Welcome to the Good Sense Guide library of buying guides. Here you will find plain English guides and how to articles on phones, tablets, laptops, broadband, gadgets and staying safe online. Every guide is written for older people, their families and small charities, so you can choose the right technology with confidence and without the jargon.
We explain what is worth buying, what to avoid and how to get the best value. As a result, you can spend less time comparing and more time enjoying the technology you choose.
Browse buying guides by topic
- Phones and SIMs: simple phones, smartphones and cheap SIM only deals.
- Broadband and internet: good value broadband and mobile WiFi.
- Staying safe at home: gadgets that help older people live independently.
- Staying safe online: how to spot scams and protect your devices.
- Our product picks: laptops, tablets, gadgets and gifts we recommend.
- For charities: affordable technology and supplies for small charities and community groups.
How we choose what to recommend
Our buying guides focus on technology that is easy to use, good value and reliable. Before recommending anything, we look at what it costs to buy and to run, how simple it is to set up, and whether it will still be supported with updates in the years ahead. In addition, where a cheaper or refurbished option does the job just as well, we say so.
We also point you to trusted organisations when you need more help. For example, Age UK offers free advice on staying independent at home, and Citizens Advice can help if something you buy goes wrong.
Popular buying guides
- Best phones for older people
- Best tablets for video calls with family
- Best simple laptops under £400
- Best laptops under £500 on eBay
- Should you buy refurbished?
- How to spot a scam text, call or email
- Gadgets to keep warm and cut bills
- Cheap office supplies for charities
Latest guides
The newest buying guides and how to articles are shown first.
Affordable hearing aids: comfortable options for every budget
This guide to affordable hearing aids is for older people who struggle to follow conversations, and for their families. Good hearing aids do not have…
Smoke alarms for older people: simple ways to stay safe from fire
Smoke alarms for older people need to be loud, reliable and easy to look after. This guide is for older people who live at home,…
Comfortable desk setups for older people
Comfortable desk setups for older people do not need special furniture or a big budget. This guide is for anyone who gets a stiff neck,…
DAB radios for older people: simple sets that are easy to use
Choosing DAB radios for older people does not need to be hard, and the right set can bring daily company back into the home. This…
The best affordable electric reclining chairs for home use
Why an electric reclining chair helps A good electric reclining chair can make a real difference at home. With the press of a button, it…
Big button TV remotes: simple controls for older people
A big button TV remote makes it easier to turn the sound up or change channel without hunting for tiny keys. This guide is for…
Projectors for small charities: a simple guide to choosing one
Projectors for small charities make it easy to share slides, videos and photos with a room full of people. This guide is for trustees, volunteers…
Be ready for a power cut: torches, power banks and radios that help
A power cut can be worrying, especially in winter or for people who live alone. The lights go out, the heating may stop and the…
How to fix weak wifi at home: boosters, extenders and mesh explained
If video calls freeze in the bedroom or the tablet will not connect in the kitchen, you are not alone. Many homes have weak wifi…
Second monitors for charity staff: work faster with two screens
Second monitors for charity staff are one of the cheapest upgrades a small charity can make. A second screen lets people see two things at…
In short, our buying guides are here to help you choose with confidence and pay a fair price. Can’t find what you need? Get in touch and suggest a topic for our next guide. You can also read how we make money and keep our guides free.