How Which? reviews help you spot brilliant products

Whether you're shopping for an eco-friendly washing machine that's cheap to run or a laptop backed by crucial security updates, our product filters help you narrow your search to focus on features that matter to you.

On this page, our experts share examples of how you can put Which? product filters at work. We're constantly looking at ways to make our lab results even more useful for members, and curated filters are a key part of the experience.

Before we get started, here's a reminder of how you can find out unique product filters:

• On desktop – access product filters at the left-hand side of your screen.
• On the Which? mobile app – access product filters at the top-right corner of your screen.

If you’re not yet a member, get instant access to our expert reviews by joining Which? today.

1. Personalised recommendations at a glance

Why should you use this filter? If you don't have time to browse our full selection of expert reviews, sort by features that matter the most to you.

What products does it apply to? All product review categories.

For major review categories, we've added needs-based filters that help you narrow your search.

Take our TV reviews, for example. To help you find a top telly, just tell us how far away from it you'll sit, plus how much you value picture quality. At the time of writing, we have more than 270 published TV reviews – our needs filters will save you plenty of time researching all of this yourself.

2. Filter by Which? Best Buys and Great Value alternatives

Why should you use this filter? Generate a list of our highest-scoring products to date, including affordable options.

What products does it apply to? All product review categories where our lab tests have identified appropriate models.

A Which? Best Buy title is awarded only to products proven in our independent lab tests and expert assessments to serve you the best. Our Best Buy recommendation is 100% independent, which means no company can nominate its own products.

Meanwhile, our Great Value picks are there to help you buy a trustworthy product without spending more than you need to. These products don't always score as highly as Best Buys, but still come highly commended. Typically, they cost at least 20% less than the average price of all products in their category.

You can also sort reviews to show Best Buys only, in order of lowest to highest price.

3. Annual running costs for large appliances

Why should you use this filter? Although some appliances are cheap to buy initially, they can cost a fortune to run through the year.

What products does it apply to? Washing machines, Tumble dryers, Dishwashers, Fridge freezers, Fridges, Freezers, Built-in ovens, Range cookers, Freestanding cookers, Washing machines, TVs.

We measure running costs for a wide range of home appliances, awarding a Which? Eco Buy title to products that have the least environmental impact, while still performing well.

To become an Eco Buy, a product must achieve an overall test score of 60% or higher and come from a brand whose products, according to our large-scale surveys, aren't likely to develop faults or break down quickly. It also needs to use energy efficiently and water efficiently (if applicable). Which? members can access all this information.

Our annual running cost calculations vary depending on product type. Take our washing machine reviews for example. We generate an estimated running cost based on using the popular cotton 40°C wash program four times a week, every week, for a year. Our tests have identified a Great Value model that costs just £41.89 a year to run, compared to others that cost more than double.

When shopping for large appliances, experiment with the running costs filter to suit your budget – you can also sort results by running cost (low to high) to quickly find the most efficient machines. 

4. Estimated remaining security support

Why should you use this filter? Security updates are used to patch vulnerabilities found on your device which, if left alone, could give hackers access your personal data.

What products does it apply to? Mobile phones, laptops.

When buying a new smartphone or laptop, it's important you pick a model that will get important security updates for years to come. For every model that reaches our test lab, we estimate the minimum amount of time left before it stops receiving security updates. Select Estimated remaining security support to try it for yourself.

Most (but not all) phones and laptops on test should be covered for at least two years, but we've also seen Best Buys that have an estimated five years of updates ahead of them. If you're buying used, make sure the device is still supported before you part with your money.

Another way you can secure your laptop is with antivirus software – our top picks are a breeze to set up and effortlessly scan your system to keep files safe. Many offer live protection, too, so you'll know right away if a link, website or downloaded file is unsafe. See our guide for more details: Best antivirus software for 2023

5. TV accessibility settings

Why should you use this filter? There are dozens of accessibility features that make TVs far easier to use, but not all the TVs we've tested offer them.

What products does it apply to? Televisions.

A new TV can be a hefty investment and the accessibility checks we perform during our reviews will help you shop with confidence. We suggest you experiment with the filters under our TV accessibility settings heading.

Using our product filters, Which? members can quickly spot proven Best Buys that tick all the right boxes when it comes to ease of use. Our accessibility measures cover the following key features:

• Screen reader – software that reads aloud the text displayed on-screen.
• Screen reader remote control shortcut – we check to see if there's a button on the remote to activate the screen reader.
• Audio description setting – can audio description be turned on in the settings, making it on for all content by default?
• Subtitles settings – can subtitles be turned on in the settings, making it on for all content by default?
• Greyscale – we see if colour shown on the TV's menus can be disabled.
• Inverted colour scheme – a high-contrast display can be helpful for users with certain visual impairments.

From our television reviews page, members can also select the Which? test results dropdown to focus on models that score at least four out of five for ease of use, screen reader accuracy or menu contrast.

For more expert advice on making your TV easier to use, check in with our guides: How to hear your TV better and The best TVs for people who are blind or partially sighted.

6. Product safety warnings for parents

Why should you use this filter? All our readers (including non-members) get instant access to a list of products that simply can't be trusted to keep your little one safe.

What products does it apply to? Child car seats, pushchairs, baby carriers, digital thermometers and stair gates.

You deserve peace of mind when buying for your child, which is why we clearly display our safety alert banner alongside products that have issues. If you need a summary of models we've found to be unsafe, simply select the Product safety alert filter.

In our child car seat tests, we've seen models that have been recalled due to faults related to their Isofix base. Other seats have been flagged as they score poorly for frontal-impact tests.

We've also seen stair gates that can't be relied upon. A safety gate’s key task is to prevent a child from going somewhere they shouldn’t, but some we've tried have failed our auto-close tests. Others fail a key safety test that checks whether a gate is strong enough to withstand repeated pushing and pulling over an extended period of time.

7. Shop for second-hand phones

Why should you use this filter? Buying a new phone can be expensive, particularly if you want the latest features and capable cameras. A used alternative can save you money.

What products does it apply to? Mobile phones.

From our mobile phone reviews page, look for the Buying options heading, then select Second-hand only. Now, you'll see a list of on-test mobiles that are readily available on the used market, along with the price you could expect to pay.

Whether searching online or in-store for a used mobile, pay attention to the grade as it reveals what level of quality to expect. A Grade A phone will be in visibly flawless condition, with no scuffs, scratches or marks. A Grade B alternative is visibly used but any damage is purely aesthetic.

For more details, consult our guide on how to buy a second-hand or refurbished mobile phone. You should be able to make use of your old model, too – see our advice on how to recycle your mobile phone.

More product filters worth trying:

• Broadband deals – filter your selection by broadband speed and length of contract. Log in to see how we rate each package.
• Fitness tracker features – use our filters to see which models can measure your heartrate or track your location on a hike.
• Mattress firmness – we rate each mattress by how hard it is, helping you to get a soothing night's sleep.
• New and used car reviews – our filters let you pick out models that score highly for ease of driving, performance, safety and brand reliability.

Spend wisely – join Which?

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