Switchd Review – Is it the best energy auto-switch service in the UK?

4 min Read Published: 22 Mar 2022

Switchd - Is it the best auto-switch comparison siteWho is Switchd?

Switchd* is an energy comparison service that will automatically switch your tariff to a new energy supplier when it is able to make a saving. The service will check over 26,000 tariffs every day to ensure you are on the best deal.

How does Switchd work?

Switchd* offer four plans, one of which is free and three that require a monthly fee. The free service provided by Switchd will search all available tariffs from a selection of suppliers. Crucially, with the free service, Switchd will only display tariffs from suppliers that are willing to pay Switchd a commission fee. This is the same model that is operated by most (if not all) other free auto-switching services.

In addition to its free service, Switchd offers three low-cost subscription plans that give customers a far bigger choice, allowing access to every supplier on the market, including those that do not pay a commission fee. It is estimated that those who choose a Switchd subscription plan save over £100 more per year when they switch. Switchd will not charge its customers until it can save at least £50 and you can get 3 months free subscription when you sign up via our exclusive Money to the Masses offer*.

We explain what you will get with each plan below and who each plan may be best for.

A comparison table highlighting the key difference between the Switchd subscription plans

Free Lite Standard Premium
Automatic supplier switching
Compare all available suppliers
Contact via chat & email
Contact via phone
Contact via Whatsapp
Dedicated support agent
Monthly Fee Free £1.99 £3.49 £4.99

How to sign up with Switchd

You will need to visit Switchd* and enter your postcode and email address. You'll then be asked whether you wish to switch your electricity or your gas and electricity. Finally, you'll need to enter some details about your current energy tariff as well as how much you spend on energy. If you are unsure, Switchd can estimate this for you. You'll then be provided with an estimate on how much Switchd can save you. If you like the look of the deal, you will need to enter a few further personal details to complete the registration process. Switchd will handle everything from here and complete your switch (and keep switching you based on your preferences).

How does Switchd manage the auto-switch process?

Once you have signed up, Switchd* will search around 26,000 available tariffs on a daily basis and will email you whenever it finds a suitable tariff to switch you to. Any savings will take exit fees into consideration and so should be an accurate reflection of the total actual saving you could make by switching.

Can you opt out of a switch?

Yes, you have 14 days and can contact Switchd by email to say that you do not wish to switch, meaning you retain full control.

How often will Switchd auto-switch your energy tariff?

By default, after a switch, you won’t be switched again for at least six months. You can however amend your preferences once you are logged in, with options to change how often you switch as well as the minimum amount of savings needed in order to trigger a switch.

Does Switchd offer green tariffs?

Yes, you are given the opportunity to select green suppliers during the registration process and this can be turned on or off in your preferences once signed up.

Switchd v Look After My Bills

Look After My Bills works in much the same way as the free plan provided by Switchd. Both services will compare the best deals from a reduced panel of suppliers (those that will pay a commission fee). Look After My Bills will only search for a deal when your current deal is about to end, however Switchd will search every day and take any exit fees into consideration. Switchd also offers a paid-for service which gives access to the full list of suppliers, meaning you may save more over time (so long as you are happy to pay a fee). For a complete comparison of the best auto-switch comparison sites, check out our article Compare the best energy auto-switching services in the UK.

Switchd customer reviews

Switchd has a customer rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot from over 400 customer reviews. 79% of customers rate the service as excellent citing great savings, an easy process and good communication throughout the switching process. 11% of customers rate it as bad with customers experiencing some issues with the switching process which resulted in a delay to their switch.

Switchd pros and cons

Switchd Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Automatic switching to a cheaper energy provider
  • 4 different subscription choices
  • Paid service is whole of market
  • 3 months free subscription* when you sign up via our exclusive offer

Switchd Cons

  • The free plan is not whole of market
  • You need to provide regular meter readings (this is to ensure your bills are not estimated)

Summary

Switchd offers a range of options for those that are serious about making energy savings and without the need to get heavily involved. The free service offers a quick, hassle-free solution that should provide most people with a healthy saving each month, although the service is very similar to others on the market, check out our article Compare the best energy auto-switching services in the UK.

The paid-for plans offered by Switchd provide an opportunity to make further savings (for a small monthly fee). Unless you specifically require a dedicated telephone contact, the £1.99 service will serve you perfectly well and will ensure you get the best deal on the whole of the market and at the lowest monthly cost.

Ofgem announced that energy bills were set to rise from 1st April 2022 due to a rise in the energy price cap. As a result you may be better off sticking with your existing provider until more deals are available. However, if you sign up to Switchd you will be automatically switched to a better deal when one becomes available. For more information on the energy price rise and what you can do about it, read our article, 'Energy bills to rise by £693 – what help is available and should you fix?'

 

 

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