The Verge’s ethics policy means you can’t keep those free gadgets — and that’s a good thing
When people learn I work for The Verge, they inevitably ask: “Do you get to keep the gadgets?” Now that I film Today I’m Toying With, a video series where I share the joy of tech, I get that question more than ever. The answer is no, we don’t keep them! Our ethics policy is designed to maintain editorial independence, and it means that every review, every unboxing, and every hands-on impression comes without the influence of ownership. That policy isn’t a restriction — it’s a safeguard.
The core of the policy
The Verge’s ethics policy explicitly prohibits staff from keeping review units, press samples, or any other hardware sent by manufacturers or PR agencies. After testing is complete, all devices must be returned to the company that provided them. This applies across the board — from smartphones and laptops to smart home gadgets and gaming consoles. The rule exists to prevent even the appearance of a conflict of interest. If a reviewer could keep a $1,000 phone, the incentive to write a favorable review — or to avoid criticizing a product — would be real, not hypothetical.
How it works in practice
When a new gadget arrives at the office, it’s logged into a tracking system, assigned to a reviewer, and used for a set period — typically one to four weeks, depending on the product category. During that window, the reviewer can test battery life, camera performance, software stability, and build quality under real-world conditions. Once the review or video is published, the device is packaged up and shipped back. For video series like Today I’m Toying With, the same rule applies: no exception is made for on-camera demonstrations. The gadget that appears in the episode is the same one that will be returned.
Why this matters for readers
For the audience, this policy is a guarantee of independence. When you read a Verge review or watch a Today I’m Toying With episode, you can trust that the opinions expressed are not shaped by the prospect of walking away with free hardware. Every critique — whether it’s about a finicky hinge, a weak battery, or a frustrating software bug — is written without the subconscious bias that comes from knowing the device will stay in your drawer. This is especially important in a media landscape where sponsored content and undisclosed affiliate deals can blur the line between journalism and marketing.
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- Date: May 27, 2026