IndyBest

Expert product reviews and shopping advice

IndyBest is the ultimate destination for shopping advice, gift guides and product reviews. The Independent’s shopping experts test thousands of products across tech, gaming, fashion, beauty, fitness and home and garden so that you’re in the know when it comes to the best products that suit you. Everything featured in our reviews is rigorously tested with our readers in mind, from best mattresses to egg chairs.

The IndyBest seal of approval always takes a product's quality, price, size and ease of use into careful consideration. Read our guides and expert reviews below. For more information on our team take a look at the IndyBest About Us page, and for info on how we review products try our How We Test page. To make sure you never miss any of our expert content, sign up to receive our Daily Deals newsletter and our weekly Indy Home and Garden newsletter.

Meet the IndyBest team

Your go-to for tried and tested reviews and shopping advice from The Independent

How the IndyBest team test and review products

<p>Whether you’re looking for a bed to ease back pain or keep you cool, our tried and tested guide is on hand to help</p>

Best mattress 2024: 14 tried and tested mattresses

<p>From small and quiet to big and mighty, we put these damp-busters to the test</p>

Household Appliances

Best dehumidifiers 2024, tried and tested at home

<p>Heated rails are gentler on stitching and materials, compared with using a tumble dryer - these are the best to buy </p>

Household Appliances

Best heated clothes airers 2024, tried and tested

Black Friday 2024

Follow latest updates on when Black Friday 2024 sales start, plus expert guides featuring the best deals from Amazon, Argos, Apple, John Lewis, Boots and more, plus tips on how to shop the sales.

<p>Black Friday falls each year on the day after Thanksgiving </p>

When is Black Friday 2024?

All the best brands are set to take part, from Asos and Zara to Amazon and Shark

<p>Shop savvy this Black Friday with my handy pointers </p>

My top Black Friday tips to help you get the best deals

<p>Get ready for big savings across all categories, from tech and beauty to home appliances </p>

Best Amazon Black Friday 2024 deals to expect

<p>From Apple Watches to iPhones, here’s what could go on sale </p>

Best Apple Black Friday deals 2024: Early offers on AirPods and more

Christmas

Tis' the season to shop, eat and be jolly. Luckily for you, our shopping experts at IndyBest have reviewed all of the best Christmas gifts to help you spoil loved ones this year. From the best toys for kids to gift ideas for mums and dads who have everything, our Christmas gift guides offer something for everyone.

<p>Whether you’re looking for jewellery, a blow-the-budget gift or something affordable, it’s here where you’ll find all this and more </p>

Best gifts for her 2024: Thoughtful presents for women

<p>Best gifts for him for 2024</p>

45 best gifts for men 2024, present ideas he will love

<p>A group of lucky volunteer testers signed up to help us find the best toys for Christmas 2024</p>

Toys & Activities

Best kids’ toys for Christmas 2024, tried and tested

<p>Taking the pain out of gift buying, we’ve catered for every budget and preference </p>

34 best gifts for mum that she’ll be pleased to receive

Latest tech news

Whether it's reviews of the latest smartphones and smart rings or intel on Samsung's eagerly anticipated Galaxy Ring and Apple's all-new iPhone 16, our tech team has you covered.

<p>We’ve been wearing the devices for months to see how well they track our sleep, activity and stress levels </p>

The best smart rings of 2024

With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, the age of the smart ring has well and truly arrived

Oura ring review: We test the generation 3 model

<p>You’ve a wider choice of laptop than ever, with designs suited for entertainment, gaming and productivity. </p>

Laptops & Tablets

Best laptops for 2024, tested and rated

<p>This year the gap is starting to close between the basic and pro models </p>

Phones & Accessories

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Which should you buy?

A guide to supplements

Whether you're looking for expert advice on collagen supplements, vitamin D, multivitamins, or the best probiotics, we’ve got you covered.

<p>What are the signs of low vitamin D and from supplements to sun exposure, how can you top up your levels?</p>

How to know if you’re vitamin D deficient and what to do about it

We asked the experts about the common deficiency and the best ways to treat it

<p>Cod liver oil has been used for hundreds of years to support good health</p>

What are the benefits of cod liver oil supplements?

<p>Everything you need to know about amino acid supplements</p>

Promoted content

What are amino acid supplements and why do they matter for fitness?

<p>Probiotics have the power to support skin quality, gut health and mood</p>

16 best probiotics to help improve gut health

<p>Whether you’re looking for prebiotics, iron tablets or beauty gummies, we’ve got all vitamins and mineral bases covered </p>

Best supplements for 2024, according to experts

<p>The capsules, drops and powders cover nutrients such as omega 3, vitamin D, magnesium and more </p>

Best menopause supplements as recommended by experts

<p>We asked experts which collagen supplements they recommend and why </p>

Best collagen supplement 2024, as recommended by experts

Level up your fitness and wellbeing

Whether you're looking to explore the benefits of yoga or discover whether Hyrox or Crossfit should be your workout of choice, we're here to answer all your fitness and wellbeing queries and provide advices and reviews.

<p>Rowing is one of the eight functional fitness workouts in a Hyrox race </p>

Sports & Fitness

Hyrox vs CrossFit: Which one should you choose?

Hyrox and CrossFit both promise to push people to their limits and test their strength, but in very different ways

<p>Yoga is proven to boost your overall physical health and mental well-being </p>

Sports & Fitness

What are the benefits of yoga? Plus the equipment and kit you need

This affordable yoga mat provides the perfect base for your next flow

<p>With gels being a personal choice for runners, we spoke to experts to find out which ones they can’t get across the finish line without</p>

Sports & Fitness

Best energy gels for 2024, recommended by experts

<p>The formula is caffeine-free so you’re not overstimulated before bed </p>

This tried and tested pre-workout supplement has more than 40% off

How to be energy efficient

Owing to the cost of living crisis, our shopping experts have hunted down the best deals on the products to help you save money. Our IndyBest experts have also written features on how to be energy efficient at home, with alternatives to turning your heating on.

<p>From small and quiet to big and mighty, we put these damp-busters to the test</p>

Household Appliances

Best dehumidifiers 2024, tried and tested at home

<p>Size, shape and noise level were all key considerations when testing air fryers </p>

Kitchen Appliances

Best air fryers for 2024, reviewed by experts

<p>Heated rails are gentler on stitching and materials, compared with using a tumble dryer - these are the best to buy </p>

Household Appliances

Best heated clothes airers 2024, tried and tested

<p>Insights from the Energy Saving Trust could help you save money</p>

Kitchen Appliances

An expert-led guide to energy-efficient kitchen appliances

Latest IndyBest news and reviews

<p>These wearable throws have gone viral </p>

Oodie’s £1 blanket hoodie deal is returning for Black Friday 2024

<p>You don’t have too long until the title is released </p>

A new Hunger Games book is coming soon – here’s how to pre-order

<p>There are deals on both the disc and digital editions of the console </p>

Video Games & Consoles

The PS5 Slim is at its lowest price ever – here’s how to get the deal

<p>Delivering on volume and length, this formula is a firm favourite for good reason </p>

My favourite Maybelline mascara is currently reduced to less than £9

<p>These sachets help with hydration and energy levels year round</p>

Why you should be using electrolyte sachets

<p>The Ugg Black Friday sale typically lasts four days </p>

Best Ugg deals to expect for Black Friday 2024

<p>The high street event is a highlight in the shopping calendar </p>

The Zara Black Friday deals to expect for 2024

<p>From beauty to tech, there are plenty of deals to get us excited </p>

I’m a shopping expert, and these are the Black Friday deals to expect

<p>Have a great night’s rest between these tried and tested bed linens </p>

10 best bedding sets for a great night’s sleep

<p>This important mineral helps relieve stress, improve sleep, and supports bones and teeth </p>

Best magnesium supplements, as recommended by experts

<p>Here’s everything to expect look forward to come November</p>

Best perfume deals to expect in the 2024 Black Friday sale

<p>The nine piece collection is sure to sell out</p>

Women's Clothing

A new Barbour x Ganni collaboration has landed for winter 2024

<p>I tried rucking 10,000 steps a day for a week and I loved the results </p>

Fitness and wellbeing

I walked 10,000 steps with a weighted backpack for a week, here’s why

<p>According to experts, there’s more to consider than just the number of steps you’re taking </p>

Fitness and wellbeing

Why 10,000 steps a day might not matter if you don’t do this one thing

<p>The designer’s best-selling fragrances are heavily reduced </p>

Marc Jacobs’s daisy perfumes reduced by 40% – and you’ll get a freebie

<p>Your definitive guide to the best women’s boots around – as tried and tested by a fashion editor</p>

Best boots for women 2024: From knee-high to ankle styles

Sponsored content

Explore the benefits of Payment Orchestration with Fabrick

Save up to 40% on essential university tech with HP Student Store

Get up to 30% off access to 1,600 airport lounges

Protect your family’s online privacy with ESET home security

Switching broadband has never been easier thanks to Sky’s 24/7 service

Sound never settles: Get the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds from Currys

Discover the K-beauty 2024 advent calendar perfect for skincare lovers

Make the most of your HP printer with an Instant Ink subscription

<p>We spent several weeks reviewing a range of Christmas jumpers, to suit men, women, and kids</p>

Best Christmas jumpers for all the family in 2024

<p>Myprotein already has some Black Friday deals available and there are some genuinely good discounts on offer </p>

Best Myprotein early Black Friday deals

<p>The calendar boasts popular brands including Milk and Sol de Janeiro</p>

Advent calendars

Asos’s advent calendar saves you 76% – but is it worth your money?

<p>I took maca supplements for three months</p>

I took maca powder for three months – here’s why you should too

<p>Not every model can run Apple Intelligence, even if you have iOS 18.1 </p>

Phones & Accessories

Apple Intelligence has launched, but is your iPhone compatible?

<p>The Nintendo Switch 2 could be as powerful as a Steam Deck </p>

Video Games & Consoles

All the Nintendo Switch 2 rumours to know, from release date to design

<p>You’ll find brands such as Ren, Color Wow, Benefit and Clinique inside </p>

Advent calendars

M&S’s advent calendar is surprisingly cheap – here’s my full review

<p>With best-sellers including the squalane cleanser and HA serum</p>

The Ordinary’s set has five full-size products and it’s now half-price

<p>Add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, with these bath towels</p>

Best bath towels 2024, tried and tested

<p>Everything you need to know ahead of the November sale bonanza</p>

Boots Black Friday deals 2024: Beauty offers to expect

<p>Black Friday gives us a chance to treat ourselves and our households to these cooking wonders </p>

Best early Black Friday air fryer deals

<p>Shop discounts on your favourite skincare, make-up, haircare and body brands</p>

Everything to know ahead of LOOKFANTASTIC’s Black Friday sale

<p>Save on your favourite brands like Charlotte Tilbury and NARS</p>

The Black Friday beauty deals to expect for 2024

<p>We’ve pulled together everything you need to know ahead of Black Friday</p>

Best sofa deals to expect for Black Friday 2024

<p>Ditch the tumble dryer in favour of these drying gadgets from the likes of Minky and Black+Decker </p>

Best heated clothes airer deals for Black Friday 2024

<p>The PS5 Pro will officially launch in-stores and begin shipping out on 7 November</p>

Video Games & Consoles

PS5 Pro releases in days, here’s where to pre-order in the UK

<p>Ralph Lauren is steeped in 50 years of style history </p>

The best Christmas gifts from Ralph Lauren, starting from £17

Our readers’ top buys

Shop the most popular products bought by our readers - and check out expert reviews from our IndyBest writers.

Sustainable shopping

A core element of IndyBest's reviewing process involves testing the sustainability of a brand and its products. Looking for recommendations? Read our expert reviews on the sustainable products that may help you do your bit for the planet.

Summer essentials

<p>We really got to grips with how versatile each barbecue is</p>

BBQs & Accessories

Best charcoal BBQs for summer 2024, tried and tested

<p>From crisp crusts to delicious toppings, your pizzas will be on point with the help of these ovens </p>

BBQs & Accessories

Best outdoor pizza ovens 2024, tried and tested

<p>We took into account the price, portability and cooling ability</p>

Household Appliances

Best portable air conditioners 2024, tried and tested ACs

<p>Will you choose a self-inflating style or one with a built-in pump?</p>

Best air beds 2024, tried and tested

Best fashion and beauty buys

From Dyson hair dryers to party dresses, our shopping experts have reviewed the best beauty and clothing picks. Our experts are here to help you decide on what you should buy each season and where to find the best fashion, skincare and make-up deals.

Travel essentials

<p>These handy travel companions were used to transport everything from computers and cameras to dive gear during testing </p>

10 best cabin bags and suitcases for great escapes

Whether for business or pleasure, choose one of these and you’ll pack like a pro

<p>Packing cubes are ideal for shirts, shoes and everything in between</p>

Travel & outdoors

Best packing cubes for 2024: Keep your suitcase organised

These luggage lifesavers are the perfect companions for your next trip

Best tech products

From Apple AirPods and smartphones to laptops and TVs, our shopping experts have tested and reviewed the best of tech, and have also found a range of impressive offers across the board.

<p>We’ve broken down the top services for every device and purpose</p>

Best VPN services in the UK for security in 2023

<p>SAD lamps work by reducing melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, and increasing your serotonin levels </p>

10 best SAD lamps to banish the winter blues, tried and tested

Headphones & Earphones

Cheap AirPods UK 2024: Best deals on Apple’s earbuds

<p>Need to upgrade your tablet? Now’s the time to do it</p>

Laptops & Tablets

Best iPad deals in October 2024: Cheapest prices on Apple tablets

Best gaming products

Read our reviews on the best gaming products, including Nintendo Switch and PS5 consoles, Xbox bundles, gaming chairs and new games, all tried and tested by IndyBest’s experts.

<p>Nintendo is known for its high-quality titles</p>

Video Games & Consoles

Best Nintendo Switch games for 2024, reviewed

<p>‘God of War Ragnarok’ and ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ are some of 2022’s biggest releases </p>

Video Games & Consoles

23 best PS5 games from Elden Ring to FIFA 23

<p>Not only are these games just around the corner, some of them will even be available to play for free</p>

Video Games & Consoles

The upcoming Xbox series X games to expect in 2022 and 2023

<p>There are plenty of games coming this year (and next) </p>

Video Games & Consoles

The upcoming PS5 games to expect in 2022 and 2023

Best home and garden products

From barbecues and pizza ovens to washing machines and fridge freezers, our IndyBest shopping experts have tried and tested the best kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and garden products for your home.

Best kitchen buys

<p>Size, shape and noise level were all key considerations when testing air fryers </p>

Kitchen Appliances

Best air fryers for 2024, reviewed by experts

<p>We assessed on performance, distinctive features and specifications </p>

Household Appliances

Best dishwashers, tried and tested

<p>Some non-stick pans can be bunged in the oven for next-level cooking versatility</p>

Kitchen Accessories

Best non-stick frying pans 2024: Tried and tested

<p>We tested these bottles in our car, at the gym, on trains and planes, and when dashing between meetings </p>

Sports Equipment & Accessories

Best reusable water bottles 2024, tried and tested

<p>We took size, style, price and comfort into consideration </p>

7 best armchairs that will help you sit back and relax in style

From boucle-clad chairs to faux-leather options, these are the armchairs we’d happily have in our homes

7 best armchairs that will help you sit back and relax in style

From boucle-clad chairs to faux-leather options, these are the armchairs we’d happily have in our homes

<p>We took size, style, price and comfort into consideration </p>

Top 10 storage tips for the home

<p>Silk can reduce frizz and breakage while helping your skincare soak in more effectively overnight</p>

Best silk pillowcases 2024, tried and tested

<p>From testing in a busy family home to car and garden clean-ups, we put these handheld vacuum cleaners through their paces </p>

Vacuum Cleaners

15 best handheld vacuum cleaners, tested and reviewed

<p>Add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, with these bath towels</p>

Best bath towels 2024, tried and tested

<p>Add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, with these bath towels</p>

Best bath towels 2024, tried and tested

<p>Side sleepers should plump for a thicker pillow, while lower options are better for those who sleep on their back</p>

17 best pillows 2024, tested for all types of sleepers and neck pain

<p>Sales of wood burners are on the rise across the UK</p>

11 best log burners that’ll heat rooms of all sizes

Best home office buys

<p>From adjustable to electric, these sit-stand desks will do you and your back a favour </p>

Best standing desks 2024, tried and tested

<p>Ergonomics come down to features such as lumbar support and adjustable seat height</p>

Best ergonomic office chairs 2024, tried and tested

<p>Even paper clips and staples are no match for the more-powerful contenders in our line-up </p>

Best paper shredders for home use 2024, tried and tested

<p>Wireless printers are much easier to use and much more versatile – usually with the option to print directly from tablets or smartphones too</p>

Computer Accessories

11 best home printers: Laser and inkjet for your wireless setup

Best health and fitness buys

Whether you're training for a marathon or have committed to a New Year's resolution to get fit, our shopping experts have found the best deals and top quality brands to shop for running shoes, home gym equipment, hybrid bikes, fitness trackers and more.

<p>The best belts offer comfort, no chafing, no riding up and no bounce</p>

9 best running belts for carrying phones, water bottles and keys

<p>All these cycling essentials are tested to industry standards </p>

9 best bike locks to keep your wheels safe and secure

<p>Our tester submitted their saliva, to find out which DNA tests are worth your money </p>

Best DNA testing kits for 2024, tried and tested

<p>A good wedge set in a few different loft settings is one of the best ways to lower your scores </p>

7 best golf wedges for honing your short game out on the course

Best kids products

From babies and toddlers to teenagers, shopping for children never ends. Our shopping experts have tried and tested essential products to help parents take care of all their kids' needs through the years. Read reviews and shopping guides on the best pushchairs, baby monitors, toys, mattresses and football boots.

Best food and drink buys

From alcohol to protein shakes, our shopping experts have tried and tested some of the best new products on offer. Whether you're shopping for a birthday gift for a gin lover or are looking for a vegan cookbook to give Veganuary a go, shop the best deals and read reviews from our experts.

Boost your health

<p>Probiotics have the power to support skin quality, gut health and mood</p>

16 best probiotics to help improve gut health

<p>We considered taste, nutritional benefits and cost per serving </p>

Sports Equipment & Accessories

7 best protein powders and shakes to help achieve your fitness goals

<p>We all need vitamin D, even more so in the winter months</p>

8 best vitamin D supplements to help boost your health and immunity

<p>We sipped for days, comparing similar blends to find out which came out on top </p>

13 best herbal teas for a full-flavoured brew without the caffeine

Best deals

Our shopping experts are renowned for hunting down the best deals on essential and hard-to-find products, so you don't have to. Shop top bargains and offers available on a range of products below.

Which product is the best?

<p>We looked for for ease of use, effective relief of pain, and general improvements in movement</p>

Sports Equipment & Accessories

Hypervolt vs Theragun: Which at-home percussive massage tool is best?

The portable masseur can treat injuries, soreness, strains and more

<p>Both iPhone and Android have pros and cons and you can find excellent handsets in both flavours but it’s important to find the device that’s right for you</p>

Phones & Accessories

iPhone vs Android: How to decide which smartphone is best for you

<p>Both models work via wifi connectivity and clean carpet as well as hard floors – but there’s more to it than that </p>

Vacuum Cleaners

iRobot roomba i3+ vs iRobot roomba s9+: Which robot vacuum is best?

<p>We tested both for a week each, looking at value, breathability and versatility</p>

Emma vs Simba: Which hybrid mattress is best?

Buying guides

<p>We put the main brands and types in the frame</p>

Cameras & Accessories

Camera buying guide: How to choose the best model for you

<p>How firm your mattress is will affect how well you sleep – the type of firmness you need will depend on your sleeping position, height and weight</p>

Mattress buying guide: How to choose a mattress

<p>The perfect pillow is subjective, but there are some basic rules based on how you sleep, health conditions and allergies</p>

How to buy the best pillow for your sleeping position

<p>With a 500-strong product line-up, here’s how to find the right gadget for you</p>

Anker buying guide: From projectors to speakers to power banks

Vouchers