Which?
Our presenters sit down with our team of consumer experts to give you useful advice to help make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. Which? Money is your home for money news and personal finance hacks. Which? Shorts is your home of narrated pieces from our suite of magazines. And stay tuned for other shows full of advice.
Can you really boost your immune system? What the science says - The Health Reset
From supplements and sleep to saunas and paracetamol, discover what the science says about keeping your immune system functioning at its best.
In this episode we discuss why we get more colds and flu in winter, the relationship between sleep, stress, gut health and immunity, and why vitamin D matters during the colder months. Plus senior investigative researcher, Sara Spary shares her research into self testing kits.
With the right tools, we can age with strength, energy and an immune system that gives us the best chances of great health, so you can really live...
Are you getting the refund you’re owed for online shopping returns?
Shopping online has become the convenient way to shop for almost anything, but given there’s no standardised way of returning unwanted items, the process can differ from one retailer to another.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we bring you the results of our investigation which saw mystery shoppers from across Great Britain order and return more than 200 items to find out how big-name retailers compare.
We uncovered some shocking practices; with several retailers not refunding us at all, others breaking the law by routinely failing to reimburse our delivery fees and huge discrepancies in...
Which tax rises could be announced in this month’s Budget?
It’s less than two weeks to go until John Healy delivers his first Budget speech as Chancellor. So, what could he announce that would affect your finances?
In this episode, Which? tax expert Ruby Flanagan joins us to discuss which taxes could be increased to help Andy Burnham’s government deliver their new policy announcements.
From inheritance tax to stamp duty, we analyse the likelihood of each of these taxes rising.
Plus, Faye Church, chartered financial planner at Rathbones explains why more affluent households are increasingly worried about the cumulative impact of poss...
Are you wasting money on collagen supplements? - The Health Reset
What are the best things you can do for your skin as you age? Why has collagen seemingly become the answer to all our skincare problems? And what's the truth behind the supposed benefits of retinol and vitamin A?
We lift the lid on the science behind these products as we reveal the findings of our rigorous testing to help you cut through the noise and disinformation found online.
Midlife can be an exciting new chapter, but it can also bring some unexpected changes to your body. Dry, itchy sensitive skin, adult acne and hot...
Are you paying too much for antivirus?
Antivirus software is a strong protection for your devices, but it can become unnecessarily expensive if you ignore the auto-renew messages.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal how some antivirus providers make it difficult to switch off auto-renew when you sign up, potentially leading people to overpaying to keep their devices protected from malware.
Whether or not you actually need antivirus depends on your devices and what you do on them. We explain which providers are most transparent about auto-renewal, and how to navigate the process so you don’t end up overpaying.
...Will you be affected when pensions come under the scope of inheritance tax?
There’s just six months to go until the tax net widens when, in April 2027, unspent pensions will count towards the value of your estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes.
In this episode, Which? tax expert Ruby Flanagan explains how money inside of unspent pensions will form part of estate and how you can work out if you’ll be leaving an IHT bill for your loved ones.
We’re also joined by Lisa Picardo, chief business officer at PensionBee, who tells us why the government is making this change and what you can do to red...
Why we've lost the plot on ultra-processed food - The Health Reset
Midlife brings an incredible amount of wisdom but it can also feel like your body is going through major shifts. Unexplained weight shifts, changes to your skin, brain fog and disrupted sleep - sound familiar? And for far too long the advice has been, "eat a little less, exercise a bit more and just push through".
We think it’s time for a better conversation that’s impartial to help us separate myths from genuine science.
In this episode you’ll learn how much salt you need per day, the ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) that shouldn’t be dem...
Should you buy plug-in solar panels?
You can now buy plug-in solar panels on the high street and online at a fraction of the cost of traditional rooftop systems. But are they right for your home?
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain how plug-in solar panels work, look at their pros and cons, and compare them with rooftop solar panels.
Plug-in solar panels are already popular on the continent, but they’re a new option for households in Great Britain after a law change made it legal to buy and install kits in this country.
But plug-in pa...
Are mortgage rates going to climb even higher?
The Bank of England base rate was held again last month, so why are mortgage rates on the rise?
In this episode, Which? property expert Sam Wilson explains what’s driving up the cost of borrowing, and how a range of external factors can influence the rates lenders offer.
Sam also reveals the results of our yearly analysis into mortgage lenders, explaining how four companies stood out from the crowd to be awarded Which? Recommended Provider status.
Plus, David Hollingworth from L&C Mortgages explains the benefit of using a mortgage broker when yo...
Are menopause supplements worth buying?
Reaching for supplements can seem like a natural thing to do when your body requires extra nutrients, but our research reveals a wide variation in active ingredients and a lack of evidence-backed dosing.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, our chief nutritionist Shefalee Loth lifts the lid on our research to help you understand what’s actually inside the menopause supplements we tested.
We spent many hours researching more than 80 active ingredients included in a range of big-brand supplements, from everyday vitamins and minerals to niche herbal and botanical extracts.
This episode is re...
Widespread misconceptions could mean your home insurance policy isn’t up to scratch
Home insurance may seem like a chore to deal with, but it’s an essential protection. So, why are so many homeowners having their claims rejected?
In this episode, Which? insurance expert Dean Sobers shares some data which shows that almost a third of home insurance claims are being declined.
Dean explains how Which? research has identified widespread misconceptions around what policies cover, leading to customers lacking the protection they thought they had.
We share our best advice on how to get the best protection for your home, plus Dean reveals this year’s cr...
Mystery shoppers help us reveal the supermarkets that deliver the freshest groceries
We sent mystery shoppers from across the country to help us find out what’s really going on with online grocery deliveries. This is what we found out.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, our senior retail researcher Hannah Walsh reveals the results of our investigation into some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets, and how their online delivery services compare.
We found examples of fresh food being delivered on the same day as its use-by date. We explain how paying more doesn’t necessarily mean your groceries will be fresher or last longer.
This...
You might not be making the most of your workplace pension - here’s what to do
Nearly half of all UK adults paying into a defined contribution workplace pension have no idea how much their employer contributes. Is that ignorance hampering our retirement planning?
In this episode, Which? pension specialists Paul Davies and Holly Lanyon reveal the results of their research into the public’s understanding of workplace pensions - a key component of the income we’ll rely on in retirement.
They explain how understanding how workplace pensions work, and how much your employer contributes, can help you save more for later life.
Plus, they share advice on plan...
The Greek island you need to visit out of the peak summer season
Corfu’s secret beaches, mountain villages and warm hospitality make it the perfect place for a getaway… if you visit at the right time.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, deputy editor of Which? Travel Naomi Leach shares her experience of exploring Corfu as she went off the beaten track, away from the usual tourist hotspots.
Naomi’s visit included authentic vineyards, choppy turquoise seas, and cobblestone staircases - a world away from the typical imagery conjured up when Greek islands spring to mind.
This episode is read by Naomi Leach and is based...
First Halifax, now TSB? Why are banks disappearing?
The sheer scale of bank branch closures has caused concern inside government. And with one - maybe two - high street brands set to disappear from the high street, is the situation going to get even worse?
In this episode, Which? senior data journalist Josh Wilson crunches the numbers to reveal the stark reality of high street banking in 2026: 69% of the nation’s physical banking network has been lost since January 2015.
Josh explains why banks keep closing branches, and what an official government review into accessing face-to-face banking services could reveal.
Plus, Which? se...
Can you really trust that ‘bargain’ holiday price?
Have you ever been searching for holidays online only for the price to increase? Well, you’re not alone.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we share the result of our research into Expedia, Lastminute.com, Loveholidays, On the Beach and Tui, where we aimed to find out how the business model dubbed ‘dynamic pricing’ affects prices for customers.
We saw some holidays increase by hundreds of pounds at the click of a mouse, so how can firms get away with this? And are there any examples of holidays that go down in price instead?
T...
Are you being left in the dark by your bank?
There’s no doubt that you remember receiving notifications from your bank telling you that the interest rate on your savings account is set to go down. But are banks doing enough to tell us when an account with a better rate is available?
In this episode, we’re joined by Which? researcher Holly Lanyon who shares the results of her investigation into whether or not banks are keeping us up to date on savings products - something they’re legally required to do.
Plus, Andy Webb from Be Clever With Your Cash explains the differ...
Ditch the algorithms and curate your own social media feed
There are few things more frustrating than feeling like an algorithm is controlling what you see online. Luckily, taking back control of your feeds and search results is easier than you think.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we share expert advice on how to dodge aggressive recommendation engines, clean up your digital privacy settings and even throw algorithms off your scent with ‘data poisoning’ tricks.
By making a few smart adjustments to your browsers, privacy options and search habits, you can stop doomscrolling and start curating an internet that actually works for you.
Th...
Are you better off switching banks? Or should you stay loyal?
The Current Account Switch Service becomes a teenager next month. It's been 13 years since it became possible to switch your current account provider in as little as 7 days. But is it always worth it?
In this episode, Which? money news editor Grace Witherden talks us through the bank switching process, including why banks are happy to give you hundreds of pounds if you choose to become a customer of theirs.
Grace helps you weigh up whether or not switching just for the monetary incentive is worth it, and whether other factors - such as app...
The tech problems we solve most often - and how to fix them yourself
There are few things more frustrating than your devices not doing what they’re supposed to. Luckily for you, that’s where our Tech Support team comes in.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we speak to our tech experts to find out which problems they deal with most frequently when Which? Tech members get in touch to help you fix them yourself.
With 89 years of tech support experience between them, our support team is best placed to help you resolve some of the most common tech issues.
This episode is read by Jame...
How to save £200 on your car insurance
Few of us relish having to call up an insurer to haggle for a better deal - but it can prove successful if done properly.
In this episode of Which? Insurance expert Dean Sobers shares the findings of his research into haggling for a better deal on car insurance, which shows that it is an effective tool to fight the rising costs of insurance premiums.
He explains the common sense tactics needed to haggle with your insurer, which may be simpler than you expect.
Plus, Dean tells us why the new Which? insurance...
Is dark chocolate good for you?
It’s often said dark chocolate is good for you. But is it true? And which bar is best?
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we share the science behind the claim that dark chocolate is good for you, and help you choose the best quality bars on the market as we reveal the results of our expert blind taste testing.
We brought together an expert panel of chocolate experts to taste 12 dark chocolate bars available in the supermarket. They assessed taste, aroma, appearance and texture for a rounded view, before collating their findings to aw...
How to turn your dream retirement into reality
Dreaming of retirement can bring to mind ideas of a steady pace of life, more time for hobbies and relaxing trips abroad. But what happens when that doesn’t quite go to plan?
In this episode of Which? Money, our pensions expert Holly Lanyon shares her research into retirees and reveals how their experiences compare to their expectations.
Holly explores the unexpected realities of retirement, including the time some Which? members and members of the public spend on caring responsibilities, and why some wish they’d known more about financing planning while they were still in w...
Why Slovenia should be on your holiday bucket list
Slovenia boasts more than 500 castles, despite not having a monarchy. And with vibrant cyan water in its lakes, this former Yugoslav country is not short of breathtaking sights.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, our travel expert Jo Rhodes shares her experience of Slovenia, detailing fine cuisine and fairytale views at the foot of the Julian Alps.
Plus, Jo explains why you should make the most of the wine on offer, as you’re unlikely to find it during your next supermarket shop.
This episode is read by Jo Rhodes and is based on...
Is private healthcare good value for money?
More people than ever are turning to the private sector for healthcare, with growing numbers taking out private medical insurance to help cover the cost. But is it worth the monthly outlay?
In this episode of Which? Money, Matthew Jenkin from our Money team reveals the results of our member survey, including which insurance providers were rated the highest.
He also explores whether policy holders believe they’re getting good value for money, and explains how much you’d likely pay depending on your age, where you live and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Plus...
Why you need to upgrade from Windows 10
We’ve covered the loss of security support for Windows 10 on our podcast, on our website, in our magazines for a long time. But Microsoft has extended support for 10 users until autumn next year - giving you more time to prepare.
That doesn’t mean you can sit back and do nothing. In fact, we actively discourage you from doing so.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain what’s currently happening with Windows 10 and share our advice on what to do if you’ve still got a laptop running the operating system.
This e...
Can AI replace financial advice?
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid AI in our day-to-day lives. But are chatbots accurate enough to be trusted with your personal finance questions?
In this episode of Which? Money, our senior data journalist Josh Wilson shares the results of his investigations into chatbots, where he aimed to find out how good they are at answering questions about personal finance.
Josh tested five chatbots: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Google’s AI Overviews in standard Google searches, Microsoft’s Copilot and Perplexity, by asking them 15 common personal finance questions – chosen based on search trends – which covered pensions...
The hidden dangers behind Tripadvisor's AI hotel summaries
AI summaries are becoming increasingly prevalent to give us a quick overview of topics. But a new Which? investigation into Tripadvisor has shown that its AI-generated summaries fail to accurately reflect real traveller experiences. TripAdvisor summaries sometimes even brush aside severe safety risks and health hazards.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal how Tripadvisor's AI tools downplay reports of food poisoning, hospitalisation and sexual harassment, painting a rosy picture of hotels with serious red flags.
This episode is read by Erica McKoy and is based on an article written by Kate Pasola, originally...
Will new 'buy now, pay later' protections help everyone?
One in five UK adults uses 'buy now, pay later' services such as Klarna and Clearpay to spread the cost of online purchases. Earlier this month, new government regulations came into force, giving consumers stronger protections when using these services.
In this episode of Which? Money, our money editor Grace Witherden tells us what the new regulations mean for you.
Grace also shares examples from previous Which? investigations that show why we have been campaigning for stronger protections, and why these changes were long overdue.
Plus, Kate Pender, CEO of Fair4All Finance...
Will you face border queues at airports this summer?
Images of distressed British travellers who missed flights home because of long queues caused by Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks have understandably made people nervous.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, our travel editor answers your questions about EES checks at European airports to help you prepare for a flight to the EU this summer.
He explains who’s affected, whether or not you should be worried, and if there’s anything you can do to prepare.
This episode is read by Rory Boland and is based on an article he wrote, orig...
Stop paying full price for these groceries
Seeking out deals on supermarket products is nothing new. But our research has found some branded products that you never need to pay full price for.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal the results of our year-long investigation that analysed the pricing of thousands of popular branded groceries to uncover the truth about grocery promotions.
We reveal the tricks of the trade and teach you how to see through the smoke and mirrors of grocery pricing.
This episode is read by James Rowe and is based on an article written by...
The companies that are letting you down
Welcome to The Shoddies!
It's time for our annual awards where we name and shame the companies we think can - and should - do better.
In this podcast, we call out 13 brands that we think have let consumers down over the past year. From car companies, to airlines, high street stores to telecoms giants, our experts hand our awards to household names that have misled or mistreated customers.
Read more about the award winners on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter
Get in touch with us...
Why is the government going to tax your Isa?
Cash held in stocks and shares Isas could be taxed at 22% from April 2027 as the government looks to close loopholes for savers and investors.
In this episode of Which? Money, our investing expert Josh Wilson explains the new rule, which comes into force at the same time as the cash Isa limit is reduced from £20,000 to £12,000 for under 65s.
Josh explores how these changes form part of the government’s attempts to encourage more people to invest, and why it thinks so many rule changes are needed.
Plus, AJ Bell’s director of public...
In search of the perfect summer alpine escape
Nestled in the French Alps, Lake Annecy is the country’s third largest lake and boasts clear waters and a vista of pine-forested mountains. What can you expect if you visit this summer?
In this episode of Which? Shorts, our travel expert shares his experience of visiting the shores of Lake Annecy, from raclette sandwiches to Michelin star restaurants.
He shares his insider tips on how to make the most of your visit to the towns that surround the lake, even if you’re on a fleeting visit.
This episode is read by Guy...
The shopping sites that are misleading customers
Online fashion boutiques claiming to be independent, UK family businesses are popping up all over social media, but are they actually legitimate?
In this episode, Erica McKoy sits down with Which? retail expert and senior researcher Hannah Walsh to discuss her investigation into bogus boutiques. She reveals how these misleading websites sell cheap items for a premium price under the guise of being an independent business.
We also chat about the clever tactics used to lure shoppers in, from fake countdown clocks to convincing AI-generated family sob stories. Plus, Hannah shares advice on how to...
Why replacing your bank card might not stop scammers from spending your money
We’ve reported before that fraudsters are able to keep on spending your money even if you replace your card thanks to a little-known feature of debit and credit cards. So we’ve investigated to find out if the banking industry is making it harder for scammers.
In this episode of Which? Money, our scams and fraud expert Faye Lipson explains what an automatic billing updater is, how handy it is when our cards expire, but also how it aids financial criminals to maintain access to our money once they’ve already scammed us.
Faye tells...
Why mobile data is so bad in the UK
Think your 5G connection is working just because the icon is showing? Think again.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal why the UK ranks last in the G7 for mobile network performance. Plus, you’ll hear some practical steps that you can take to get better and more reliable mobile connection in your area.
This episode is read by Erica McKoy and is based on an article written by Adam Snook, originally published in the July issue of Which? magazine.
Try out our mobile network quality map on our website & sign up...
What to look out for when building an emergency fund
Whether you already have a rainy-day pot or the idea of building up your savings from zero feels completely out of reach, do you know how to build a solid financial safety net?
In this episode, we break down how to get started on an emergency fund without feeling overwhelmed by the numbers. We talk about whether you can save more with app based savings accounts vs standard high-street savings accounts and we also unpack the tax rules surrounding cash ISAs versus standard savings accounts.
We’re joined by Which? expert Matthew Jenkin and Laura Su...
Face recognition on phones easily fooled
Think your phone is secure just because you use face unlock? Think again.
In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal how 64% of smartphones tested in our labs were easily tricked by nothing more than a 2D printed photo.
Plus you’ll also hear some practical steps that you can take right now to strengthen the security of your device.
This episode is read by James and is based on an article written by Adam Speight, originally published in the June/July issue of Which? Tech.
Read our reviews of the mo...
The surprising numbers behind a comfortable retirement
Whether you’re approaching retirement or the end of working life still feels years away, do you know how much you really need to retire?
In this episode we learn more about Pensions UK’s Retirement Living Standards report, looking closely at the numbers that give us an idea of what our retirement could look like, and how much you need to save to enjoy a luxury lifestyle later in life.
We’re also joined by Which? pensions expert Paul Davies who explains the additional challenges faced by those retiring in a single income household.
R...
