The Which? top 50 products of the year 2023

Our 50 products of the year are the cream of the crop, narrowed down from a pool of thousands released in 2023.

Some are high scorers, beating out every other product in their category. Some are cheaper, undercutting their rivals while still providing a high level of quality. Some are kinder to the environment and some combine all three.

It’s a labour of love and a chance to celebrate some of the finest products around.

Choose well, buy better and save money using our expert tips Get our Weekly Scoop newsletter – it’s free.[1]

50. Kinetik Wellbeing Smart Ear & Forehead Thermometer

Sometimes a hand on the forehead won’t do.

Especially if you suspect the 10-year-old in front of you is trying to bunk off school. Kinetik’s thermometer gives accurate, contactless readings in just 1.5 seconds.

Kinetic Wellbeing Smart Ear & Forehead Thermometer review.[2]

49. Al-ko 36V 42.2 Li lawnmower

Few products benefited from going cordless more than mowers. Petrol ones are available, but they aren’t good for the environment or your lungs.

Battery power means no dragging wires decapitating petunias or frustrated yanks of caught cords smashing garden gnomes into concrete paving, just free and easy mowing; until the battery runs out.

The huge batteries in the Al-ko last for 40 minutes between charges and it’s an excellent mower besides, capable of cutting a variety of grass lengths with ease.

AL-KO 36V 42.2 Li lawnmower review[3].

48. Ooni Volt 12 pizza oven

What springs to mind when you read ‘dough, tomato, mozzarella and basil’?

If it wasn’t pizza, then you’re either one of the few people in the world who isn’t a fan of Italy’s famous food or you thought mozzarella was a renaissance painter. (Congrats if you said margherita).

Pizzas are loved by millions and there are few better ways of making one at home than the Ooni Volt 12. It can be used indoors or out and it makes consistently delicious pizzas. Whether you’re a traditionalist who thinks a pizza’s not a pizza unless it’s Neapolitan or you’re partial to a deep pan, the Volt can do it all.

You don’t need to be a master pizzaiolo, either (yes, we had to look that up), and as much as using an enormous wooden board to shuffle bases round brick ovens looks appealing, Ooni has gone with the safer, novice-friendly, option of precise, simple controls that make sure you get a wonderful pizza rather than a charred puck.

Best pizza ovens.[4]

47. Stihl HSA 60 hedge trimmer

If something’s better than all its rivals, then it’s got a great chance of getting on this list.

And there’s few better ways devices for trimming hedges than the HSA 60.

With a rotating rear handle and lengthy blade, it’s cordless, mighty and satisfying to use.

Stihl HSA hedge trimmer review[5].

46. Jura E6 Platinum (15467) coffee machine

When good coffee is your raison d’etre, you need a machine that will do those beans justice.

It may not be the fastest, but the automatic milk frothing means you’re only one press away from a delightfully foamy cappuccino.

Jura E6 Platinum (15467) coffee machine review.[6]

45. Fellowes Automax 90M 8 Shredder

Seeing an A4 sheet – packed with the sort of personal info scammers dream of – shredded into confetti is so satisfying. But destroying sheet after sheet can lose its lustre.

Enter the AutoMax 90M (which, since it’s on wheels, can do so swiftly and with some panache) with its brilliant auto-feed function. Pop up to 90 sheets into the slot and it will munch through them like a greedy caterpillar while you do something more interesting.

Fellowes Automax 90M shredder review.[7]

44. Oral-B iO 10 electric toothbrush

It may look like it could launch itself from Cape Canaveral, lap the globe and land again, but the iO 10 is just a toothbrush.

It’s a smart model, though, with enough features to help you brush better and justify the ridiculously expensive price.

You’ll likely get some eyerolls if you tell anyone you’ve got an app for your toothbrush, but it is useful. You can see if you’re putting too much pressure on your teeth, or too little, and it shows how much of your teeth you’re brushing, so you can spot if you’re regularly missing any molars.

You also don’t need to engage with the app too much since the lights on the body change colour if you’re brushing too hard or too lightly, and a ring of lights on the charging stand gives you feedback on how well you’ve covered each area of your mouth. Most important of all, it’s superb at cleaning your teeth.

Oral-B iO 10 electric toothbrush review.[8]

43. LG Xboom Go XG9Q wireless speaker

It’s rare to find a portable speaker that sounds as good as home speakers.

It’s also rare to find one that looks like HAL 9000. But, thankfully, the only talking the Xboom does is when you put on a podcast.

Its name evokes raucous parties rather than gentle strings accompanying afternoon tea, but don’t let the Xboom fool you, there’s no genre it can’t handle. Each tone from bass to treble is detailed and dynamic as the speaker adapts to the needs of the music, and expertly emphasises the right instruments, pitches and voices.

The battery lasts a staggering 33 hours – ideal if your tea and cakes turns into gins and a takeaway.

LG Xboom Go XG9Q wireless speaker review.[9]

42. Smeg HOBD472D venting hob

Kitchens are rich with ingenuity and we’re not talking about cooking.

Clever shelving contraptions packing pantries into normal-sized cupboards and hidden drawers under work surfaces are neat ways of getting more from your kitchen, and appliances are following suit.

Venting hobs put the extractor in the middle of the hob – freeing up the space where a cooker hood would be. And the compact HOBD472D is one of the best.

It has a narrow vent that automatically adjusts suction, and is amazing at removing grease and odours. The hob heats quickly and you can create bigger heating zones if needed.

Smeg HOBD472D venting hob review.[10]

41. Tower T17102 Vortx Vizion air fryer

It’s testament to the popularity of air fryers that they are consistently one of the most popular reviews on Which.co.uk.

What the Vortx Vizion (yes, that’s actually what it’s called) has going for it is the two 300g ovens that can be used simultaneously – and you don’t need to be an expert to work them.

There are 10 presets, including chicken, fish and, of course, chips, so you can hit a button and let the air fryer do all the work of cooking a delicious dinner.

Plus, if you’re a nervous cook, you can check your meal is being fried to perfection through the viewing windows.

Tower T17102 Vortx Vizion review.[11]

40. Cybex Cloud T i-Size + Base T child car seat

Safety always comes first with our car seat testing and we’ll never recommend one that won’t protect your child. Happily, the Cloud T does. Plus it’s comfy, with plenty of padding – and it’s easy to fit, with great instructions.

Cybex Cloud T i-Size + Base T child car seat review.[12]

39. HP M24 computer monitor

Home working has made a decent monitor a near essential purchase for millions – and the M24 should be high on your list.

The picture is crisp and clear, and there are plenty of ports. Availability is low, so you can also consider the snappily named Acer CB272Usmiiprx[13].

38. Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum cleaner

Something from Dyson always finds its way into our top 50 and, sadly, its bizarre air-filtering headphones didn’t make the cut. Its vacuum cleaners on the other hand are consistently excellent and the Gen5detect is another quality vac in Dyson’s.

It cleans well on any floor type, and is equally good at sucking up large debris and tiny crumbs.

Plus, it’s got a tremendous allergen filter and an army of useful extras.

Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum cleaner review.[14]

37. Ninja Woodfire electric BBQ

Does anything encapsulate the British spirit (and stubbornness) better than the barbecue? Our weather may be unpredictable, but weekend after weekend we risk it all for the delicious taste of grilled meat and seared veggies. Having a hi-tech barbecue at least takes some of the risk out of it, so if you can’t control the weather the Ninja Woodfire helps you control your cooking.

This versatile marvel can smoke, grill, roast and even air fry your food, so even the fussiest guests will be satisfied.

The digital display keeps you up to date with timings, temperatures and when things need flipping. And, there may not be a bed full of charcoal, but wood pellets can be added to give a smoky flavour and our experts thought the grill put a wonderful sear on food. It’s a barbecue your guests will be happy to risk getting wet for.

Ninja Woodfire electric BBQ review.[15]

36. Fairy Max Power Original washing up liquid

It’s serendipitous that washing up liquid should come after a barbecue in our top 50 because washing up after one is the worst bit.

But the incredible grease and fat removal of Fairy makes light work of any washing up.

Fairy Max Power Original washing up liquid review.[16]

35. Lenco PDR-046 radio

Where many radios have rudimentary displays, the Lenco has a large, full-colour one displaying what station you’re on and what music or show is playing. It shows the degree of care and pride that Lenco has in its products – and that extends to the crystal-clear audio.

Lenco PDR-046 radio review.[17]

34.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

It’s not easy for a tablet to rival an iPad, but Samsung has managed it. The S9 exudes quality at every turn, from the absurdly fast processor that means you’ll barely ever look at a loading bar to the screen that’s vibrant enough to get lost in – even at only 11 inches corner to corner.

Despite the high-end tech under the hood, the battery still lasts up to 13 hours and gets to 37% after just 30 minutes on charge. Even the cameras are good.

It’s at the pricier end of the market, but few devices feel as complete and polished as this one.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 review.[18]

33. JTX Fitness JTX STUDIO V5: BLUETOOTH CONNECT+ BIKE

Exercise can make you happy. Working up a sweat, and feeling that pump in your muscles releases endorphins… eventually. When you’re trying to develop a routine and feel that sense of reward from exercise, putting your running shoes on or going to the gym can feel like the last thing you want to do.

Having a stylish, kitted-out exercise bike is bound to help your motivation.

The JTX Studio V5 is the perfect piece of equipment both for people who are just starting a fitness programme or those looking for something more challenging. Despite it technically having infinite resistance, we found the display indicated 10 levels. It’s incredibly stable, so you won’t topple over as you push hard through those last few kilometres, even on uneven floors.

It also collects stats for you, and is compatible with a range of training apps, so you can keep track of your progress, which is so important for motivation.

If you’re prone to boredom on longer rides – or just want to distract yourself from the fire in your quads – there’s a tablet or smartphone holder, so you can watch videos while you pedal. This is an ideal companion on your fitness journey that’s solid, durable and with enough options to keep up the challenge as you get fitter.

JTX Fitness JTX STUDIO V5: BLUETOOTH CONNECT+ BIKE review.[19]

32. Apple 15-inch MacBook Air 2023

MacBooks are laptops.

A screen connected to a keyboard and a trackpad, with an array of carefully packed tech underneath. But people don’t tend to call it a laptop – and that’s an incredible feat of marketing backed up by consistent quality. So the MacBook earns the right to give itself a different name to the majority of its peers.

It’s also true of iPads and iPhones – tablets and smartphones, respectively, and it’s the sheer class of Apple’s products that means it can call them something different without being ridiculed.

The latest MacBook Air is majestic. Blistering speeds from a processor that runs the most demanding software as if booting up minesweeper and a lustrous screen give the computer a feeling of pure quality. The efficiency of all these high-end components means the battery doesn’t suffer and we managed more than 15 hours of video playback.

Price is the only downside.

Apple 15-inch MacBook Air 2023 review.[20]

31. Genesis GV70 Electrified (2022-) car

The government may be delaying the end of petrol and diesel cars, but that hasn’t slowed down manufacturers who are continuing to hone electric technology to get more range, more power and more refinement. The Genesis GV70 exemplifies this. The two pure-electric engines pack a punch that creates a massive 490hp – that’s more than a Ford Mustang.

Despite having more power than a muscle car, the GV70 still has enough range to drive you from London to Newcastle without stopping for a plug-in.

This is even more impressive when you consider it weighs 2.3 tonnes with no one in it. And if you do need to stop for a top up, you won’t be waiting long. Rapid charging capabilities can get the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

How does this hefty car feel to drive?

Acceleration is instantaneous and thrilling, as it goes from a standstill to your desired speed in seconds, and feels sturdy throughout. It’s not the most exciting large SUV to drive on a challenging road, but nevertheless it’s a fantastic combination of style, power and comfort.

Genesis GV70 Electrified (2022-) review.[21]

30. Canon PIXMA G4570 printer

There are no cartridges here, you get a tank of ink instead, which you can refill yourself.

Printing costs are far lower as a result, and the printer is reasonably priced, too. It’s all-in-one and good at everything – printing, scanning, copying. Terrific.

Canon PIXMA G4570 printer review.[22]

29. Miele WED164 washing machine

A top washing machine available with a 10-year warranty?

Of course the WED164 is in the list. Miele is no stranger to a high scorer, and this washer is another for the list. It uses less water and energy than most, but your clothes will still be spotless.

Miele WED164 washing machine review.[23]

28. TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro Mesh Wifi 6E (3-pack) mesh system

Talk about advanced, this incredible mesh system (of three nodes that you dot around your house to create a net of wi-fi ) is compatible with an advanced version of wi-fi most devices don’t even use yet.

Wi-fi 6 is common, and 6E is the next step, allowing for better speeds and range. For an upgrade to your router’s performance, this one is futureproof, fast and reliable.

TP-LinkDeco XE75 Pro Mesh Wifi 6E review.[24]

27. Beyond Meat Beyond Burgers

Creating a plant-based burger that’s indistinguishable from a beef one is the goal of many companies, but none have come as close as Beyond Meat.

It’s truly worth skipping the meat aisle for with 82% of our panel feeling it was a flavoursome and convincing meat substitute. The market may have slowed in recent years, but the quality of Beyond Meat’s juicy creations means they deserve a spot on this list as well as your shopping list.

Beyond Burger review.[25]

26. Miele G 5110 SC dishwasher

The second entry for Miele (see number 29) is another staggering appliance, this time a dishwasher that’s cheaper than you’d expect from this brand.

It uses less water and energy than most, so it’s cheap to run, too. And your dishes? They’re spotless and sparkling.

Miele G 5110 SC dishwasher review.[26]

25. Asda GMMD101B microwave

The days of low-cost appliances looking cheap are long past.

The diamond texture on the panel is classy and attractive, and the attention to detail extends beyond the surface. It heats food evenly, keeps it moist and it’s a doddle to clean. Asda is one of the best for cheap, small appliances.

Asda GMMD101B microwave review.[27]

24.

Asda George Home GDK101B-22 kettle

Fresh from its success with the microwave at number 25, Asda continues its 50 products takeover with a top-notch kettle. And it’s another device that looks far more expensive than its price would imply. The LED temperature display, backlit buttons and gloss black design will look delightful on any worktop.

Looks aside, it’s quick with a low minimum-fill level – and it expertly filters limescale so your brew tastes perfect.

Asda George Home GDK101B-22 kettle review.[28]

23. AEG TR959M6BC tumble dryer

It scores far better than your average tumble dryer, which helped it get such a high spot in our top 50. While it may be a high upfront cost, it costs less to run than thanks to energy-saving measures.

There’s little wrong with it beyond the price.

AEG TR959M6BC tumble dryer review.[29]

22. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G phone

High-end phones need to watch out, because the mid-rangers are coming for you and, in 2023, the Samsung A54 5G is leading the charge. Of course, many of the high-end phones at the front of the pack are also made by Samsung, but more and more people are wondering whether the best of the best is really best for them? The limitations of this stellar mid-range phone are slight and in some ways it’s as good as its pricey peers.

Just look at its specs and tell us this doesn’t sound like a high-end handset: 120Hz OLED screen, HDR10+ support for wider contrast on videos, eight-core processor, three cameras (including one lens with practically the same specs as the flagship Galaxy S23) and 41-hour battery life.

It’s a high-end phone in mid-range clothing – almost as if Samsung made a mistake and put the wrong price on.

Products punching above their weight are always a good bet for the 50 products list and that’s exactly what the A54 does. So if you’re upgrading, grab it. But be quick, before Samsung notices its error and puts the price up.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G phone review.[30]

21. LG OLED42C34LA TV

This is our fifth 50 products list, and an LG OLED has featured in every single one.

A remarkable feat. It’s been higher – in the 2021 list, the OLED55G16LA made it all the way to number 5 – but don’t mistake its entry here as a drop in quality. Few products are as consistent as LG’s OLED TVs.

It’s hard to impress the quality of this TV’s picture without you seeing it, but here goes.

Colours fill the screen like an artist spreading luminous, shimmering oil paint across a canvas. Each new frame is like another brushstroke of fresh colour that shines from the display with dazzling energy. The TV achieves this otherworldly blaze of colour while maintaining a level of detail, realism and accuracy that should be contradictory – but somehow each stunningly vivid scene is natural, believable and entirely transportive.

It sounds better than a model this thin has any right to.

And the warm, defined audio rounds out a TV that’s capable of creating a sensation of true escapism as you lose yourself in whatever you’re watching.

LG OLED42C34LA TV review.[31]

20. Fairy Platinum Plus Antidull Dishwasher Tablets

Dishwasher tablets as good as Fairy Platinum Plus are few and far between. We gave it the full five stars for cleaning and for its ability to keep your crockery sparkling, which means Fairy isn’t kidding about these tabs having anti-dull technology.

Fairy Platinum Plus Antidull Dishwasher Tablets review.[32]

19. Samsung HW-Q930C sound bar

It looks like three speakers, but, in fact, there are 17 of them tucked behind that black mesh and sitting behind you to give a cinematic surround sound experience. Each speaker works in harmony to create beautiful balance and pure immersion.

Samsung HW-Q930C sound bar review.[33]

18. Leapfrog LF2413 baby monitor

Someone should make a horror film about a baby monitor, because the look of dread when that parent unit chimes into life is up there with any Netflix chiller.

With LeapFrog’s monitor, you might not need to pause a spooky movie to calm your baby, either.

You can send soothing words through the receiver while praying those whimpers don’t turn into full-blown tears. This isn’t unique, but it’s the icing on the cake of this fantastic monitor, with a price few can match.

The 14-hour battery easily lasts the night and the decent signal range means you can keep an eye on your little one wherever you are in your home.

Leapfrog LF2413 baby monitor review.[34]

17. Shark HZ3000UKT corded vacuum cleaner

There’s no shortage of cordless devices on this list, and the convenience of not being tethered to the wall is undeniable. But Shark isn’t ready to cut the cord just yet and neither should you, especially when the vac is this good.

Battery power adds expense, and for every accomplished wireless wonder there’s another that gives out when you’re barely halfway through a job. Shark caters for both – and the HZ3000UKT is a top corded model.

You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a cordless one with its upright, thin tube design, but the almost 11-metre-long cord means it will be some distance before you feel that taut snag. And it cleans superbly, no matter the type of floor, with minimal suction drop off as the dust canister fills with debris.

It keeps allergens locked in, too, with a little help from the fantastic filter. Kudos to Shark, who’s shown us there’s life in corded vacs yet.

Shark HZ3000UKT corded vacuum cleaner review.[35]

16. Co-op Les Pionniers Champagne

You may not be able to impress your guests by saying ‘this is a very fine vintage’, but you can impress them with the taste. Our panel of champagne experts adored the fresh and fruity flavour with nutty notes and a hint of smoke.

Co-op Les Pionniers Champagne review.[36]

15.

Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones

With these earbuds, Sony is close to catching up with Apple’s AirPods. Extraordinary and versatile sound, superb noise-cancelling and more than eight hours of playtime is incredible. To make them usable for longer, Sony offers replacement charging cables and silicone eartips.

Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones review.[37]

14. Whirlpool FFWDD 1174269 BSV UK washer dryer

We love a multitasker.

They save space, money, time and effort – and the washer-dryer is the finest example of it you can find in a kitchen. If you had to list chores from bad to good, surely hanging washing out would be high on the list. Arranging armfuls of lank, soggy clothes on an airer could be one of the worst ways to spend 20 minutes in your own home.

Of course, on a sunny day it’s best to suck it up and make use of those warm rays to get your clothes dry, but on a cold, damp February morning that drying function on your Whirlpool will put a smile on your face.

It takes care of the whole laundry journey and does each stage superbly – especially if you’re washing and drying cottons, where it got full marks in our tests.

Your clothes come out stain free and ready for your drawers and wardrobe, leaving you more time to do literally anything else.

Whirlpool FFWDD 1174269 BSV UK washer dryer review.[38]

13. Asda Baked Beans

We’re not sure what baked beans and champagne in your shopping basket says about your night in, but we’d like an invite.

The flavour of these beans may not be the best accompaniment to a glass of bubbly, but they are tastier and far cheaper than Heinz. In fact, our panel voted these their overall favourites, which, in a country where the baked bean is a sacred staple found in most kitchen cupboards, that’s a spectacular achievement.

Asda Baked Beans review.[39]

12. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Smartphones changed the world.

We learn with them, pay with them, get on planes with them and play games with them. They are work and relaxation, communication and information, and Apple is largely responsible for this revolution.

The 15th-generation Pro Max has the first phone camera to get five stars and its new chip is powerful enough to play PlayStation 5 games – despite being a fraction of the size. Plus, it has a new durable titanium design, we dropped it 100 times on to concrete and it barely left a mark.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review.[40]

11. Mac Allister MBV18-Li-2 18V 2.0Ah leaf blower

Be honest, you weren’t expecting to see a leaf blower this high up.

Maybe it’s because it looks like a sports game T-shirt cannon, or maybe it’s down to its high score and low price. We can’t say for sure, however we can confirm that the Mac Allister does a great job piling up leaves.

Like every other garden tool in this list, it uses a battery. And while at 11 minutes 30 seconds it doesn’t last as long as other blowers, the gusts emanating from that nozzle are more than a match for loose leaf litter.

It’s easy to use, lightweight and we put it together in less than a minute.

Now, we need to see about setting up a T-shirt cannon test.

Mac AllisterMBV18-Li-2 18V 2.0Ah leaf blower review.[41]

10. Ubiquiti UVC-G4-Instant wireless security camera

Home surveillance doesn’t have to mean a mess of wiring any more, and the simplicity of smart, wi-fi cameras has made them incredibly popular. The Ubiquiti is a fantastic camera bringing you continuous, high-quality recordings for 24-hour peace of mind.

Ubiquiti UVC-G4-Instant wireless security camera review.[42]

9. Road Angel Halo Pro 2022 dash cam

Dash cams record the road in front and behind, and can help prove fault in an accident. That’s if they’re any good.

We’ve seen dash cam footage that had us making appointments at our local opticians, but there’s no issue with the Halo Pro.

The daytime footage is so clear it could be spliced into the next Mission Impossible, although the sedate driving might be a giveaway – directors cut, maybe? There’s a GPS sensor in there, too, so you can track speed and route, which can be shared with others via the useful app.

Road Angel Halo Pro 2022 review.[43]

8. Apple Watch Series 9

Apple says this smartwatch is its first carbon neutral product. All of the energy used to make it is clean, it’s made from 30% recycled materials and the same goes for the packaging.

We always have to take claims like these with a pinch of salt.

Our testing can’t confirm if the materials used are less harmful, less poisonous and less damaging to the environment, but it’s encouraging to see one of the biggest companies on earth seemingly put the same care into manufacture as it does the watch itself.

What our testing can confirm is the watch’s quality. The S9 chip is lightning-fast, and puts Siri at its heart. It’s an excellent fitness companion, too, with accurate tracking so you can understand your stats and see progress.

Apple Watch Series 9 review.[44]

7. LG GMB844PZFG fridge freezer

If you’re spending more than a grand on a fridge-freezer it helps to know it’s not going to run up your energy bills.

LG’s giant, two-door fridge-freezer costs less to run than most similarly sized models, without compromising on excellent, accurate and consistent chilling.

LG GMB844PZFG fridge freezer review.[45]

6. Kobo Clara 2E ebook reader

People don’t really say ebook reader, they say Kindle. It’s the same way people Google something instead of searching for it and reach for the hoover when vacuum cleaner is the correct term. Kindle is synonymous with ebooks, which makes Kobo’s success in this market all the more impressive.

The fortunes of ebook readers have waxed and waned in recent years, and, much like the resurgence of vinyl, physical books are making a comeback.

However, the appeal of carrying a library of them on one light, thin ebook reader is undeniable. And the Clara 2E is one of the best.

Automatically adjusting brightness on the e-ink screen gives you the look of real paper and the convenience of reading in diff erent lighting conditions – and there’s room for dozens of books. It has one clear advantage over Kindles, too, you can borrow library books on it.

Kobo Clara 2E review.[46]

5. Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4 video doorbell

Just like the answerphone allowed people to screen calls, video doorbells let people screen visitors.

Delivery? Great, that’s worth getting out of bed for. Is that a lanyard and a clipboard?

I’m not at home. You only have to walk your neighbourhood to see how popular they’ve become and if you haven’t got one yet, we recommend the Unifi.

It’s easy to install, the picture you get on the app is fantastic, plus there’s a light for dingier days and the sound is good, so you shouldn’t misunderstand a delivery driver. But the coup de grace is the ability to store videos without a pricey cloud subscription.

Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4 video doorbell review.[47]

4. Skullcandy Rail True Wireless In-Ear headphones

Skullcandy isn’t a brand that fills our testers with glee.

But with the Rail True Wireless headphones, it seems to have finally got the balance right.

Most truly wireless in-ear headphones cost far more than these and it’s always good to see prohibitively expensive tech reach a point where it’s a more realistic purchase – and there are more compelling reasons to choose the Skullcandys than price alone.

Replacement charging cables and ear gels should help make them usable for longer. They have warm, rich sound that’s more than a match for bassy pop or nuanced orchestral scores, plus they don’t leak much sound, so you can carry on pretending you’re listening to Stravinsky and not ‘My Heart Will Go On’ for the 14th time today.

Skullcandy Rail True Wireless In-Ear review.[48]

3. Currys Essentials CFSEBK22 oven

To understand how a Currys freestanding cooker got to number three in our list, beating an iPhone and an OLED TV in the process, you need some context. It’s a cut above the average free standing oven.

It’s not far from the topscorer, too – and it’s GBP446 cheaper.

If that doesn’t warrant a place in the top three, we don’t know what does. It’s not perfect – we wish it was bigger and the hob heated more evenly – but it gets most things spot on. Five-star grilling, quick to heat up and stable cooking temperatures are some of its plaudits, and if you like to bake, you’ll be happy with the fluffy, sponge cakes it turns out.

Finding Best Buy products from brands you wouldn’t expect is why we test as much as we can. And this is easily one of our star finds of 2023.

Currys Essentials CFSEBK22 oven review.[49]

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14-inch (Gen 8) laptop

It’s no surprise to see the majority of the Great Value entries at the top of the list. Finding ways to keep costs down is on people’s minds at the moment.

With tech, that means looking beyond the brands they know and rethinking what they really need. Laptops like this will never beat a MacBook Pro, or a Microsoft Surface; they’re not designed to.

The IdeaPad suits a demographic of users that don’t need the best and won’t ever utilise all the strengths of a high-end device. If your needs only extend to browsing the internet and managing your admin with Microsoft Office – why buy a device for three times the price that’s designed for the most complex tasks a laptop can do?

It’s products like this that make us glad we introduced the Great Value badge.

The IdeaPad could easily have fallen through the cracks as another low-end laptop that doesn’t quite have the quality to be a Best Buy. But being Great Value brings it to the fore, so people can see that its speedy processor, solid specs and exceptional battery life is exactly what they need for everyday computing tasks.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14-inch (Gen 8) laptop review.[50]

1. Aldi Almat Bio Washing Powder

Everyone has their go-to supermarket. For some it’s whatever’s closest, particularly if they don’t drive.

Then there’s cost, variety and quality. Sometimes it’s the one your family went to, or you prefer its own-brand produce. Loyalty isn’t always logical and it can be hard to break.

But every now and then a product comes along that makes you consider a switch.

Aldi is already one of the best-value supermarkets in the country, offering better access to affordable groceries than almost any other. The Almat Bio washing powder is a perfect example of Aldi’s commitment to quality while keeping prices low in a year where we’ve campaigned to get supermarkets to make stock more affordable to help struggling households.

Superb stain removal, colour protection that keeps whites white and not that dull eggshell trendy paint brands seem to have 600 variants of, fully recyclable packaging and no ingredients known to be harmful to aquatic life are qualities that are hard to ignore.

We loved it last year, too, and it came in second place in our top 50. But its eco credentials and a reformulation have pushed it to new heights.

Is it worth switching stores for?

On its own, maybe not, but couple its quality with Aldi’s commitment to value when prices on everyday goods have never been higher, and maybe it’s enough.

References

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