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Broadband Guides

If you're looking for some help with your broadband switch or support with a broadband problem, our broadband guides are here to help.

Setting up broadband

Setting up your new broadband router may feel daunting but it doesn't have to be! Check out our extensive broadband set-up guides.

Broadband and moving house | How to set up your internet

Your guide to moving your broadband connection to your new house. Here's what to consider when moving, including whether you should switch or stay.

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How to get broadband without a landline - Uswitch

Want broadband without a phone line? It's now easier than ever to get broadband without a landline frm many of the UK's major broadband providers.

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What are the best wireless routers?

Guide to the best broadband routers in the UK. Find the best router for coverage across major providers like BT, Virgin Media, Sky and others.

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How to self-install your broadband connection

For times when an engineer can't visit your home to install your new broadband, here's how you can do it yourself.

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Business vs home broadband: Which service do I need?

In this guide we look at the key selling points of business broadband over home broadband so you can decide what's best for your needs.

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Hybrid working index: the best locations for working online from home

We've ranked the best towns and cities across the UK for hybrid working, so you can balance your week between the office and home.

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Which smart home devices should I buy?

Smart homes can make your house secure and your household chores a breeze. Here are the smart home gadgets you should consider buying...

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How to boost your Wi-Fi throughout your home: Wi-Fi extenders explained

Are there spots in your home where you can't connect to the internet? See how a Wi-Fi booster can improve your internet speed.

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How to change your Wi-Fi password

You don't have to keep the Wi-Fi password set by your broadband provider. Follow our step-by-step instructions on how to change your Wi-Fi password to something secure and easy to remember.

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How to set up parental controls for your child online

Parental controls are one of the easiest, most effective ways to keep your kids safe online. Find out what they can do and how you can set them up.

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Broadband basics

Finding broadband confusing? We've explained the most common broadband jargon and need-to-know essentials in our basics guides.

What is broadband and how does it work?

Want to know what broadband is? Here's your user guide to everything you need to know about broadband.

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Bits and bytes explained — a guide to internet connection speeds

Knowing the difference between bits and bytes is key to understanding broadband download times and figuring out what broadband speed you need.

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What is a wireless router?

Read our guide to wireless routers to find out how to set them up and how they get your home connected to the internet.

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History of the internet: a timeline throughout the years

The history of broadband from the '70s until today. From dial-up to broadband, read up on developments in broadband over time.

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Five important details to look for in your broadband bill

Find out the key details to be aware of in your next broadband bill, so you can avoid price hikes and unwarranted fees.

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7 ways to help your child learn from home — a guide to remote schooling

Here's how you can help your child make the most of their education when they're learning from home.

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How to set up parental controls for your child online

Parental controls are one of the easiest, most effective ways to keep your kids safe online. Find out what they can do and how you can set them up.

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How to stay safe online — a guide to internet security

Find out all the best ways you can stay safe while using the internet, from antivirus software to avoid fraudulent scams.

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What is an IP address?

What is an IP address? How do I find my IP address? Find out these answers and more about IP addresses in our Uswitch guide to IP address.

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What is a "Fair Usage Policy"?

Wondering what's a fair usage policy? Read our guide to broadband fair usage policies, including unlimited broadband and fair usage policies.

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Broadband speeds

Ever wondered what broadband speed you need? We've got your broadband speed questions covered here.

What is gigabit internet and do I need it?

The next big step in home broadband is the introduction of gigabit internet speeds across the UK. But just how useful is gigabit internet and do you need it?

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Can you get ultrafast internet speeds? - Uswitch

Unsure if you need ultrafast broadband? Here’s how to get the some of the fastest broadband speeds available at the best price, and which provider is best for you.

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What broadband speed do I need for Black Friday?

Is your broadband ready to handle all the new gadgets you're planning to get on Black Friday? Take a look at our speed calculator for all the different devices on offer this November.

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Download time calculator | Check your internet speed

Understanding broadband speeds and download times has never been easier with our download speed calculator. Find out real download times based on your broadband speed with this guide.

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Video game downloads: how to speed up your console - Uswitch

Bored waiting for video games to download on your console? Try these top tips to speed up downloads on your PS5, PS4, Xbox and PC devices.

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Getting the most out of your broadband when working from home

With many of us continuing to work from home still, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of your broadband when working from home.

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What broadband speed do I need? Find the broadband speeds available in your area

Take a look at our guide to broadband speed guide — find out what speeds you have available in your area and how to deal with slow broadband speed.

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What broadband speed do I need for streaming?

The amount of broadband speed needed for streaming depends on which platforms you use, what quality you stream in and how many people are in your household.

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Which UK streets have the slowest broadband speed?

We've found the UK streets with the slowest internet speeds. 90% of them can get faster broadband — can you upgrade your connection too?

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Internet upload speeds explained: what are 'symmetrical' broadband speeds?

Ever wondered why your upload speed is so slow? Here's all you need to know about internet upload speeds, and why symmetrical broadband is the future.

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How to find good Wi-Fi on the tube

The London Underground has a surprisingly good network of Wi-Fi hubs at stations throughout the city. We created a new tube map with the average Wi-Fi speeds available.

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Solving problems with your broadband

From complaints to internet connection issues, check out our best tips to help solve your broadband problems.

Broadband social tariffs for low income households - Uswitch

If you're on Universal Credit or receiving government financial support, these broadband providers offer social tariffs to ease the pressure on your bills.

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A guide to video calling online

Video calls have become a standard practice in most of our lives. Here's how to get the most from your broadband and improve your video call quality.

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Broadband outage in the UK | What to do when your broadband goes down

What happens when your broadband goes down? What can you do about it? And how long will you be offline? Here's how to deal with an internet outage.

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Why is my internet so slow?

Here are a few reasons why your internet is slow and what you can do to fix it.

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How to complain to your broadband provider

From price rises, to connection dropouts, to customer service, here's how to complain about your broadband to your internet service provider.

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How to stay safe online — a guide to internet security

Find out all the best ways you can stay safe while using the internet, from antivirus software to avoid fraudulent scams.

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My broadband services are down, can I get money back?

With your broadband down or if you're experiencing wifi problems, you're entitled to compensation. Find out what you're entitled to and how to claim quickly and easily.

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Your guide to internet connection problems

Having internet connection problems? Here are a few pointers to help you identify the source of your broadband connection problems and get back online.

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Broadband price rises

Covering the latest price rise announcements from all of the major providers.

EE broadband price rise 2023: what can you do? - Uswitch

EE has hiked prices by nearly 15% for nearly every customer from 31 March 2023. Find out what you can do if you’re an EE broadband customer.

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How to save money on your broadband bill - Uswitch

Looking for ways to save money on your monthly bills? Here's how you can reduce what you spend on your broadband.

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Broadband price rises in 2023 explained - Uswitch

Broadband prices gone up mid-contract? Learn why prices have increased by as much as 15% in 2023, and what you can do about it if you're affected.

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Plusnet price increase 2023: what can customers do? - Uswitch

Almost all Plusnet customers were affected by its 15% price increase in 2023. If you’re with Plusnet, find out what you can do.

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TalkTalk price increase 2023: what can you do? - Uswitch

TalkTalk has raised its prices for almost all customers by over 14% in 2023. Here's what you can do if you're affected by the price hike.

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BT price increase 2023: what can customers do? - Uswitch

BT rolled out price increases of over 14% for millions of its customers in Spring 2023. Learn all the facts and figures you need to know.

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Sky broadband and TV price hike 2023 - what can you do?

Sky hiked its prices by 8.1% for millions in April 2023. Learn how to contact Sky and find out if you can leave your contract early.

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Virgin Media price increase 2023: what can customers do?

Virgin Media increased its broadband and TV prices by 13.8% in April 2023. Find out what you can do if you're impacted by the price rise.

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Vodafone broadband price increase 2023: what can customers do?

Vodafone is increasing its broadband prices by nearly 15% for most customers in April 2023. Find out what you can do if you’re affected.

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Mobile broadband

Interested in mobile broadband? Check out our mobile broadband explainer guides to find out more.

Vodafone GigaCube 5G broadband review

We reviewed Vodafone's 5G broadband service, GigaCube, to see if 5G speeds can really be achieved at home. See what it could mean for the future of broadband...

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What is 5G home broadband?

5G home broadband could provide you with download speeds well over 200Mbps, all without the need for a landline or an engineer visit to get you setup.

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Internet dongle | Understanding a mobile internet dongle

Wondering what is a broadband dongle? Want to ask what is a USB mobile broadband stick? Read the Uswitch guide to mobile broadband dongles, plus compare dongles.

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MiFi device vs mobile broadband router: what’s the difference?

Wondering what is MiFi? Thinking of getting for 5G home broadband? Find out the difference, and which type of mobile broadband is right for you.

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Broadband providers

Our latest news and advice on broadband providers.

Which broadband provider has the best customer service?

Using the latest data from Ofcom, see which broadband provider is best for customer service and find what to look out for when choosing your next package.

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How do I keep my email address if I change providers?

If you've been using the email address linked to your broadband account, you should be able to keep your email address if you switch providers. Here's how.

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How to contact your broadband provider

Here's how to contact your broadband provider if you need to cancel, change your services, or enquire about billing or faults.

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Your guide to UK broadband providers

Get up-to-date info on your broadband supplier and browse the different options available to you with this guide.

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Switching broadband

If you're looking for more information on switching broadband, our guides cover everything from how to switch broadband to how to get the best deals.

How to switch broadband | A guide to changing your provider

Want to switch your broadband service? Here's how to do it all, from finding the broadband speed you need to choosing the right provider for you.

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How to claim your broadband vouchers, gift cards and reward cards after you switch

Broadband providers often offer gift vouchers or reward cards when you switch, here's how to claim your broadband vouchers so you don't miss out.

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How to get the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday broadband deals

The Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend is a great time to buy a cheaper broadband deal. Here are our tips on how to find a good Black Friday internet package.

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How to choose broadband | Find the right broadband package for you

Want to know how to choose broadband? Uswitch explains what to look for in our quick guide on choosing broadband.

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Six broadband switching myths — busted

What's keeping people from switching to a better broadband service? We found six myths surrounding the whole process that are absolutely not true!

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How to recycle your broadband router

Reduce waste and save on extra costs by recycling or returning your old broadband router and digital TV equipment. Here's what each provider will and won't recycle.

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Which broadband is best?

So which broadband package will suit you? Which broadband is best? We suggest some things to consider.

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Gaming broadband

Online gaming requires a good connection, fast speed and plenty of bandwidth. Find out how you can get the best broadband for your gaming here.

Best games console for kids 2023: top family consoles - Uswitch

If you're looking to buy a console for your children, there's a lot to consider such as prices, security and the number of child-friendly games. So which is the best games console for kids?

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Best upcoming game releases 2023 - Uswitch

Find out the best and most anticipated game releases such as Final Fantasy XVI and Legend of Zelda for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox and PC in 2023.

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Best broadband for gaming UK 2022 - Uswitch

Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore pro, getting the best broadband for gaming will be vital. Fast and reliable broadband can make all the difference when downloading games, gaming online with friends, or streaming to platforms like Twitch.

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Parent’s Guide to PEGI Ratings and Gaming for Kids - Uswitch.com

We reveal the best child-friendly games, as well as help parents to decipher PEGI age ratings and content descriptors.

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How to set up Nintendo Switch parental controls - Uswitch

Here's how to set up Nintendo Switch parental controls if you're looking to keep your children safe online – even when they're using family-friendly consoles like the Switch.

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What is Apple Arcade?

Apple's gaming subscription includes around 200 games that can be played on any Apple device.

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How to set up PlayStation parental controls - Uswitch

Set up parental controls on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 to keep your kids safe online, prevent them from spending money or communicating with strangers.

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Cloud gaming and game streaming guide | What's the best game streaming service?

Cloud gaming and game streaming mean that gamers can have access to large libraries of video games, play games on mobile devices and access games without the need for brand new consoles.

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Video game downloads: how to speed up your console - Uswitch

Bored waiting for video games to download on your console? Try these top tips to speed up downloads on your PS5, PS4, Xbox and PC devices.

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How to set up parental controls on Xbox consoles - Uswitch

Keep your children safe online by setting up Xbox parental controls that restrict screen time, access to mature content and communication with strangers.

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Video game genres: every game type explained - Uswitch

With thousands of video games already available, and countless more released each year, how do you decide which ones to get? Find out more about each video game genre and which is right for you.

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160 video gaming terms, words and slang explained - Uswitch

New to gaming? We’ve got you covered with Uswitch’s must-know gaming terminology glossary. 160 of the most common gaming terms, words and slang explained.

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Xbox cloud gaming: everything you need to know

Want to get access to a huge library of gaming to try out and play wherever you have an internet connection? Here's everything you need to know about Xbox cloud gaming.

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Google Stadia review

How good is Google's game streaming service and how does it compare to others on the market?

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What's the best gaming monitor?

Looking to upgrade your gaming set-up? Here are some tips to making sure you get the best gaming monitor for your money.

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How to get the best gaming PC UK

Should you get a prebuilt gaming PC? Is it better to build a gaming PC yourself? And how can you optimise your PC for gaming?

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Types of broadband connections

There are lots of broadband connections available in the UK but where you live will determine whether it is available to you. Read our broadband connection guides for more information.

The different types of broadband in the UK - Uswitch

Find out all about the different broadband connections available in the UK, and which ones would be best for you and your household.

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Fibre broadband | How does fibre optic broadband work?

How does fibre-optic broadband work? Which fibre broadband package is right for me? Do you need a phone line? Take a look at our guide.

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What is full fibre broadband? - Uswitch

Full fibre is the fastest type of broadband in the UK. Find out all you need to know about full fibre broadband, and whether it’s available at your home.

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Gigabit wireless broadband with zero cables, explained

Here's how you could soon enjoy the fastest broadband speeds available, without needing to install any new cables at your property.

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Satellite internet explained: is satellite broadband any good?

How does satellite internet work? Is it available where I live? How fast is it? Find out about satellite broadband, plus what Elon Musk's Starlink could mean for the future of broadband altogether.

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What is Starlink? Elon Musk’s SpaceX internet project, explained

How does it work? How fast is it? When can I get it? Get the lowdown on Elon Musk's satellite broadband project, Starlink...

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What is wireless broadband?

What is wireless broadband? Uswitch Broadband's Guide to Wireless Broadband. Learn about Wireless Routers and Setting up WiFi in Your Home.

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What is ADSL broadband?

Want to know how ADSL broadband works? Read Uswitch's quick guide to ADSL broadband. Find out what ADSL broadband is, how ADSL broadband works and who can get ADSL broadband.

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What is cable broadband?

Think cable broadband is the same thing as fibre? Think again. Read on to learn more about what cable broadband is and how it's different from fibre.

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What is superfast broadband?

Looking for superfast broadband? Don't know what is superfast broadband? Read our guide to find out what superfast broadband is and how to choose superfast broadband.

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Broadband studies

Read our latest broadband studies. From the Global Broadband Index to the most successful movie sequels, we've got you covered.

UK Broadband Statistics 2023 - Broadband Facts and Stats Report

The latest UK fibre broadband statistics for 2023, covering fibre broadband access, usage, speed, cost, and more.

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Student Side Hustles

We’ve analysed popular online and offline side hustles, to reveal the most lucrative for students to start in 2023.

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Online Gaming Statistics 2023 Report - Online Gaming Facts and Stats

We’ve collated the latest online gaming statistics for 2023, covering UK gamer demographics, gaming revenue statistics, the most played video games of 2022, and more.

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UK Fibre Optic Broadband Statistics 2023 - Fibre Optic Broadband Facts and Stats Report

The latest UK fibre optic broadband statistics for 2023, covering fibre optic broadband availability and regional variations, including average download and upload speeds and investment, different types of superfast broadband, and more.

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How to become a successful Twitch streamer - Uswitch

Want to start broadcasting your gaming skills to the world? Find out how to become a successful Twitch streamer or esports gamer with our tips from Knightenator.

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Online Learning Index

We have analysed 50 UK universities on factors such as the number of online courses and university ratings, to reveal the best universities for online study.

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Parent’s Guide to PEGI Ratings and Gaming for Kids - Uswitch.com

We reveal the best child-friendly games, as well as help parents to decipher PEGI age ratings and content descriptors.

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Video Game Value

We’ve analysed the world’s biggest video games to reveal the most expensive games, the highest earning companies and how game prices have changed over time.

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Gaming trend report

We have analysed the world’s biggest games to reveal 2022's most anticipated and most popular games, the most underrated and overrated games, and more.

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Hollywood's Most Genre-Diverse Actors

We reveal which Hollywood actors have appeared in the highest variety of genres, as well as those who stick to a niche genre, based on IMDB data.

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The best value broadband connection in the US

We reveal the US states home to the best value-for-money broadband, as well as the areas with the lowest access to fibre optic broadband.

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Piracy Report

Uswitch reveals which TV shows, movies, games and software are the most pirated and the effects this has on industries and personal data.

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Every Country’s Favourite Foreign Football Team

As so many of us watch live football from around the world, discover which foreign teams are the world’s most searched on this global football map from Uswitch.

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How to stay safe online if you’re LGBTQ+

Access to online resources is vital to many in the LGBTQ+ community, whether that's social groups, travel tips or legal advice. But access to LGBTQ+ content varies widely worldwide.

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Global Streaming Index

We reveal the best value streaming services across the world, based on the average price per subscription and number of films and TV shows available.

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Successful Movie Sequels

Can a movie sequel ever be as good as the original? We reveal the best and worst movies from 20 of the highest-grossing movie franchises.

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The most and least child friendly apps

Uswitch finds the most and least child friendly apps according to data tracking.

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Global Broadband Index

Where in the world has the best broadband? We reveal the countries with the fastest and cheapest broadband.

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The best rom coms index

Find out which movies are the best rom coms according to Uswitch analysis and IMDb reviews.

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The top 150 most popular podcasts to listen to

Discover the ultimate top 150 podcasts to listen to on Castbox of the Podcast app.

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Amazon Best Sellers: Tech with the most trustworthy reviews

Uswitch analysed the top 50 best-selling tech products according to Amazon UK Bestsellers pages, to find out which technology has the most trustworthy reviews.

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Legacy consoles vs modern gaming - which is better value today?

We analysed the real term cost today of legacy gaming consoles compared to modern day machines to find out which is better value, and offer advice on what to do with old video game consoles.

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The Best Boozy Co-Working Spaces in the UK

Looking at 12 UK cities, we reveal some of the best boozy venues that are perfect for remote-working

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The most resold trainers in the world

With trainers becoming more of a collectible than a fashion accessory, Uswitch sought to uncover which popular trainer models are the most resold online and which are most profitable.

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Hollywood’s most successful movie production companies of all time revealed

We analysed 700 films from the 20 most profitable movie production companies to reveal which produces the best films.

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Make Me Famous: The Reality TV Shows Attracting The Most Applications Revealed

We reveal the reality TV shows that we most want to appear on, from hit-shows like Love Island to our favourite daytime quiz shows.

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The world's most popular karaoke songs, mapped

Taking 15 of Spotify’s most popular karaoke playlists, we have revealed the most popular karaoke songs, mapped.

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Revealed: The World’s Best Virtual School Trips

From art to history, here are the most educational virtual tours to take when you can’t go outdoors.

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Which nationalities cheat the most at video games

Many people use video game cheat codes to boost their chances of winning, but which nation is home to the biggest cheaters? We did the research to find out.

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The online fraud report

The online fraud report from Uswitch.com reveals how much money people have lost to card fraud, eCommerce transactions and online scams.

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Index ranking the most missed TV shows in the world

Delving into the 50 best tv shows of all time, we ranked the most missed characters, the most talked-about moments and the shows worst for complaints

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The UK TV Streaming Report

Take a look at the Uswitch.com TV streaming report to see the UK’s favourite shows, the most rewatched shows, and get views from the public on TV streaming.

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