AWARDS CRITERIA, JUDGING AND GUIDELINES

WHAT ARE THE 2020 CATEGORIES?

 

The What Hi-Fi? Awards 2020 categories are: Accessories, Blu-ray players, Bookshelf speakers, CD players, DACs, Floorstanding speakers, Hall of Fame, Home cinema amplifiers, In-ear headphones, In-ear wireless headphones, Innovation, Multi-room systems, Music streamers, Outstanding contribution, Over-ear headphones, Over-ear wireless headphones, Phono stages, Portable music players, Projectors, Radios, Readers’ Award, Set-top boxes, Smartphones, Soundbars and soundbases, Speaker packages, Stereo amplifiers, Streaming services, Systems, Tablets, Temptation, Turntables, TVs, Video streamers, Wireless speakers.

 

WHY SHOULD I ENTER?

 
  • Winning a What Hi-Fi? Award has a major influence on what consumers buy and what retailers choose to stock
  • Sporting our distinctive Award-winner’s logo on your packaging and promotional material is a clear, instant and trusted indicator of excellence
  • Reward your top-talent for their hard work with an unforgettable Awards ceremony 
  • Entries are completely free!
 

HOW ARE PRODUCTS TESTED?

 

All our product tests are conducted by the most dedicated and experienced team of full-time, independent, expert reviewers, testing products together, as a team, in our bespoke suite of test rooms. We test the widest range of consumer electronics products and accessories, from the smallest in-ear headphones through to huge TVs, state-of-the-art high-end audio and home cinema components. Our Awards highlight the best in each of these categories, price-banded to suit every budget. Every Awards contender – be it a new product submitted during the judging process or an existing class-leader – is tested comparatively alongside its relevant peers. 

 

WHAT IF MY PRODUCT HAS RECEIVED A FIVE-STAR REVIEW?

 

Any product that has already received a five-star review, and that will be on sale at the time of the Awards in November, is automatically considered for entry and need not be resubmitted.

 

WHEN DOES MY PRODUCT HAVE TO BE ON SALE TO BE ELIGIBLE?

 

Any new products entered for the Awards must be on sale in the UK when the Best Buys are announced on the website on Monday, 5th October 2020. Products must be widely available in the UK for at least 10 weeks from the date of the Awards issue (5th November). Any manufacturer providing misleading information on pricing or specification of products will face disqualification from the Awards.  

 

HOW MANY CATEGORIES CAN I ENTER?

 

Manufacturers may enter more than one product per category, but please use your common sense and limit the number of entries to your key products.

 

CAN I EMBARGO MY PRODUCT INFORMATION?

Yes all entry information is strictly confidential until the shortlist announcement on 5th October.

DOES AN ENTRY GUARENTEE WHAT HI-FI? COVERAGE?

All nominated products will be considered for the Awards, but submission does not guarantee coverage within What Hi-Fi?.

If you have any questions, or need any other information about the entry process or the event itself, please don’t hesitate to contact Joe Cox, Global Editor-in-Chief at Joe.Cox@futurenet.com or +44 (0)330 390 6671