Summer Sorted: The Family Tech We're Recommending This Holiday (Without the Big Upfront Cost)

The summer holidays have a habit of arriving all at once.

One minute you're planning the last week of school, the next you're wondering how you're going to fill six weeks without hearing "I'm bored" before breakfast.

For many families, technology becomes part of the solution. Whether it's a Nintendo Switch for rainy afternoons, an iPad packed with creative apps for long journeys, or a laptop for older children preparing for the next school year, the right device can make family life that little bit easier.

The challenge? Premium tech rarely comes with a family-friendly price tag.

That's why Raylo has caught our attention.

Rather than buying expensive devices outright, Raylo offers a subscription that gives families access to the latest tech with £0 upfront and the flexibility to upgrade or return their device at the end of their chosen subscription term.

For parents whose children's interests seem to change every few months, Raylo is a refreshingly practical approach.

Why More Families Are Thinking Differently About Tech

Technology has become part of everyday family life.

It's how grandparents stay connected on video calls, how children unwind after a busy day, how older siblings revise for exams and how parents catch up on work while juggling childcare during the holidays.

But buying new technology outright isn't always the right fit. A primary school child may need an iPad now, while a teenager could be asking for a laptop in twelve months' time.

Raylo's subscription model gives families more flexibility as those needs evolve.

Subscribers can choose from monthly rolling subscriptions or 12, 24 and 36-month terms. At the end of the chosen subscription, they can upgrade to a newer device, continue their current subscription or simply return it.

It's technology designed to move with family life.

Our Summer Picks

Nintendo Switch

From £7.99 per month (subject to credit approval).

There's a reason the Nintendo Switch continues to be one of the UK's favourite family consoles.

Whether it's Mario Kart tournaments after dinner, Animal Crossing during quieter afternoons or taking it away on holiday, it's a brilliant option for keeping children entertained while encouraging games the whole family can enjoy together.

PlayStation 5

From £11.29 per month (subject to credit approval).

Perfect for older children, teenagers and parents who enjoy gaming too.

The PlayStation 5 offers access to a huge library of games, making it an excellent choice for families looking to create a shared entertainment space during the holidays.

iPad

From £9.59 per month (subject to credit approval).

Few devices are as versatile for family life.

One day it's packed with educational apps, drawing games and audiobooks. The next it's keeping children entertained on a long journey or helping grandparents enjoy a FaceTime call.

For many parents, an iPad becomes one of the most-used devices in the house.

MacBook

From £17.95 per month (subject to credit approval).

Ideal for older teenagers preparing for college or university, as well as parents working flexibly throughout the school holidays.

Whether it's homework, creative projects or working from home, a reliable laptop quickly becomes an everyday essential.

More Than Entertainment

While screens often dominate conversations around parenting, technology can also support creativity, learning and connection.

Educational apps, coding games, drawing platforms, language learning, music creation and family video calls all play a role in how children engage with technology today.

Like anything, balance matters.

For many parents, having access to quality devices makes it easier to create intentional screen time rather than relying on whatever happens to be available.

Why We Like Raylo

At CAROL, we're always interested in products and services that genuinely solve everyday family challenges.

What stands out about Raylo isn't simply the technology. It's the flexibility.

Instead of committing to buying a device that may no longer suit your family in a couple of years, Raylo allows you to subscribe to access the latest technology with no upfront payment and the freedom to adapt as your family's needs change.

Raylo is also a Certified B Corp, is FCA-authorised and regulated, and refurbishes returned devices before rehoming them, helping to extend their lifespan rather than sending them to waste. With more than 200,000 subscribers and a 4.5-star Trustpilot rating across over 20,000 reviews, it's a model that's already proving popular with families across the UK.

CAROL Recommends

Summer is about making memories together, and sometimes the right technology helps make those moments a little easier- whether that's keeping children entertained on a rainy afternoon, helping grandparents join a video call or supporting older children with creative projects over the holidays.

Raylo offers a flexible way to access the latest technology with £0 upfront (subject to credit approval) and subscription terms that can adapt as your family's needs change.

If you're considering upgrading your family's tech this summer, Raylo is well worth exploring.

Pricing shown is correct at the time of writing and is subject to credit approval. Raylo is a subscription service offering monthly rolling, 12, 24 or 36-month subscription terms. At the end of your chosen subscription term, you can upgrade to a new device, continue your subscription or return your device. Terms and conditions apply.