Ashley Thieme is a staff writer on the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide where she tests out the latest tech so you can know what’s going to be worth your time and money. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media and Sociology from Cardiff University. She has bylines in titles including Women’s Health UK, sharing the latest health and wellness news stories, and Virgin Radio UK, providing the latest entertainment news and working on celebrity interviews. She has experience reporting on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. In previously published work, she has reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products. She values the importance of tech enhancing your life rather than taking over, and as a music fanatic, she is always looking for the best way to listen to new music releases. Discovering the top audio equipment that enhances sound quality and provides optimum comfort is what Ashley does best. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys hitting her reading goals on Goodreads by getting into the latest novels with a cup of tea as well as getting out in the Welsh mountains for a good hike on the weekend.
Latest articles by Ashley Thieme

The Sony WF-1000XM6 are here — here’s everything you need to know
By Ashley Thieme published
Sony has announced the successor to the WF-1000XM6, and the upgrades are awesome.

I tested this Bluetooth speaker with 20 hours of battery life, and it's only $19 for Presidents' Day deals
By Ashley Thieme published
The Tribit PocketGo Bluetooth speaker is my go-to for any adventure, and it's currently at its lowest ever price.

You don't have to buy Sony's flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones for great sound — save $150 and buy these instead
By Ashley Thieme published
Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones offer great ANC and amazing sound… but I think you should buy the WH-1000XM5 instead. Here’s why.

Vibration, heat and light therapy are the cure for back pain — and this vibration and heat belt is the best solution
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Bob and Brad ThermoRed 3-in-1 Back Belt eliminates back pain with heat, vibration and light therapy on a budget.

This budget speaker looks totally premium — and it almost nails it in the sound department too
By Ashley Thieme published
The Edifier ES20 offers huge sound for under $100, but a lack of EQ control and static has me questioning if it’s worth it.

Need to stay alert when you work out? These open earbuds are the answer
By Ashley Thieme published
Staying alert on a run is essential

Searching for your next studio headphones? Here’s what you should listen to when testing them out
By Ashley Thieme last updated
Studio headphones show all the details, so I have to use music I know like the back of my hand when testing. Here are my top picks.

You need the right footwear for your hiking terrain — and flexible walking shoes will help you walk for longer
By Ashley Thieme published
While some trails call for still shoes, having flexible soles can be just as important. Here’s why.

I’m a music geek, and the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro are a dream come true — here's why I'm sold on studio headphones now
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro headphones can give you detailed, producer-level sound on a budget, and they’re actually super impressive

My hairdryer just got an AI upgrade, but I don’t want it
By Ashley Thieme published
Dreame has scrapped the original Hair Miracle hair dryer and made upgrades that introduce AI, but is it for you?

I’ve been using the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro headphones, and they might just be the best option for semi-professional musicians
By Ashley Thieme published
After a week with the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro headphones, I’m convinced that every musician needs a pair.

You can make your hiking boots last for years by cleaning them properly — here’s how
By Ashley Thieme published
Taking good care of your hiking gear can make all the difference in how long they last, and cleaning it right after your run is the best way to do it.

The new Insta360 Link 2 Pro is the webcam to beat — it does everything you could possibly need
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Insta360 Link 2 Pro is the best webcam I’ve used, as it has awesome smart features that make it fuss-free while still giving professional-looking results.

Best cheap cameras in 2026
By Peter Wolinski last updated
The best cheap cameras prove that image quality and budget prices aren't mutually exclusive.

My favorite retro compact camera just got a major glow-up — but should you buy the original or the new model?
By Ashley Thieme published
Camp Snap has released a new version of its iconic screen-free camera, but is it worth splashing the extra cash?

Dell SB725 review: It’s the answer to conference call woes
By Ashley Thieme published
RecommendedThe Dell SB725 is a great conference soundbar to streamline daily workflows, but it has minor design flaws.

I’ve been testing this screen-free compact camera, and now I never leave the house without it
By Ashley Thieme published
RecommendedThe CS-Pro is the new digital camera from Camp Snap that improves on its predecessor, and it’s become a staple in my photography routine.

I test headphones for a living — here's my top 3 open earbuds of 2025
By Ashley Thieme last updated
This year, I have been testing open-earbuds, and these are my top picks from Soundcore to JLab.

Here's how to fix the dreaded 'afternoon slump' in 2026 — this under-desk treadmill upped both my movement and my productivity
By Ashley Thieme published
Adding an under-desk treadmill to my work setup has been a game-changer, and it can help you hit your fitness goals in 2026.

The Fujifilm X-E5 puts the fun back into photography — here’s why it’s my favorite purchase this year
By Ashley Thieme published
The Fujifilm X-E5 is my best purchase of the year, and it’s the only camera I would recommend for everyone.

I replaced my smart home speaker with this Klipsch speaker — and I’m never going back
By Ashley Thieme published
Klipsch’s The One Plus speaker has quickly become my favorite product I tested this year. Here’s why.

I wore an Oura Ring for an entire year — here’s why it's the best smart tech I have invested in
By Ashley Thieme last updated
After using my Oura Ring for a whole year, I know it’s been one of my best purchases, and here’s why.

I review hiking boots for a living — and this is what I look for when buying a new pair of shoes
By Ashley Thieme published
These are the things to look for when you buy new walking shoes to minimize pain on long hikes.
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