10 of the best places to buy tech online in the UK

Buying tech online usually means a better choice and a better price than the high street, but the right shop depends on what you're buying. Here are ten of the best places to look, and what each one is best for.

How we chose: range, price, delivery and collection options, after-sales support, and how easy returns are. The list isn't ranked by commission. We may earn a commission from some of these retailers if you buy through our links, which never changes the price you pay.

1. Currys: best all-rounder

The UK's biggest electrical specialist, with a huge range of laptops, TVs, phones and appliances, stores across the country and click and collect. Useful if you want to see a product in person before buying online.

2. Argos: best for speed

Wide tech range and quick collection options from its stores and collection points. Handy when you need a replacement charger, games console or kettle today rather than next week.

3. John Lewis: best for service

Known for customer service and a carefully chosen range. Check the product page for any guarantee included, which can be longer than the standard manufacturer's cover on some electricals.

4. Amazon: best for range

An enormous selection and fast delivery. Check who the seller is: items sold by Amazon itself and items sold by third-party sellers can come with different returns and support. Search it from our Shop Amazon page.

5. AO.com: best for appliances

An online specialist in large appliances and electricals, with delivery and installation options. Worth comparing for washing machines, fridges and dishwashers.

6. Very: best for spreading the cost

An online department store with a big tech range and its own credit account. Buy-now-pay-later and store credit can be expensive if you don't clear the balance in time, so only use them if you're sure you can.

7. Laptops Direct: best for laptop choice

A computing specialist with a deep range of laptops at different price points, often including previous-generation models at lower prices.

8. Scan: best for PC builders

A favourite of gamers and PC builders for components such as graphics cards, processors and memory, as well as ready-built computers.

9. Box: best for gaming kit

Computing and gaming specialist with monitors, gaming laptops and accessories. Useful for comparison against the bigger chains.

10. Refurbished specialists: best for value

Refurbished phones, tablets and laptops can cost far less than new. Buy from established refurbishers, or from manufacturers' own refurbished stores, and check the grade, the warranty and the battery condition before you pay.

Tips before you buy tech online

• Compare the exact model number. Retailers sometimes sell slightly different versions of the same product.
• Check the price history. A "was" price isn't always a guide to a good deal. Our blog has more on spotting genuine sales.
• Know your rights. In the UK you usually have 14 days to cancel most online orders, and goods must be of satisfactory quality.
• Pay by credit card for big purchases where you can, for extra protection on items over £100.

The bottom line

For most people, comparing two or three of these retailers on the exact model you want is the simplest way to pay less. Check below for today's tech offers from brands we work with.