We've tried Fakespot and Review Meta: the former frequently detects an outsized proportion of fake reviews, while the latter will be in opposition (bias promoting affiliate link purchases?). It's getting discouraging when on a quest to buy light bulbs, every vendor is approaching a score of 60% review reliability.

Very often, the Amazon Top Pick has the worst reputation on review analysis sites.

Frequently, to short-circuit paralysis by analysis, we just buy the least worst item. Or a meaningless name brand at thrice the price (I'm looking at you, Philips) with equally dismal results. We're finding that garden variety consumer electronics are a landmine of knockoffs with poor quality and short lifespans. Just looking for a decent outdoor timer ended up an epic rabbit hole (and we're on a third try).

Is it really that bad? What has your experience looked like, and have you found tools to help? Thanks.