Which?

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 best banks and bank accounts Get in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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

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 - [email protected] 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 newsletterIf 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 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 - [email protected] 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 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 - [email protected] 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 membership

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 newsletterCheck out the Which? retirement hub for more guidance on preparing for later lifeGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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 - [email protected] 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’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 - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 touch with us via email - [email protected] 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

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 newsletterIf 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 newsletterRead more about Fair4All Finance on their website & read our guide to Section 75Get in touch with us via email - [email protected] listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

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 - [email protected] 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 - [email protected] 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 newsletterGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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 Alerts service Get in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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 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 newsletterIf 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 - [email protected] listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome 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 newsletterIf 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 newsletterGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome 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 newsletterGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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 newsletter Sign our petition if you want to see a cap imposed on resale tickets for live events Get in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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

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 member exclusive podcasts and gain access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 more about investing on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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

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 access to all of our product reviews - all for 50% off your first year's membership

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 - [email protected] 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

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 the Healthy Living section of our website Check out the rest of this series & sign up for our free fortnightly Healthy Living newsletter

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 newsletterIf 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

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 newsletterGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome 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 freeIf 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 our research into collagen supplements & what we've found out about LED face masks.Read our reviews of the best anti-ageing creams on our website & sign up for our free monthly Healthy Living newsletter

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 membership

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 - [email protected] 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

Ultra-processed foods make up an estimated 60% of our diets in the UK. But with foods like bread, baked beans and breakfast cereals being classed as UPFs, should we really be removing them entirely from our diet?In this episode of our healthy living podcast, our public health nutritionist Shefalee Loth and the founder of CityDietitians Sophie Medlin explain why UPFs are being demonised more and more, and reveal how you can maintain a health diet while still eating them.Plus, our experts explain why your body might not be absorbing as many vitamins and nutrients as you think, thanks to food combinations and everyday habits that can inhibit nutrient uptake.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 freeIf 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.Read more about ultra-processed foods on our website & sign up for our free monthly Healthly Living newsletterCheck out more of the food pairings you should and shouldn't be trying

Is your gut microbiome as healthy as it could be? We often think of digestion as just a way of processing food, but your gut plays an integral role in your overall wellbeing, influencing everything from inflammation to immunity.In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain what benefits a healthy microbiome can provide for your overall wellbeing, and how you can decide how likely you are to benefit from taking probiotic supplements.Plus, we reveal what we did to test some of the most popular prebiotics and probiotics to decide which ones are worthy of our coveted Which? Best Buy.This episode is read by Erica McKoy and is based on an article written by Martha Roberts, originally published in the May 2026 issue of Which? magazine.Read our reviews of the probiotic we’ve tested on our website & sign up for our free fortnightly Healthy Living newsletter.

Scam calls are nothing new. But scambaiting, whereby people engage with scammers to waste their time, is on the rise.In this episode of Which? Money, our scams and fraud expert Faye Lipson joins us to share her first-hand experience of stepping into the world of scambaiting. She explains what it involves and the risks that come with it.You’ll hear clips from her scambaiting call as a fraudster attempted to access her computer and drain her bank account, as well as her reflections on how it felt to engage directly with scammers and what she learned from the experience.Plus, we’ll share the best advice so you know what to do if you suspect someone is attempting to defraud you.Read more about Faye's scambaiting experience on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletterListen to our podcast featuring Becky Holmes & sign up for our free Scam Alerts serviceGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

Iron and B12, along with vitamin D, are the most common nutrient deficiencies in the UK. And failing to take action can affect your health.In the first episode of a brand new series of our healthy living podcast, our public health nutritionist Shefalee Loth and the founder of CityDietitians Sophie Medlin tell us who is more likely to be suffering nutrient deficincies and they ways we can improve our intake via our diet.Fatigue, weakness and low energy levels are all signs of iron deficiency, while for low levels of B12, symptons can include tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, poor balance and memory problems.Plus, for the first time, we've been reviewing iron and B12 supplements to find out which brands are leading the way. Our thorough, independent testing allows us to recommend the products that really work 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 freeIf 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 our B12 results in full & read which iron supplements we recommendRead more of our health news and advice on our website & sign up for our free monthly Healthly Living newsletter

VPNs, or virtual private networks, are nothing new. They’re a tool that grants your devices a more secure connection to the internet and have become increasingly popular since the introduction of age-verification on some websites to prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain what benefits a VPN can provide while you surf the web, and how you can decide how likely you are to benefit from using one. Plus, we reveal what we did to test some of the most popular VPNs to decide which ones are worthy of our coveted Best Buy. This episode is read by James Rowe and is based on an article written by Callum Pears, originally published in the April/May 2026 issue of Which? TechRead our reviews of the VPNs 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

Today marks a big day for both renters and private landlords as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force - a bill designed by the government to “secure a fairer future for 11 million private renters in England”. So is it just good news for tenants? Or are there any wins for landlords?In this episode of Which? Money, our property expert Sam Wilson explains some of the key changes that are being brought in to improve standards for renters, including the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions, the introduction of rolling contracts as standard, and rent increases limited to once per year.Plus, property expert and developer Marta de Sousa discusses whether landlords will leave the market in protest, and whether this could ultimately push rents up by reducing available rental stock.Read more about the Renters' Rights Act on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletterGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] listeners can get 50% off an annual Which? membershipBecome a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine

Switching broadband might seem like a hassle, but it's possible to slash your monthly fees when you're out of contract without switching to a new company or haggling a new deal with your current provider. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain how the new One Touch Switch system could make it easier than ever to change provider or even negotiate a better price without leaving.Plus, we share the results of our latest broadband survey of more than 5,000 customers, revealing which providers are delivering the best service and which of the biggest names are falling short. Find out the results of our broadband survey on our website & sign up for our free monthly Tech newsletter Use our free tool to compare broadband deals for your homeIf 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

With big decisions to be made with your pension pots, preparing for retirement can feel complex, but understanding your options is key to making the most of your money. In this live episode of Which? Money, recorded in front of a live virtual audience, Joanne Padilla from the Which? Money Helpline answers your questions on some of the most important aspects of retirement planning including the pros and cons of annuities vs drawdown. Plus Steves Tait, investment and financial planning director at HUB Financial Solutions and Philip Brown, head of DC, investment and lifetime savings at Pensions UK share their expertise on how much you might need to retire comfortably. We also explore tax-free lump sums, tax planning, and how to track down and combine old pension pots. Read more about retirement planning on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Listen to our four-part pensions podcast series to learn more about retirement planning & sign up for our free Retirement Planning newsletterGet in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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

As we become an increasingly cashless society, could we become less reliant on bank cards altogether?In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain what Pay by Bank is, and how retailers online and on the high street are rolling this out as a new way for us to pay for goods and services.And while it works out cheaper for the retailer, given it bypasses the usual card processing fees sent to Visa and Mastercard, it's not without concerns. We tell you what you need to know before making an open banking payment.Find out more about Pay by Bank on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletterIf 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

It’s been 70 years since the then Chancellor of the UK, Harold MacMillan announced the launch of premium bonds. But after seven decades and over £40bn paid out in prizes, are they still a worthwhile element of your savings portfolio? In this episode, Which? Researcher Holly Lanyon explains the history of the savings product, how they’ve changed over the years, and how likely you are to win a prize. Holly shares some stories from Which? members who told us why they love premium bonds so much, and why people treat them differently to other types of savings accounts. Plus, we hear from Andrew Westhead, the retail director at NS&I, the company which runs the premium bond draws, who takes us inside their archive to show how big of a part they’ve played in British culture since the 1950s. Read more about premium bonds on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Join us for a live episode of Which? Money on Tuesday 21 April - sign up to secure your space in our virtual audience Get in touch with us via email - [email protected] 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

What did you do to your old phone when you upgraded to a new model? Too many of us are doing the wrong thing. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain why buying a new piece of tech when the model you're upgrading from is still perfectly serviceable is doing more harm than good, especially when you don't dispose of them properly. In a recent survey of Which? members, more than 50% of smartphones and tablets that had been replaced over the previous five years were still in working order. So, how often should you actually upgrade? And what should you do with the devices you no longer need?Find out which laptops we recommend 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