.
1. Deep Review Libraries (500+ Posts)
The most successful review sites maintain exhaustive databases covering:
- Head-to-head product comparisons
- Yearly “best of” roundups (updated religiously)
- Niche-specific buying guides
- “Alternative to X” posts
This depth transforms them into authoritative destinations rather than one-time resources. For inspiration, see how top blogs structure their product review content strategy.
2. Multi-Channel Monetization
Top performers never rely on just affiliate links. Their revenue streams include:
| Income Source | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Affiliate Programs | Deep-linked to specific product pages |
| Display Ads | Premium networks like Mediavine/Raptive |
| Sponsored Reviews | Clearly disclosed paid evaluations |
| Lead Generation | Email lists for product launch alerts |
See real-world examples in these product review blog income reports.
3. Trust-Building Elements
The best review sites establish credibility through:
- Hands-on testing (Actual product photos/videos)
- Transparent methodology (Clear testing criteria)
- Regular updates (Marking outdated reviews)
- User-generated content (Verified buyer testimonials)
Learn how to implement these trust signals in our guide to building authority.
4. Conversion-Focused Design
Every element serves a purpose:
→ Comparison tables for quick scanning
→ Highlight boxes for key takeaways
→ Sticky purchase buttons on long reviews
→ Exit-intent popups for abandoned visitors
Get design inspiration from these high-converting blog themes.
5. Strategic Content Updates
Successful reviewers:
- Re-test products annually
- Update pricing/availability monthly
- Refresh “best of” lists quarterly
- Repurpose old reviews into new formats
This maintenance is why established blogs dominate – they’ve turned their content into evolving assets rather than static posts.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Study other well-performing review blogs in your niche
- Create a blogging strategy that moves you towards your goal
- Avoid common blogging mistakes that can limit your earnings or traffic potential
Key Insight: Most blogs making over $20k+/month treat their site very seriously like a real business, consistently optimizing their content for conversion and implementing strategic SEO tactics. This will help their blog posts rank higher on the top pages of Google to secure consistent traffic with little ongoing effort. In reality, blogging is a journey, not a destination. At the beginning, it’s at its most difficult phase; to some extent, it becomes profitable, easier, but the journey never stops.
Your 5-Step Plan to Launch a Profitable Product Review Blog
Want to build a review blog that actually makes money? Follow this simple, battle-tested process used by top-performing review sites.
Step 1: Pick Your Money-Making Niche
The golden rule: The more specific your focus, the easier it is to rank.
✅ Great Niches:
- “Best [product] for [specific need]” (e.g., “Best Blenders for Smoothies”)
- “[Industry] equipment reviews” (e.g., “Photography Gear for Beginners”)
- “Affordable alternatives to [premium product]”
❌ Avoid: Overly broad categories like “electronics reviews”
(Need Unique Ideas? Check out these profitable blogging niches)
Step 2: Set Up Your Review HQ (15 Minutes)
- Get Hosting: Start with HostGator (Use the Baby Plan for unlimited sites)
- Claim Your Domain: Choose something brandable like GadgetGuideHQ.com
- Install WordPress (One-click setup)
- Pick a Review-Friendly Theme (Look for:
- Comparison table functionality
- Star rating systems
- Fast loading speeds
(Recommended: Best Themes for Review Sites)
Step 3: Create Your First 5 Money-Making Reviews
Follow this proven review structure:
- Headline: “X Review: [Unique Selling Point]”
- Key Features Table (Easily scannable)
- Hands-On Testing Notes (Photos/videos help!)
- Pros & Cons List
- Final Verdict + Affiliate Button
Example First Posts:
- “NutriBullet Pro 900 Review: Is It Worth It in 2025?”
- “5 Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $50”
- “Instant Pot vs. Ninja Foodi: Which Should You Buy?”
See More: Product Review Topics Ideas
Step 4: Monetize From Day One
Don’t wait to start earning:
💰 Amazon Associates (Great for beginners)
💰 Niche-Specific Programs (Higher commissions)
💰 Display Ads (you can monetize immediately with ads or, better still, once you start hitting 1k/month visitors)
Pro Tip: Always disclose affiliate relationships clearly to build trust.
(See earnings potential: Blog Income Examples)
Step 5: Drive Your First 1,000 Visitors
- Optimize for SEO: Target low-competition keywords
- Share on Pinterest: Create eye-catching pins
- Answer Questions on Reddit/Quora (With helpful links)
- Build an Email List (Offer a free buying guide)
What to Expect
- Months 1-3: Focus on publishing 20-30 quality reviews
- Months 4-6: Start seeing consistent traffic
- Month 6+: Scale with ads/sponsorships
Ready to Start? Launch Your Review Blog Today
Explore More Blog Examples
Want to see how other niches build successful blogs? Here are more real-world examples worth studying:
Fashion & Beauty
Examples of fashion blogs – (Includes streetwear, luxury, and sustainable fashion sites)
Lifestyle Categories
Examples of travel blogs
Examples of lifestyle blogs
Examples of food blogs
Business & Finance
Examples of finance blogs
Examples of real estate blogs
Specialized Niches
Examples of tech blogs
Examples of photography blogs
Examples of health blogs
Monetization Models
Examples of affiliate blogs
Examples of product review blogs
See them all: Examples of successful blogs across all categories.
