Which?

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 flushes are all common symptoms of the menopause. We discuss how to deal with some of these symptoms, whether retinol should be part of that fix and how skincare doesn’t need to be expensive to work. In this episode you’ll learn the best things you can do for your skin as you age, the truth about retinol and vitamin A and why you’re seeing collagen everywhere. We think it’s time for a better conversation that’s impartial to help us separate myths from genuine science. This episode features Shefalee Loth. She is a nutritionist at Which? and leads the research for the health and wellbeing team. With over 20 years of experience, Shefalee’s extensive career includes working with the NHS, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and the World Cancer Research Fund. We also have Dr Anjali Mahto. She’s a highly respected and renowned medical and cosmetic…

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. This episode is read by Callum Pears and is based on an article he wrote, originally published in the October/November 2026 issue of Which? Tech. Read our reviews of the best antivirus on our website & sign up for our free fortnightly Tech newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 reduce the value of your estate, which will in turn reduce the size of any IHT bill you leave behind. Read more about how IHT will apply to pensions on our website & sign up for our free Retirement Planning newsletter Find out if you pension will be subject to IHT & read how the new rules will work in practice Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the…

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 demonised and what you can do to have a better relationship with food as you age. This episode features: Shefalee Loth, Principal Researcher and Nutritionist at Which?, she leads the research for the health and wellbeing team. With over 20 years of experience, Shefalee’s extensive career includes working with the NHS, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and the World Cancer Research Fund. We also have Laura Clark, widely known as The Menopause Dietitian. She’s a…

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 panels are very different to rooftop panels you may be familiar with. So how do they compare, how much could you save and which type is most suitable for you? This episode is read by James and is based on an article written by Emily Seymour and Karen Lawrence, originally published in the October 2026 issue of Which? magazine. Read more about plug-in solar panels on our website & sign up for our free monthly Greener Living newsletter Find an electrician or solar panel installer via Which? Trusted Trader If…

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 you come to remortgage. Read all of our reviews of mortgage lenders on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Read more about why mortgages rates are rising & sign up for our free First-time Buyer newsletter Check the latest mortgage deals on our website - it’s updated twice daily Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance…

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 read by Shefalee Loth and is based on an article she wrote, originally published in the September 2026 issue of Which? magazine. Sign up for our live podcast ‘How to thrive through mid-life and menopause’ on Tuesday 13 October to put your questions to our expert panel. Read all of our menopause supplements reviews on our website & sign up for our free fortnightly Healthy Living newsletter If you're not already a member, join…

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 crop of Which? Recommended Providers and Best Buy policies. Read all of our insurance reviews and compare quotes on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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 episode is read by James Rowe and is based on an article written by Hannah Walsh, originally published in the September 2026 issue of Which? magazine. Read more from our travel experts on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 planning for retirement, and detail how the government is reviewing workplace pensions - including what the Pensions Commission could recommend to help us all save more. Which? surveyed 1,294 working adults in the UK between 14 and 17 August 2026. Deltapoll carried out the fieldwork online, and the final data have been weighted to represent the UK working adult population. Read more about Holly’s research into workplace pensions on our website…

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 on an article she wrote, originally published in the September/October 2026 issue of Which? Travel. Read more from our travel experts on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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? senior researcher Faye Lipson details what Halifax customers need to know as the brand is set to disappear from the UK, and why TSB customers should be aware that the pioneering brand could vanish too. Read more about bank branch closures and the government review on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Find out more about what the Halifax brand axing means for you & what could happen to TSB Read our reviews of the…

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? This episode is read by James Rowe, and is based on an article written by Trevor Baker, originally published in the September/October 2026 of Which? Travel. Read more from our travel experts on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 different types of accounts we should consider opening, and why spreading your cash across multiple providers could be crucial. Read more about Holly's investigation into savings accounts & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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. This episode is read by Erica McKoy and is based on an article written by Nicole Kobie, originally published in the August/September issue of Which? Tech. Read more of our advice on how to fix tech issues on our website & sign up for our free fortnightly Tech newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first…

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 functionality, fee-free spending abroad, and other perks - should be taken into account. Plus, Caitlyn Eastell, personal finance analyst at Moneyfacts talks us through the current switching deals on the market. Read more about the best current account switching deals on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Read our reviews of the best banks and bank accounts Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an…

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 James Rowe and is based on an article written by Cathy Hudson, originally published in the August/September 2026 issue of Which? Tech. Read more of our advice on how to fix tech issues on our website & sign up for our free fortnightly Tech newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 comparison tool can make shopping around for a new policy is easier than ever. Read more about Dean’s research into haggling on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Use the new Which? insurance comparison tool on our website Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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 award our Best Buy. This episode is read by Kat Cereda and is based on an article edited by Sarah Joan Ross, originally published in the August 2025 issue of Which? magazine. Read the full results of our dark chocolate taste test on our website & sign up for our free fortnightly Healthy Living newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's…

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 work. Plus, we hear from Stuart Anderson, who retired in 2025, about his experience of adapting from a busy full-time job to a slower pace of life. Read more about Holly’s research on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Check out the Which? retirement hub for more guidance on preparing for later life Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership…

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 an article she wrote, originally published in the May/June 2025 issue of Which? Travel. Read more from our travel experts on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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, William Pett, interim director of policy and external affairs at Healthwatch, joins us to talk about what he calls “two-tier healthcare” - and what needs to improve in the NHS to restore public confidence. Read more private medical insurance on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Read the reviews of the insurance providers in our survey Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an…

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 episode is read by Rob Lilley-Jones and is based on an article written by Jonathan Parkyn, originally published in the August/September 2026 issue of Which? Tech. Read more advice on how to prepare for the end of Windows 10 on our website & Sign up for our free monthly Tech newsletter Use Microsoft’s website to check if your device is compatible with Windows 11 If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews -…

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, debt, investing, saving, insurance, equity release, tax and mortgages. He explains how Which? money experts rated and reviewed every response, shares our advice on getting the most out of chatbots, and warns about the risks of relying on them. Read more about our investigation, including the responses from the tech companies on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in…

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 published in the July/August 2026 issue of Which? Travel. Read more from our travel experts on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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, explains how these changes could come with major trade-offs that will directly impact the borrowers who need flexible credit the most. Read more about the 'buy now, pay later' changes on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Read more about Fair4All Finance on their website & read our guide to Section 75 Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership…

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, originally published in the July/August 2026 issue of Which? Travel. Read our no-nonsense guide to EES on our website & Sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 Ellie Simmonds, originally published in the July 2026 issue of Which? magazine. Read more about our investigation on our website & Sign up for our free Weekly Scoop newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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 policy Tom Selby helps us predict how an Andy Burnham premiership could reshape the UK’s financial landscape and what it could mean for the bond markets. Read more about the Isa changes on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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 Hobbs and is based on an article he wrote, originally published in the July/August 2026 issue of Which? Travel. Read more from our travel experts on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 use tools like reverse image search and exactly what to do with your bank if you’ve been caught out. Read more about her investigation on our website & sign up for our free weekly scoop newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership

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 us how she investigated nine banking brands and card providers to find out what processes they have in place to protect our money from scammers, detailing any inadequacies she saw during her research. Plus, she shares her expert advice on what to do if your card details have been compromised to ensure you get all your money back. Read more about Faye’s research including the banks’ responses on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Sign up for our free Scam…

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 for our free monthly Tech newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 Sutter, Director of Personal Finance at AJ Bell, who share their top strategies for spotting account catches, setting rate alerts and ensuring your hard-earned cash is fully protected. Read our guide on emergency funds & sign up for our free Weekly Scoop newsletter. Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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 mobile phones we’ve tested on our website & sign up for our free monthly Tech newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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. Read our guide on how much you need to retire & sign up for our free Weekly Scoop newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine.

Solar power is back in the headlines, with a recent flurry of interest sparked by a spike in global energy prices. But is it worth it for your home? In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain how to find out whether solar panels are a worthwhile investment for your home, and what factors will have the biggest impact on your potential savings. From assessing your roof and comparing installers to weighing up the benefits of battery storage, we guide you through the key decisions you’d have to make before taking the plunge. This episode is read by James and is based on an article written by Karen Lawrence, originally published in the June 2026 issue of Which? magazine Read more solar panels on our website & sign up for our free monthly Greener Living newsletter Use our home energy planning tool for a more energy efficient home If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

Weight loss injections like Ozempic, Monjaro and Wegovy are skyrocketing in popularity but are online pharmacies following the rules? In this episode, we sit down with Which? senior investigative researcher Sara Spary to discuss her investigation into online pharmacies. She reveals how easy it is to bypass safeguards by using fake GP details and fabricated health conditions to buy these prescription drugs. We also dive into the "cosmetic" illusion created by aggressive social media marketing, how the high street is reacting and Sara shares crucial advice on how to avoid dangerous counterfeit jabs online. Read more about her investigation on our website & sign up for our free weekly scoop newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership

Whether it’s rip-off pricing, ticket touts or dangerous products being sold on online marketplaces, the government’s Department for Business & Trade is responsible for protecting consumers’ best interests. But is it doing enough? In this episode of Which? Money, we sit down with Kate Dearden, the minister for employment rights and consumer protection to ask what work the government is doing to ensure consumers aren’t being ripped off or put at risk when buying products and services online or in-store. We take the opportunity to highlight some Which? investigations that highlight why the government needs to do more to strengthen consumer protections, and ask why more wasn’t done in last month’s King’s Speech to stamp out ticket touts. Plus, Sue Davies, Which?’s head of consumer rights analyses the minister’s answers and tells us what more we want the government to do. Read more about our work intro dangerous products being sold on online marketplaces on our website & sign up for our free Weekly Scoop…

Say goodbye to your inefficient tumble dryer when it breaks, as heat pump models will soon become the norm. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain why the government is introducing new regulations that will mean inefficient tumble dryers - mainly condenser and vented models - will disappear from shops on the high street and online. We explain how the raising of efficiency standards will drive innovation and ultimately cut energy bills. The slightly higher upfront costs of such dryers are quickly offset by lower running costs, and well-targeted standards can help drive these prices down further. This episode is read by Becki Jakeman and is based on an article she wrote, originally published in the June 2026 issue of Which? magazine. Read more about the tumble dryer ban on our website & sign up for our free monthly Home newsletter Read our reviews of the best tumble dryers on the market on our website & find out more about running costs If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to…

Copy trading is a fast-growing trend, where investors discuss portfolios and markets, potentially influencing investment decisions. Copy trading takes this a step further, as investors mirror the portfolio and trades of another user of the platform. In this episode of Which? Money, senior researcher Megan Thomas explains how copy trading works, how risky it can be, and how certain trading platforms are becoming destinations for those who think it’s an easy way to increase the value of an investment portfolio. Megan shares the result of her experiment, which saw novice investors try out social trading and copy trading platforms for the first time, to track how drawn users were to investors who already had tens of thousands of other investors following their every move. Plus, Simon Weidenholzer, professor of economics at the University of Essex, talks us through the history of the trend, and describes how giving people the option to directly copy others can lead to a significant increase in risk taking. Read…

Switching mobile networks can seem like a hassle, but it’s easier than ever to move to a new provider and potentially save hundreds of pounds per year. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal the results of our survey of consumers to find out which mobile networks are the best on price, customer service and more. We explain how smaller, virtual networks actually piggyback off the infrastructure of one of the Big Four networks - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone - meaning you can get the same network coverage and signal at a fraction of the price. This episode is read by Rob Lilley-Jones and is based on an article written by Adam Snook, originally published in the May 2026 issue of Which? magazine. Read our reviews of the best and worst UK mobile networks on our website & sign up for our free monthly Tech newsletter Try out our mobile network quality map on our website & read our reviews of the best cheap eSims If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain…

12.2m people are on track to face poverty in retirement, meaning you won’t have enough money to live the most basic standard of living once you stop working. In this episode of Which? Money, Scottish Widows’ head of pension policy Pete Glancy joins us to talk us through his research that explains why so many UK adults aren’t saving enough to live comfortably in later life. Pete shares his insight into what he thinks needs to change to help more of us save more money into our workplace pensions, and explains how the reestablishment of the Pension Commission may lead to policy changes that benefit employees. Plus, Which? Money’s pensions and retirement expert Holly Lanyon tells us about some more stark research from the Living Wage Foundation, and shares some advice on what we can do to maximise our pension pots. Read more advice on how to boost your pension pots on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off…

Whether it’s supplements or skincare, sunscreen or sleep aids, our research has found that you don’t need to spend a fortune to be healthy. In this special live podcast we assembled a panel of expert guests to take your questions on everything from how to fix your sleep routine, which moisturisers and creams actually work, and the supplements that will help you stay healthy as you age. We also lift the lid on our testing here at Which? as we reveal the health products we’ve been putting under the microscope and why you can trust our rigorous testing and review results. We’re joined by Which? Public health nutritionist Shefalee Loth, Harley Street-based consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth, and Kathryn Pinkham, founder of The Insomnia Clinic. If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership. Explore all the latest health and wellness news and reviews from Which? on…

Scrolling through social media for a nice day out can lead to beautiful scenery and lasting memories, but how do you know if that dream destination actually exists? As AI adoption grows, fictional attractions are luring unsuspecting travelers out of pocket. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explore the rise of fake days out on social media. We look at why influencers and scammers are leveraging AI to generate misleading travel content, and reveal how these posts utilise clicks and comments to drive real revenue. Plus, we share essential tips on how to spot AI-generated glitches, how to protect your money when booking tickets and what to do if you stumble across a misleading advert on your feed. This episode is read by Erica McKoy and is based on an article written by Naomi Leach, originally published in the May/June 2026 issue of Which? Travel. Read our reviews of the best cabin bag brands on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to…

With half term and the summer holidays just around the corner, and a lot of uncertainty affecting travel plans, travel insurance feels more relevant than ever. So how can you make sure your policy gives you the cover you actually need? In this episode of Which? Money, our insurance lead Dean Sobers shares his advice on what to look for when taking out a policy, and explains how some quick glances at the policy documents can give you clues as to what you are - and aren’t - covered for. Dean also reveals which policies received Best Buy status in our annual travel insurance review, and which providers have been named Which? Recommended Providers. Find out the best travel insurance companies and policies on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

The amount of skincare products on the market that claim to make our skin look healthier and slow down the ageing process seems to be growing. But which ones are worth you money? In this episode of our healthy living podcast, Which? researcher James Aitchison takes us inside the research he's been conducting into the effectiveness of LED face masks and collagen supplements, while consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth shares her thoughts on the changing face of the skincare market. Plus, for the first time, we've been reviewing anti-ageing creams to find out which brands are leading the way. Our thorough, independent testing allows us to recommend the products that really work, and highlight the ones that failed our tests. Which? members can listen to the full episode where we reveal our test results by clicking here. Join us for our live health podcast on Tuesday 26 May at 6pm to ask your questions to our experts - click here to register for free If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly…

Getting a suitcase or cabin bag that has enough space, survives baggage handling, and finally fits the airline size limits can feel like an impossible task. So which brands do we recommend you buy? In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal the results of our survey of consumers to find out which cabin bag brands leave customers most satisfied and which ones are truly built to last. Plus, with baggage rules differing from airline to airline, we share our tips on how to cut the cost of carrying luggage onto a plane, and what to do if you think you’ve been unfairly charged. This episode is read by Kat Cereda and is based on an article written by Amy Axworthy, originally published in the May/June 2026 issue of Which? Travel. Read our reviews of the best cabin bag brands on our website & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter If you're not already a member, join Which? to instantly listen to member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's…

More than 20 million of us have an Isa in the UK. But are you missing out on some of the perks that the tax-free savings product offers? In this episode of Which? Money, our savings expert Matthew Jenkin uncovers some of the lesser-known perks of the tax-free savings product that you might not know about. He explains how an Isa can protect you against frozen tax allowances and shares tips on how your Isa wrapper can reduce the amount of tax you pay on your investments. Plus, Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell, talks about next year’s changes to the cash Isa allowance and reveals some data that shows that almost half of us aren’t expected to change our savings habits despite the government’s push to get more of us investing. Read more about the Isa perks you might not know about on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - podcasts@which.co.uk Podcast listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membership Become a Which? Money member to access…