Michael Gowan
Michael Gowan is a freelance technology journalist covering soundbars, TVs, and wireless speakers of all kinds of shapes and sizes for Tom’s Guide. He has written hundreds of product reviews, focusing on sound quality and value to help shoppers make informed buying decisions. Micheal has written about music and consumer technology for more than 25 years. His work has appeared in publications including CNN, Wired, Men’s Journal, PC World and Macworld. When Michael’s not reviewing speakers, he’s probably listening to one anyway.
Latest articles by Michael Gowan
Best TV Wall Mounts in 2024 for flat-screens of all shapes and sizes
By Michael Gowan last updated
If you plan on mounting your new 4K TV, our guide to the best TV mounts can help you pick out the perfect brackets.
Best Alexa ambient sound skills
By Michael Gowan last updated
Help yourself relax (or fall asleep) with the highest-rated Alexa skills for ambient sounds that you can play through your Amazon Echo.
Kanto Ora review: Big desktop sound from a small speaker package
By Michael Gowan published
Kanto’s Ora computer speakers have small footprint that's perfectly suited to compact desktop setups, and produce a wide soundstage with great audio for discerning home office users.
Best Bluetooth TV adapters 2024
By Michael Gowan last updated
The best Bluetooth TV adapters let you connect wireless headphones and speakers to any TV.
Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 review
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 brings Atmos height, separate surrounds and a subwoofer at an affordable price — and with some effort required.
Best 70-inch TVs in 2024
By Nick Pino last updated
The best 70-inch TVs offer a larger screen and a higher resolution along with excellent brightness and a smart TV platform.
JBL Boombox 3 review
By Michael Gowan published
The JBL Boombox 3 is on the large side but has a wide sound and booming bass with plenty of power to rock any party — indoors or out.
Tribit StormBox Blast review: This Bluetooth speaker keeps the summer sounds rocking out all day long
By Michael Gowan last updated
This portable outdoor Bluetooth speaker has plenty of bling and big boombox-style bass to get the party started, and comes at a great price.
Beats Studio Buds review: Surprisingly affordable ANC earbuds
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Beats Studio Buds is a tiny yet feature-stuffed set of wireless earbuds with very good sound — though it’s not good for calls.
Tribit StormBox Micro review
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth speaker packs a lot of sound into a very portable package.
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review: Decent sound but pricey
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Atmos, has bags of features and produces good sound — though not as good as you’d expect for the price.
Polk MagniFi Mini AX review: Small soundbar, big sound
By Michael Gowan published
If bass, wide sound and small size are what matters, the Mini AX soundbar will grab your attention.
Android TV vs. Fire TV: Which smart TV OS is better?
By Michael Gowan published
We compare Android TV to Fire TV to find out which smart TV OS offers the better experience.
Insignia F30 Fire TV Edition (2020 model) review
By Michael Gowan published
Despite some picture problems, the Insignia 4K Ultra HD Fire TV Edition delivers an enjoyable viewing experience thanks to Fire TV OS.
Polk React review
By Michael Gowan published
This Alexa-powered soundbar produces impressive bass without a subwoofer, though it lacks a truly wide soundstage.
TCL 6-Series vs. TCL 8-Series: Which TV should you buy?
By Michael Gowan published
TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635) vs. TCL 8-Series Roku TV (Q825): Both TVs offer QLED and Mini-LED, and a premium Roku TV experience, but which is better?
Samsung Q60T QLED TV review
By Michael Gowan published
The Samsung Q60T QLED TV costs less, adds Alexa and delivers sharp detail and bright colors — as long as you don’t push it too hard.
Samsung Q70T QLED TV review
By Michael Gowan published
Samsung’s Q70T delivers good color and sharp images at a decent price.
Roku Streambar Pro review
By Michael Gowan published
The Roku Streambar Pro, which combines a soundbar and Roku streaming device, is easy to set up and has good sound — but can be sluggish as a streamer.
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam review
By Michael Gowan published
The compact JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers rooming-filling Atmos audio and good bass — but you can’t make many adjustments.
JBL Charge 5 review
By Michael Gowan published
With a new look, a little more ruggedness and improved sound, the JBL Charge 5 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers — just not one of the cheapest.
TCL Alto 6 Plus review: A cheap but powerful soundbar
By Michael Gowan published
The TCL Alto 6 Plus doesn’t cost much and has few frills, but delivers impressive audio for the price.
Monoprice SB-600 soundbar review: True Dolby Atmos for less
By Michael Gowan published
The Monoprice SB-600 delivers 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround sound at a great price, but lacks polish.