PlaycousticPlaycoustic

Editorial Policy

Our Promise to Readers

Playcoustic exists to help you play longer and communicate clearer. Editorial independence is non‑negotiable: our testing, scoring, and recommendations are driven by user outcomes—not by brands or retailers.

Independence and Monetization

We may use affiliate links. If you buy through those links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commission relationships never influence our coverage, scores, or picks. We do not accept payment for positive coverage and we do not run pay‑for‑placement lists.

How Products Are Chosen

We select products based on reader interest, platform coverage, availability, and technical significance (new chipsets, driver designs, or wireless stacks). We disclose when a sample is provided by a brand and apply the same tests and criteria to all products.

Review Process

  • Standardized bench tests for comfort endurance, comms clarity, latency, and setup friction.
  • Multi‑tester sessions representing different head sizes and glasses fit.
  • Cross‑platform verification on PC/PS5/Xbox/Switch/mobile where applicable.

Scoring and Recommendations

Scores reflect performance in player‑critical areas. We explain trade‑offs and publish platform caveats so you can choose confidently. If a product improves via firmware, we update the review and note the change.

Corrections and Updates

If we make an error, we correct it promptly and add an editorial note describing what changed and why. Readers can request corrections at [email protected].

Ethics and Conflicts

Contributors must disclose any potential conflicts (e.g., prior employment with a manufacturer). Individuals with conflicts are recused from relevant coverage.

Sourcing and Evidence

We prefer first‑hand testing. When citing third‑party data (standards, specs, research), we link sources and provide context. Marketing claims are verified before inclusion.

Community Feedback

We welcome reader reports on firmware, compatibility, and long‑term durability. Substantial findings trigger retests where feasible and are credited in update notes.