Why every "best host" list ranks the same 5 companies

Why every "best host" list ranks the same 5 companies

Myth: "This independent review site tested them all objectively."

Then why do the rankings shuffle whenever commission rates change? Big hosting brands pay $65–$200 per signup. A reviewer who ranks the high-payout host #1 earns multiples of one who ranks the better-but-cheaper host. The incentive isn't to find the best host — it's to find the best-paying link.

Ask one question of any review: would this ranking survive if the commissions were flipped? If the answer is no, you're reading an ad with a star rating bolted on.

Reality: "Editor's choice" usually means "highest bidder."