Tech

From powerful smartphones and laptops from Apple and Dell to noise-cancelling headphones from Sony and Bose; gaming consoles from Nintendo and Meta; and 4K TVs from Samsung and LG, we put the latest tech to the test, so you don’t have to. At The Independent, our team of experts don’t just unbox and skim the specs; we live with these devices to find out if they’re really worth your money. Whether you’re upgrading your setup, hunting for the best deals or making sure your online security is locked down with a solid VPN or antivirus, our in-depth hands-on reviews will help you find the best tech out there, no matter your budget.

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    Everything we review goes through real-world testing – no shortcuts. We spend hours gaming on them, snapping photos with them, typing up articles on them, blasting music through them, tracking runs with them, and even swimming with them. We’ve cooked with them, cleaned with them, lost things, found things and made calls across the world with them.
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    Senior Tech Critic
    Alex Lee

    TVs

    From budget to premium and everything in between, The Independent’s tech journalists test the latest smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense and more to find the best screens for every setup – along with the audio gear that will bring your movies to life. But a great viewing experience isn’t just about the TV or the soundbar. We also put streaming devices through their paces and highlight the best shows to watch, so you always have something good to tune into.

    When the time comes to buy a new TV, you want the best. After all, you’ll be watching it for years to come. If you don’t know your QLED from your OLED, need refreshing on the difference between UHD and 8K or want to disentangle the many HDR standards, our coverage can help you stay informed and up-to-date. The latest models are tested for everything from faithful image quality to speakers where the dialogue is crisp, and we’ll tell you which are the best-value choices.
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    Technology Critic
    David Phelan

    Smartphones

    Whether it’s the latest iPhone from Apple, a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung, or a new Android phone from Google, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony, Motorola, Nokia or Nothing, The Independent’s tech experts have tested them all. We keep abreast of the latest news and releases to bring you in-depth reviews on everything from budget-friendly models to refurbished or high-end flagships, stress-testing their battery life, camera performance, display quality and next-gen specs and features to see if they’re up to snuff.

    If it seems like there’s a new smartphone released every other week, it’s probably because there is. Better cameras, smarter designs and headline features are one thing, but how about the things the phone makers don’t tell you, like how that favourite feature has been quietly dropped or, most importantly, just how long the battery will last? IndyBest will tell you all that and give you the scoop on the latest news. The team spend their time checking out AI smarts, testing speeds and performance, and phoning each other to make sure the call quality is good.
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    Tech Critic
    David Phelan

    Laptops

    Whether you're a creative professional in need of a high-performance laptop or a student in search of a great deal, our expert tech team tests and reviews the best laptops to help you find the perfect device for your needs. From the latest MacBook Pro to sleek and powerful ultrabooks and budget-friendly options, our in-depth guides and student laptop recommendations mean you can shop with confidence.

    While there’s never been a better time to upgrade, choosing the perfect laptop can still feel daunting. Top brands like Dell, Asus and Lenovo recently refreshed their ranges, delivering a serious step up in performance and battery life, while Apple’s newest MacBooks offer increasingly good value. With so much choice on offer, my reviews are designed to be easy to understand and focus on laptops to suit all budgets and use cases.
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    Tech Writer
    Steve Hogarty

    VPN

    Whether you need a VPN to keep your browsing private, just want to stay secure on public Wi-Fiwhen using your iPhone or stream UK content while travelling abroad, we’ve tested the biggest providers to find out which ones actually deliver. From NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark to Proton VPN, CyberGhost, IPVanish and more, The Independent’s online security journalists are testing every VPN’s speed, ease of use and overall value, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. We also cover the latest cybersecurity and VPN news, helping you keep safe and secure online.

    It’s really hard to find a good and trustworthy VPN these days. With umbrella companies hoovering up the competition and dodgy free firms hungry for your data, it’s more important than ever to cut through the marketing spiel and find out which ones actually work and are worth the subscription. Fret not, we’re here to help.
    alex-lee-byline.avif
    Senior Tech Critic
    Alex Lee

    Gaming

    From the latest PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox deals to reviews of cutting-edge gaming laptops, VR headsets and accessories, our team of gaming experts tirelessly tests the latest gear to help you play at your best. Our shopping guides cover everything from console to PC gaming, so you’re sure to find something you love whatever your platform.

    Headphones

    Our expert tech team tests the latest and best headphones and earbuds from top brands like Apple, Sony, Bose and Beats. Our in-depth reviews and guides dive deep into sound quality, comfort, battery life and noise-cancellation to bring you recommendations you can trust, whatever your budget.

    Home Security Systems

    Keep your home and family safe with our expert guides to the best home security technology. Our team tests and reviews everything from smart video doorbells and security cameras to alarms, sensors and smart locks, helping you choose the right tech at the right price to secure the things that matter most.

    Installing home security can feel like a daunting project, yet with the latest smart, internet-connected and app-controlled systems, your home can be fully protected in little more than an hour. But, while installation is easier than ever, there’s still a huge number of products and services to pick from. That’s why we’ve tested security products from top brands like Ring, Yale, Simplisafe and Eufy.
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    Tech Journalist
    Alistair Charlton

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