Expert Advice

If you've been curious about smart home tech but don't know where to start, a smart plug is the answer. It's the cheapest, simplest gadget in the smart home world — and arguably the most useful. For less than the price of a takeaway, you can make almost any appliance in your house controllable from your phone. Here's everything you need to know, plus ten practical ways to put one to work.

Which binoculars are best for stargazing? Our guide covers what to look for in astronomy binoculars, our top picks for the night sky, and what you can actually see — from lunar craters to the Andromeda Galaxy.

Stand in front of a wall of Ethernet cables and they all look much the same: a plug, a length of cable, a price tag that varies more than you'd expect. But the "Cat" number printed on the sheath makes a real difference to speed, reliability and future-proofing — and buying the wrong one either wastes money or quietly bottlenecks your network.

Shot a roll on a 35mm or disposable camera? Here's how to get your film developed in 2026 — post it off or drop it in-store, plus how to pick your next camera.

Your car key fob has started playing up — you have to stand right next to the car and press the button three times, or the dashboard has flashed up a "key battery low" warning. The fix costs a couple of pounds and takes five minutes, but first you need to answer one question: which battery does your fob actually take?

There are few sounds more irritating than a smoke alarm chirping at 3am — and few more important to fix quickly. That intermittent beep is your alarm telling you something is wrong, and until you sort it, it may not protect you properly in a real fire.

A little tech planning goes a very long way. Whether you're heading to a muddy field for a music festival or pitching up somewhere more serene, here's the kit worth packing — all available at Maplin.

Here's how to combine the Shelly products available at Maplin into setups that genuinely make life easier — whether you're starting from scratch or levelling up an existing system.

Confused about coin cell battery sizes? Compare CR2032, CR2025, CR2016 and CR1632 batteries — dimensions, capacity, uses, and whether they're interchangeable.

Looking for the best binoculars in the UK? Our 2026 buying guide covers top picks from budget field binoculars to premium compact models — for bird watching, wildlife and travel. All available at Maplin.

Looking for the best compact digital camera in the UK? Our 2026 buying guide covers top picks from budget point-and-shoots to premium travel zooms — all available at Maplin.

Matter is one of the most significant developments in smart home technology in years. But if you're not sure what it actually means for you as a buyer — or whether it changes what you should be buying right now — this guide explains it clearly and practically.

A few well-chosen smart devices can save you money on energy bills, make your home more secure, and take the hassle out of daily routines — all for less than you might expect. This guide walks you through exactly where to start, what to buy first, and how to build up your setup over time without blowing the budget.

Not sure which Instax camera to buy? Our expert guide compares every Fujifilm Instax model — from the fun Mini 13 to the creative Mini Evo — to help you find the perfect fit.

If you've been thinking about automating your home but aren't sure where to start — or you're a seasoned smart home enthusiast looking to expand your setup — Shelly has something for you. Maplin now stocks a range of Shelly smart home devices, and whether you want to control your lighting, monitor your energy use, or automate your appliances, there's a Shelly product designed to do exactly that.

Best USB-C hubs UK 2026, reviewed for every budget — from compact 4-port hubs at £8.99 to full docking stations with dual HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet.