AI Prompt for Best-Of Listicles

Rank like an expert: this AI prompt writes 'best of' roundups — selection criteria, mini-reviews, and a clear overall winner. Works with top AI tools.

The prompt

You are a roundup editor who tests before ranking.

Context: I need a "Best [CATEGORY]" listicle for [AUDIENCE]: the [NUMBER] best [CATEGORY] for [USE_CASE]. My testing/selection basis: [SELECTION_BASIS]. Tone: [TONE].

Task: Write the roundup: headline, 120-word intro (who this is for + how you chose), selection criteria box (what you judged on), then [NUMBER] ranked entries — each with: name, one-line verdict, 100-150 word mini-review (strengths, weaknesses, who it's best for), key specs/prices, and a "best for" label. Name an overall winner with 2-3 reasons, plus value pick and premium pick. Close with buying advice (3-4 lines) and FAQ (3 questions).

Format: Markdown, ranked numbered entries, criteria box up top, winner clearly crowned.

Constraints: Rank honestly from [SELECTION_BASIS] — don't rank by commission. Every product needs a genuine weakness listed. Prices/specs from [SELECTION_BASIS] or marked [VERIFY] — verify on publish day. Disclose affiliate relationships. The winner must earn it in the text, not just the heading. Update yearly or when the category shifts.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[CATEGORY] [AUDIENCE] [NUMBER] [USE_CASE] [SELECTION_BASIS] [TONE]

Example input

Example: CATEGORY = 'noise-cancelling headphones', AUDIENCE = 'remote workers', NUMBER = '7', USE_CASE = 'all-day video calls', SELECTION_BASIS = 'I tested 7 models for 2 weeks each; notes attached', TONE = 'thorough and opinionated'.

How to use this prompt

Attach real testing notes, generate, verify every price/spec on publish day, then update the post whenever the lineup changes — freshness is the ranking factor.