How we rank
Every list is 10 businesses, ranked the same way.
We use public Google ratings and review counts, and one simple formula. Here is exactly how it works.
The formula
In plain words: a business with only a few reviews starts near an average of 4.3 stars. The more reviews it has, the more its own rating counts. Specialists get a small edge: −0.03 for each other trade a business lists, up to −0.09. Highest score wins.
Why a 4.9 can beat a 5.0
Business A
5.0 ★
from 8 reviews
Score 4.38
Business B Ranks higher
4.9 ★
from 400 reviews
Score 4.82
A perfect rating from a handful of customers could change with the next review. A near-perfect rating from hundreds of customers is proven.
Try it yourself
Score
4.63
From Google Maps to a Top 10
- 1Find
We search Google Maps for each service across every part of each city we cover.
- 2Check
We keep real trade businesses near the city with a phone number and 10+ reviews. Closed businesses, duplicates and stores are left out.
- 3Score
Every business gets one score from its star rating and number of reviews.
- 4Favor specialists
Companies that also list other trades lose a little: 0.03 per extra trade, at most 0.09.
- 5Publish
The 10 highest scores make the list. A list only goes live after we compare at least 40 businesses (20 in smaller cities).
- 6Dated
Each list shows the date its data was checked on Google Maps.
See it on a real list
Austin, TX10 Best Plumbers#1 today: Austin's Greatest Plumbing, 5.0 ★ from 343 reviews (score 4.90)Questions
How is the score calculated?
Score = (rating × reviews + 4.3 × 60) ÷ (reviews + 60). Businesses with few reviews are pulled toward an average of 4.3 stars; the more reviews a business has, the more its own rating counts.
Why does a 4.9 beat a 5.0?
A 5.0 from 8 reviews could change with the next review. A 4.9 from 400 reviews is proven by many customers, so it scores higher.
Which businesses can be listed?
Businesses whose main Google category is the trade itself, with an address within 25 miles of the city center, a phone number and at least 10 Google reviews. Closed businesses, duplicates (the same phone, website or brand) and stores or storage units are left out.
How many businesses are compared?
A city list only goes live after we compare at least 40 businesses in a big city or 20 in a smaller one (25 for specialty and 24-hour lists). In big cities we search every part of town, often finding hundreds per trade.
Why do specialists rank a little higher?
People looking for a plumber usually want a plumbing company, not a company that does everything. So each other trade a business lists on Google (for example HVAC or electrical work) lowers its score by 0.03, up to 0.09 in total. Related work like drain cleaning counts as the same trade.
How are neighborhood lists made?
They compare every business of the trade within 5 miles of the neighborhood (at least 30), with a small edge for the closest ones, so each neighborhood gets its own Top 10. A neighborhood list only goes live when at least 5 of its 10 differ from the city list.
How current is the data?
Every list shows the date its ratings, review counts, phone numbers and hours were checked on Google Maps.
Can businesses pay to be listed or ranked higher?
No. There are no paid placements. The order comes only from the formula on this page.
Ratings and review counts come from Google Maps. We don't copy review text. Own a listed business? Fix or remove your listing. Lists last checked Nov 2, 2026.