Which?

Our presenters sit down with our team of consumer experts to give you useful advice to help make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone.

Which? Money is your home for money news and personal finance hacks. Which? Shorts is your home of narrated pieces from our suite of magazines. And stay tuned for other shows full of advice.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 33 min
Can AI replace financial advice?
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid AI in our day-to-day lives. But are chatbots accurate enough to be trusted with your personal finance questions? In this episode of Which? Money, our senior data journalist Josh Wilson shares the results of his investigations into chatbots, where he aimed to find out how good they are at answering questions about personal finance. Josh tested five chatbots: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Google’s AI Overviews in standard Google searches, Microsoft’s Copilot and Perplexity, by asking them 15 common personal finance questions – chosen based on search trends – which covered pensions, 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 - 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
July 28 · 10 min
The hidden dangers behind Tripadvisor's AI hotel summaries
AI summaries are becoming increasingly prevalent to give us a quick overview of topics. But a new Which? investigation into Tripadvisor has shown that its AI-generated summaries fail to accurately reflect real traveller experiences. TripAdvisor summaries sometimes even brush aside severe safety risks and health hazards. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal how Tripadvisor's AI tools downplay reports of food poisoning, hospitalisation and sexual harassment, painting a rosy picture of hotels with serious red flags. This episode is read by Erica McKoy and is based on an article written by Kate Pasola, originally 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
July 23 · 33 min
Will new 'buy now, pay later' protections help everyone?
One in five UK adults uses 'buy now, pay later' services such as Klarna and Clearpay to spread the cost of online purchases. Earlier this month, new government regulations came into force, giving consumers stronger protections when using these services. In this episode of Which? Money, our money editor Grace Witherden tells us what the new regulations mean for you. Grace also shares examples from previous Which? investigations that show why we have been campaigning for stronger protections, and why these changes were long overdue. Plus, Kate Pender, CEO of Fair4All Finance, 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 Become a Which? Money member to access 1-to-1 guidance and receive the Money magazine
July 21 · 5 min
Will you face border queues at airports this summer?
Images of distressed British travellers who missed flights home because of long queues caused by Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks have understandably made people nervous. In this episode of Which? Shorts, our travel editor answers your questions about EES checks at European airports to help you prepare for a flight to the EU this summer. He explains who’s affected, whether or not you should be worried, and if there’s anything you can do to prepare. This episode is read by Rory Boland and is based on an article he wrote, 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
July 14 · 7 min
Stop paying full price for these groceries
Seeking out deals on supermarket products is nothing new. But our research has found some branded products that you never need to pay full price for. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal the results of our year-long investigation that analysed the pricing of thousands of popular branded groceries to uncover the truth about grocery promotions. We reveal the tricks of the trade and teach you how to see through the smoke and mirrors of grocery pricing. This episode is read by James Rowe and is based on an article written by 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
July 13 · 42 min
The companies that are letting you down
Welcome to The Shoddies! It's time for our annual awards where we name and shame the companies we think can - and should - do better. In this podcast, we call out 13 brands that we think have let consumers down over the past year. From car companies, to airlines, high street stores to telecoms giants, our experts hand our awards to household names that have misled or mistreated customers. Read more about the award winners on our website & sign up for our free weekly Money newsletter Get in touch with us 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
July 9 · 32 min
Why is the government going to tax your Isa?
Cash held in stocks and shares Isas could be taxed at 22% from April 2027 as the government looks to close loopholes for savers and investors. In this episode of Which? Money, our investing expert Josh Wilson explains the new rule, which comes into force at the same time as the cash Isa limit is reduced from £20,000 to £12,000 for under 65s. Josh explores how these changes form part of the government’s attempts to encourage more people to invest, and why it thinks so many rule changes are needed. Plus, AJ Bell’s director of public 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
July 7 · 11 min
In search of the perfect summer alpine escape
Nestled in the French Alps, Lake Annecy is the country’s third largest lake and boasts clear waters and a vista of pine-forested mountains. What can you expect if you visit this summer? In this episode of Which? Shorts, our travel expert shares his experience of visiting the shores of Lake Annecy, from raclette sandwiches to Michelin star restaurants. He shares his insider tips on how to make the most of your visit to the towns that surround the lake, even if you’re on a fleeting visit. This episode is read by Guy 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
July 5 · 20 min
The shopping sites that are misleading customers
Online fashion boutiques claiming to be independent, UK family businesses are popping up all over social media, but are they actually legitimate? In this episode, Erica McKoy sits down with Which? retail expert and senior researcher Hannah Walsh to discuss her investigation into bogus boutiques. She reveals how these misleading websites sell cheap items for a premium price under the guise of being an independent business. We also chat about the clever tactics used to lure shoppers in, from fake countdown clocks to convincing AI-generated family sob stories. Plus, Hannah shares advice on how to 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
July 2 · 27 min
Why replacing your bank card might not stop scammers from spending your money
We’ve reported before that fraudsters are able to keep on spending your money even if you replace your card thanks to a little-known feature of debit and credit cards. So we’ve investigated to find out if the banking industry is making it harder for scammers. In this episode of Which? Money, our scams and fraud expert Faye Lipson explains what an automatic billing updater is, how handy it is when our cards expire, but also how it aids financial criminals to maintain access to our money once they’ve already scammed us. Faye tells 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 - 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
June 30 · 12 min
Why mobile data is so bad in the UK
Think your 5G connection is working just because the icon is showing? Think again. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal why the UK ranks last in the G7 for mobile network performance. Plus, you’ll hear some practical steps that you can take to get better and more reliable mobile connection in your area. This episode is read by Erica McKoy and is based on an article written by Adam Snook, originally published in the July issue of Which? magazine. Try out our mobile network quality map on our website & sign up 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
June 25 · 32 min
What to look out for when building an emergency fund
Whether you already have a rainy-day pot or the idea of building up your savings from zero feels completely out of reach, do you know how to build a solid financial safety net? In this episode, we break down how to get started on an emergency fund without feeling overwhelmed by the numbers. We talk about whether you can save more with app based savings accounts vs standard high-street savings accounts and we also unpack the tax rules surrounding cash ISAs versus standard savings accounts. We’re joined by Which? expert Matthew Jenkin and Laura 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
June 23 · 7 min
Face recognition on phones easily fooled
Think your phone is secure just because you use face unlock? Think again. In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal how 64% of smartphones tested in our labs were easily tricked by nothing more than a 2D printed photo. Plus you’ll also hear some practical steps that you can take right now to strengthen the security of your device. This episode is read by James and is based on an article written by Adam Speight, originally published in the June/July issue of Which? Tech. Read our reviews of the 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
June 18 · 30 min
The surprising numbers behind a comfortable retirement
Whether you’re approaching retirement or the end of working life still feels years away, do you know how much you really need to retire? In this episode we learn more about Pensions UK’s Retirement Living Standards report, looking closely at the numbers that give us an idea of what our retirement could look like, and how much you need to save to enjoy a luxury lifestyle later in life. We’re also joined by Which? pensions expert Paul Davies who explains the additional challenges faced by those retiring in a single income household. 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.
June 16 · 8 min
Could solar panels save you £500 a year?
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
June 14 · 25 min
The truth about weight loss jabs
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
June 11 · 38 min
Is the government doing enough to protect consumers?
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 - 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
June 9 · 4 min
Why no one should mourn the condenser dryer
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
June 4 · 31 min
Copy trading: An increasingly popular form of investing - is it worth the risk?
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 - 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
June 2 · 7 min
How to slash your mobile network contract in 10 minutes
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