Our heritage

Which? is best known for testing products – from washing machines and cars, to digital cameras and power tools. We also proudly raise awareness of consumer rights and safety issues and offer impartial advice through our magazine and via public campaigns.

From humble beginnings in 1957 working out of a converted garage in Bethnal Green, we are now the largest consumer body in the UK. As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, all the money that we make through commercial means is invested right back to support our work as a consumer champion.

Which? has no owners, shareholders or governmental stakeholders. We’re completely independent. You won’t even see an advert in our magazine or on our websites. This means we can work for you without prejudice as we strive to keep powerful vested interests in check. Or, quite simply:

Which? exists to make individuals as powerful as the organisations they have to deal with in their daily lives.

As you can imagine, a lot has changed since 1957. Over the years we have expanded, and now we have our own policy and research department that focuses on campaigning work and influencing decision-makers. We have a number of specialist magazines covering topics as diverse as travel, money, gardening and computing.

We have departments devoted to providing information on consumer rightslegal issues, wills and later life care. We also have a range of useful online resources such as Which? Conversation and the main Which website.