Definition: Best-in-Class

What is best-in-class?

Best-in-class refers to the best hardware or software within a given category or class based on factors like performance, features, capabilities, value, or a combination of these attributes.

Typically, a best-in-class solution offers the best overall cost-benefit ratio compared to other alternatives in its category. This means that it offers the highest level of functionality, features, and performance required for the intended workloads while maximizing value for the cost. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is the absolute best performing option when compared across all categories.

Best-in-class is not to be confused with the term best-of-breed. A best-in-class product is one that is the best offering in the category, taking into account all criteria such as price and features. A best-of-breed product, on the other hand, is the absolute top performer in a highly specialized or niche area.

Example of best-in-class products

When NVIDIA released its GeForce RTX 20-series graphics cards in 2018, the 2070 model was widely considered the best gaming card for most people who wanted to play games on a regular computer or laptop at a mid-range price of about $500. At the time of its release, there was no other card on the market that could beat the 2070's performance and visual gaming experience in the same price range, earning it the title of "best-in-class" for the target audience of mainstream gamers.

On the other hand, for those who need the absolute best performance for professional design work or super-intense 4K gaming, the "enthusiast-class" 2080 Ti model was superior since it had much more power under the hood, although it came with a higher price tag of $1000.

In summary, both the 2070 and 2080 Ti cards were judged to be the best choice for their respective target audiences, whether the user wanted it for decent gaming or needed heavy-duty capabilities, showing how best-in-class products can meet different user budgets and needs.