Laptop power adapter test setup

Who We Are

Testing gadgets so you can make better decisions

GadgetDesk UK started in 2022 when James Whitmore — then an electrical engineer working in product compliance — noticed that most consumer tech reviews measured nothing. They described how a charger looked but never measured what it delivered.

We cover the gear people actually buy: laptop chargers, USB hubs, wireless earbuds, and power banks. Every product in our tests is purchased at retail price. We accept no review samples, sponsored articles, or affiliate payments that influence editorial conclusions.

Our testing protocols follow where relevant: BS 1363 for UK plug compliance, IEC 62680 for USB-C PD verification, and BSI Group guidance on product safety assessment.

James Whitmore Electrical engineer, 11 years in product compliance. Handles charger and power bank testing.
Sarah Okafor Systems architect, formerly at a major UK ISP. Covers connectivity hardware and USB hubs.
Marcus Bell Audio hardware technician. Runs acoustic and microphone testing for our earbuds reviews.
Test Equipment Fnirsi FNB58 power meter, Otii Arc analyser, GRAS 45CC ear simulator, Flir E8 IR camera.

Our Standards

How a review is produced

Every review follows the same structured process. Nothing is published from a single session.

Step 1

Purchase at retail

We buy every product through standard UK retail channels — Amazon UK, Currys, John Lewis, or the manufacturer’s direct site. No PR samples. No early access units.

Step 2

Structured measurement

Each product category has a fixed test protocol. Chargers run 48-hour load cycles. Power banks discharge through calibrated loads. Earbuds are tracked for six months.

Step 3

UK compliance check

Relevant UK standards — BS 1363, UKCA marking, CAA battery regulations — are checked against each product before publication. Non-compliant products are flagged clearly.