Simon Cocks

London

Technology Editor at Good Housekeeping (UK)

Tech Ecommerce Editor at @HearstUK • He/Him Now also on Threads at https://t.co/y6g3PqPGSo

Articles

The best portable speaker for great sound

1 week ago | goodhousekeeping.com | Simon Cocks

How do you improve on the best portable speaker? Somehow, JBL has managed it with its new Flip 7, the successor to my favourite compact speaker from my hands-on testing last year. This latest Flip isn’t a total reinvention. However, its smart upgrades – and the fact that it maintains its affordable price – mean this continues to be the portable speaker I'll recommend to everyone. Forgive me for this, but it’s flipping brilliant. What are the upgrades?
The 10 best streaming devices to upgrade your TV

1 week ago | msn.com | Simon Cocks

Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Sony WF-C710N review: Some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds for £100

1 week ago | goodhousekeeping.com | Simon Cocks

Sony’s new WF-C710N wireless earbuds offer great noise cancellation and audio quality at an affordable £99.99. They're the successor to some of the best buds I tried last year, the WF-C700N, and offer the same ergonomic fit and style. But while they may look similar, they're not short of upgrades. They've got new in-ear detection, new touch controls, dual microphones for better noise-cancelling, wind noise reduction and clearer calls.
Google Pixel 9a review: It’s the best value Android phone to buy in 2025

1 week ago | goodhousekeeping.com | Simon Cocks

Google’s A-series of smartphones has consistently offered the best value Android experience for at least the last three generations, and that hasn't changed with the arrival of the Pixel 9a. It starts at £499, offers an improved camera, refreshed design, upgraded processor, bigger battery, better screen and improved durability.
The best dumb phones and non-smartphones to buy for basic calls and texts

1 week ago | msn.com | Simon Cocks

Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
11 best laptop backpacks for keeping your tech safe while travelling and commuting

1 week ago | goodhousekeeping.com | Simon Cocks

Skip to ContentWe earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. We've found the best options for style, practicality and spaceBy Simon CocksUpdated: 11 April 2025Best compact laptop backpack for travel and workStubble & Co Everyday Backpack 20LWater-resistant materialsGood amount of storageTop handle could be sturdierWho it’s for: Ideal for commuters, remote workers and frequent travellers who want a dependable, no-fuss daily backpack.
11 best laptop backpacks for keeping your tech safe while travelling and commuting

1 week ago | goodhousekeeping.co.uk | Simon Cocks

Skip to ContentWe earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. We've found the best options for style, practicality and spaceBy Simon CocksUpdated: 11 April 2025Best compact laptop backpack for travel and workStubble & Co Everyday Backpack 20LWater-resistant materialsGood amount of storageTop handle could be sturdierWho it’s for: Ideal for commuters, remote workers and frequent travellers who want a dependable, no-fuss daily backpack.
How to buy the best laptop for every need and budget

2 weeks ago | msn.com | Simon Cocks

Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
How to pick the best music streaming service for you

2 weeks ago | goodhousekeeping.com | Simon Cocks

Jump to:The best music streaming servicesWhich music streaming services are the best value for money? Music discovery and personalisation: Which streaming service does it best? Audio quality and formats: Is a hi-res music streaming service worth it? Platform integrationFamily and multi-user optionsPodcasts, audiobooks, and classical music: Which extras do you need? Which are the best free music streaming services? What is the cheapest music app for students?
The best multi-room speaker systems you can buy right now

2 weeks ago | goodhousekeeping.com | Jason Murdock |Simon Cocks

Good HousekeepingIf you want complete control over how you listen to music or podcasts around your home, you need to invest in a quality multi-room speaker system. Gone are the days of needing complex installation and loads of cables. In 2024, these systems are easy to set up, almost totally wireless and paired to a smartphone or tablet – or voice control. The result is pure convenience.