Erin Bashford is a reviews writer at Tom’s Guide. She has a Master’s in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of East Anglia and 7 years of experience reviewing music and events for various publications. She has edited publications such as Outline Magazine’s Guide to Norwich, and she has written for a number of music magazines and websites such as Clash Magazine, Outline Magazine and Dork Magazine, making her desperate to find the best audio gear.
Alongside this she has created video reports for BBC News and produced podcasts and radio broadcasts about everything from music to ghost stories. As an ex-barista, Erin is passionate about coffee tech. She also loves finding the best cooking hacks and kitchen appliances, including her beloved Instant Pot.
In her spare time, you can find her reading, practising yoga, hiking, writing fantasy fiction, or stressing over todays’ NYT Games.
Latest articles by Erin Bashford

I hated running with a fiery passion — until I tried these workout earbuds
By Erin Bashford published
I just tested the H2O RIPT-Lite workout earbuds, and the sound quality blew me away. I found myself actually wanting to run just to use them again.

HyperX’s new streaming microphone looks like a Shure product, but does its sound quality match up? I tested it out
By Erin Bashford published
The HyperX FlipCast microphone is an XLR and USB-C mic with fantastic, effective AI noise cancellation and a groovy RGB LED panel, perfect for streamers.

I wasn’t expecting much when I tested these inconspicuous H2O Audio workout earbuds — but they hooked me instantly
By Erin Bashford published
The H2O Audio RIPT-Lite earbuds are great for working out thanks to the lightweight and compact design, bass-heavy EQ, and IPX5 durability rating.

I tried a pair of $99 earbuds and they sound almost identical to my AirPods — I'm blown away
By Erin Bashford published
I tested out EarFun's unreleased earbuds, the Air Pro 4+, and they sound utterly fantastic thanks to the dual drivers. I can't believe these earbuds are $99.

These utterly bizarre open-back headphones look like something out of a sci-fi movie — and I'm obsessed
By Erin Bashford published
I tried out the just-announced JLab JBuds Open Headphones at IFA 2025, and the $99 open-backed headphones are utterly fantastic.

I just went hands-on with this retro boom box that's also an amp, cassette player and karaoke machine — and it's one of my favorite gadgets of the year
By Erin Bashford published
I just got to test the We Are Rewind GB-001 speaker for the first time, and it's super unique. It's a Bluetooth speaker, and has five more listening modes.

Yes, this robot vacuum has legs and can climb stairs — this is a game-changer for easy cleaning
By Erin Bashford published
The Dreame Cyber X is here, and it's can climb stairs almost as quickly as me.

I tested the new Suri 2.0 toothbrush and it fixed my only problem with the original
By Erin Bashford published
The Suri 2.0 toothbrush is a fantastic upgrade to the original sustainable toothbrush. The 2.0 brings back my fave features while improving the user experience.

I'm an audio reviewer — and the device I use to listen to music every day isn't what you think it is
By Erin Bashford published
Soundbars aren't known for amazing music performance, but the Bose Smart Soundbar

I'm about to ditch my AirPods Pro 2 for these budget audiophile earbuds — there's just one thing holding me back
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the lauded Denon PerL Pro earbuds for the first time recently, but I won't be buying them for myself because of one reason.

I finally tested Denon's flagship earbuds and they're the perfect choice for audiophiles on a budget
By Erin Bashford published
Denon PerL Pro earbuds are ideal for audiophiles on a budget. With hi-res Bluetooth codecs and an immersive soundscape, I can’t recommend them enough.

What To Expect At IFA 2025: AI In Everything, The Future Of Laptops And Gaming, And Home Tech Evolves
By Jason England published
IFA 2025 is just around the corner. Here are our predictions for the big tech trends you can expect to see!

Did You See the Casabrews Espresso Machine Go Viral on TikTok? Well, I Just Tested the Follow Up — and It’s a Doozy
By Erin Bashford published
The Casabrews 5418 Pro is a budget espresso machine with premium features like a PID controller, but a few issues make it more of a beginner-friendly machine.

With the hyped Nama M1 plant-based milk maker, I no longer have to get up at 5am to milk the almonds
By Erin Bashford published
The Nama M1 is a hyped plant-based milk maker, and it’s a complete game-changer. It streamlines the process of blending and straining… however, it’s expensive.

You don't need an espresso machine to get delicious fresh coffee at home — here's what I'd use instead and why
By Erin Bashford published
I recently tested the brand-new Breville Luxe Brewer and adored it. The drip coffee maker is much easier to use than an espresso machine, and faster too.

I just ditched my old bookshelf speakers for this affordable pair — and they blew my socks off
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers recently and absolutely loved them. They're now my primary speakers, and here's why I adore them so much.

I wish I'd had these headphones at college so I got them for my younger sister — now they're 25% off, just in time for back to school
By Erin Bashford published
Soundcore Space One Pro are ideal for students, with great sound quality, supreme comfort, and affordability. They're 25% off just in time for back to school.

I tested the new Breville Luxe Brewer — it can make 12 cups of coffee faster than my kettle boils
By Erin Bashford published
The Breville Luxe Brewer is one of the most impressive drip machines I’ve used. While it’s pricey, it can brew a 12-cup batch of coffee in just 3 minutes.

I test audio gear for a living — and these are now my favorite bookshelf speakers under $150
By Erin Bashford published
The Edifier R1280T speakers sound awesome, with deep bass and clear treble, and if you like the retro-cool (ish) appearance, they’re definitely for you.

I tested this super-niche kitchen gadget and didn’t have high expectations but it’s literally changed my life
By Erin Bashford published
The DoughBed by Sourhouse is a unique dough proofing basket with oven-safe glass and USB power, and I can never go back to making bread without it.

Is the Samsung Music Frame worth the hype? Here's my first impressions
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung Music Frame is one of the most innovative audio products I've ever seen, so here's my first impressions. Spoiler alert: I'm not sure how to feel.

I thought this was the most boring kitchen gadget ever created, but now I can't imagine my life without it
By Erin Bashford last updated
I recently got a DoughBed to test, and I immediately fell in love with it. On paper, it's the most boring kitchen gadget, but in practice? My life has changed.

My sister is starting college in the fall and asked me which headphones she should get for studying — I had just one recommendation
By Erin Bashford published
Forget headphones like Bose, Sony, and Apple; the only cans college students need are Soundcore Space One Pro. I'm so confident that I got them for my sister.

Dear haters, you're wrong — the 'ugliest sandals in the world' are actually the hiking sandals I was missing all along
By Erin Bashford published
I reviewed the Keen Hyperport H2 hiking sandals way back in April, and I still wear them almost every day. Here's why I'm still a Hyperport H2 fanatic.
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