You shouldn't need to become a technology expert just to buy the right laptop, TV, iPad or Wi-Fi system. Tell us what you need and we'll help you make the right choice.
“Is this £749 laptop actually right for what I need?”
Yes — but don't pay extra for the i7. The 16GB model is plenty. This alternative has a better screen for £50 less.
We don't sell hardware, software or installation services, so there is no incentive to recommend something you don't need.
Advice grounded in senior technology leadership and years of making practical technology decisions.
No jargon-filled reports. You get a clear recommendation, the reasons behind it and what to do next.
From a quick check before you click Buy to a second opinion on a bigger home technology project.
Already found something? We'll check it.
Send us the product link and tell us how you'll use it. We'll independently check whether it's a sensible choice and flag any obvious drawbacks or better-value alternatives.
Tell us what you need. We'll do the research.
Give us your budget, what the technology needs to do and anything that matters to you. We'll narrow down the market and recommend the options we'd buy.
For the bigger decisions.
Wi-Fi upgrades, CCTV, smart-home systems, AV, home offices or an expensive installer quote. Get an independent view before you commit.
Based in Sevenoaks, with buying advice available remotely across the UK. Launch pricing shown; unusual or complex requests are agreed before work starts.
Send the product, quote or problem and explain what you actually need technology to achieve.
We look past the marketing and specifications to work out what matters for your situation.
You'll know what we'd do, why, what to avoid and what your next step should be.
TechMates is led by Ben Lloyd, an experienced technology leader and former CTO with a career spanning financial services, technology transformation, cyber resilience, data and practical AI adoption. After years of making large technology decisions for businesses, TechMates brings the same independent judgement to smaller companies and households — without selling the technology itself.
Still not sure whether we can help? Send a quick email — if it's not something TechMates should do, we'll say so.
hello@techmates.appNo. TechMates does not sell hardware or take commission from manufacturers, retailers or installers. The point is to give you an independent view.
No. TechMates is primarily an advice and second-opinion service. We help you decide what to buy, whether a proposal makes sense and what approach to take.
Yes. That's exactly what the Quick Tech Check is for. Send the link and explain what you need it to do.
No. Most advice can be delivered remotely anywhere in the UK. Local home consultations can also be arranged around Sevenoaks and West Kent.
A few minutes of independent advice can save hours of research — or an expensive mistake.
