Switched On · 55 guides
Buying guides
What to look for, what it costs to run, and the products we’d pick.
Action Cameras Explained: How to Capture Your SummerHow action cameras work and what to look for — resolution, stabilisation, battery and mounts — plus gimbals and drones, with picks.
Best Portable Speakers for Summer: Beach, Garden & FestivalWhat waterproofing and battery you need in a portable speaker for beach, garden and festival — with picks for every setting.
Portable Power for Festivals: Power Banks & Stations ComparedPower bank or power station for a festival? What capacity keeps phones, speakers and cameras going all weekend — with our picks.
Printer Buying Guide: Inkjet vs Laser and Running CostsInkjet vs laser, why all-in-ones win, and how to keep ink and toner costs down — how to choose a home printer, with picks.
Best Laptops for College in Ireland 2026What matters in a college laptop — battery, weight, RAM and the right software — plus picks by course and budget.
Laptop Buying Guide: RAM, Storage & Processors ExplainedProcessor, RAM, storage and screen explained in plain English — the sweet-spot combo to buy, with our top laptop picks.
Monitor Buying Guide: Resolution, Refresh Rate & Panel TypesSize, resolution, refresh rate, response time and panel types explained — how to choose the right monitor for work, study or gaming.
American Fridge Freezers: Are They Worth It for Irish Homes?The benefits and trade-offs of American-style fridge freezers — capacity, running cost and size — who they suit, and our top picks.
Best TVs for a Bright Living RoomGlare washing out your TV? For a bright room, chase brightness and anti-glare — why QLED and Neo QLED win, with our picks.
Best Kids' Smartwatches: A Parent's Buying GuideWhat to look for in a kids' smartwatch — GPS, calls, 4G, parent controls and durability — plus our top pick.
Security Cameras & Video Doorbells: A Buying GuideWired vs battery, video quality, smart alerts and subscription costs — how to choose a security camera or video doorbell, with picks.
Stand Mixer Buying Guide: How to Choose One That LastsBowl capacity, motor power, attachments and build quality — how to choose a stand mixer, with the best Kenwood and Sage picks.
Fridge Freezer Buying Guide: Size, Split and EfficiencyCapacity, 70/30 vs 50/50 split, frost-free and energy ratings — how to choose a fridge freezer, with our top picks.
Dishwasher Buying Guide: Size, Settings and EfficiencyFull-size vs slimline, freestanding vs integrated, place settings, energy ratings and noise — how to choose a dishwasher, with our picks.
Air Fryer Buying Guide: What Size and Type to ChooseWhat size air fryer you need, single basket vs dual-zone, the features that matter, and the best Ninja models — with our picks.
Best Vacuum for Pet Hair in IrelandWhat to look for in a pet-hair vacuum — suction, anti-tangle brushes and HEPA filtration — plus cordless, cylinder and robot picks.
Robot Lawnmower Buying Guide: How to Choose for Your GardenHow to choose a robot lawnmower for your garden — area, wire-free navigation, slopes and obstacle avoidance — with our top picks.
Do You Need a Dehumidifier? Signs, Benefits & How to ChooseHow to tell if you need a dehumidifier, compressor vs desiccant, what size to choose and our top picks — with a checklist to buy by.
Best Bluetooth Speakers for the Garden & OutdoorsWhat to look for in an outdoor speaker — water resistance, battery and loudness — plus solid picks for the garden, the beach and the barbecue.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in Ireland for Travel & FlightsWhat ANC really does, the features that matter, and the best noise-cancelling headphones for flights, commuting and working from home — with a checklist to b...
How to Choose the Right Robot Vacuum for Your HomeRobot vacuums are getting smarter, with self-emptying docks, mopping features and room mapping. Here is what Irish households should look for before buying.
Air Fryer vs Oven: Which Is Cheaper to Run?Air fryers can be cheaper than ovens for smaller meals, but not always. Here is how to compare running costs, capacity and cooking performance before you buy.
How to Choose the Best TV for Watching the 2026 World CupThe 2026 World Cup is underway. Here is how to choose the right TV size, screen type, refresh rate and soundbar setup for watching sport at home.
How to Keep Your Home Cool During an Irish SummerWarm Irish summers can make homes uncomfortable fast. Here is how to choose between fans, air conditioners, air coolers and dehumidifiers, plus simple ways t...