Erin Bashford is a senior 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. She has a strong interest in audio gear and the music world.
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 novels, or stressing over NYT Games.
Latest articles by Erin Bashford

We've spent years testing the best massage guns — these are the 3 to buy
By Sam Hopes last updated
Review We've tested the best massage guns to boost recovery and reduce muscle soreness and picked our top three choices, plus recovery alternatives if you want to try something else.

AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: What's different?
By Erin Bashford published
What's the difference between the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2? We break down all the upgrades.

'This is the key to unlocking barista-quality coffee': I'm a coffee expert and you should never use pressurized baskets
By Erin Bashford published
What's the difference between a single and dual-walled basket? It's all in the pressure. I'm an ex-barista, and here's why you should only use one type.

I ditched my AirPods Pro 2 for JLab's $29 running earbuds for two weeks — and I forgot I was using cheaper buds
By Erin Bashford published
I swapped my AirPods for JLab Go Sport+ for two weeks. How do the $29 JLabs hold up against the premium, $249 AirPods? Let's find out.

I’ve personally tested these 6 espresso machines, and they pass the coffee-snob test — trust me, I’m an ex-barista
By Erin Bashford published
I've picked my highest-rated espresso machines, starting from just $99, that I recommend to every coffee newbie and expert alike.

I’m an ex-barista, and I tested Timemore’s $79 hand grinder — how does it stack up against my $300 Comandante?
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedTimemore Chestnut C2s is a coffee grinder with a price low enough to make anyone glance twice. Although not as uniform as others, it’s just $79.

I tested JLab’s $29 running earbuds for two weeks — they’re so secure I forgot I was wearing them
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe JLab Go Sport+ are super-budget running earbuds that’ll set you back $29. It’s $29 well spent, too, with a secure design and impressive functionality features.

I tested the AirPods 4 ANC vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 — and there's a clear winner
By Erin Bashford published
Which entry-level earbuds are better: Apple AirPods 4 ANC or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4? I put them head-to-head to find out once and for all.

I spent two weeks testing the brand-new Amazfit Active 3 Premium — and I don’t know why anyone would spend $400 on an Apple Watch again
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe Amazfit Active 3 Premium is a fantastic budget fitness tracker capable of going head-to-head with industry leaders like Oura, Fitbit, and Apple.

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Takes the crown for most sustainable running shoe
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe Icebug Järv RB9X are a pair of well-made, environmentally friendly trail shoes, with responsive soles that let you feel the ground underfoot.

I tested the Geimori GU38 coffee grinder and it could win a Varia VS3 lookalike contest — but the similarities (mostly) end there
By Erin Bashford published
The Geimori GU38 is a $200 coffee grinder positioned as a VS3 lookalike, but its non-uniform grind and high retention mean it can’t overtake the icon.

I tested the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro — the winner is obvious
By Erin Bashford published
Are the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro a worthy upgrade from the previous model, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro? I put them through a series of challenges to find out.

Rode Wireless Micro review: Perfect for complete newbies
By Erin Bashford last updated
RecommendedThe Rode Wireless Micro is a smartphone-first set of wireless microphones with a USB-C and Lightning receiver, ideal for content creators… beginners or not.

I tested the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra: here's the winner
By Erin Bashford published
I put the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen head-to-head to see which flagship earbuds reign supreme.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 review: Better than AirPods 4 ANC in every way that matters
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 are excellent entry-level earbuds, with bassy, rich sound and an impressive range of features. If you have an Android, of course.

I've tested a ton of earbuds in the last year — here's my top picks under $50, $70, $150 and $300
By Erin Bashford last updated
I review earbuds almost every week, so I've compiled my favorite budget, mid-range and premium options.

I just took a 'sweat test' from a hydration expert — here's what I learned
By Erin Bashford published
I just took a 'sweat test', and now I know my sweat more intimately than I ever dreamed possible.

Do Samsung earbuds work on iPhone? I ditched my AirPods Pro 3 for Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for 7 days — the results surprised me
By Erin Bashford published
Can you use Samsung earbuds on an iPhone? I was curious, too, so I swapped out my AirPods Pro 3 and used the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro to find out.

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Which flagship earbuds are better?
By Erin Bashford published
I put the Sony WF-1000XM6 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro head-to-head to see which flagship earbuds reign supreme.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: Which flagship earbuds win?
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are officially here, so I put them head-to-head with the Apple AirPods Pro 3 to find out which earbuds are superior.

Samsung announces Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — 5 key features you can expect
By Erin Bashford published
Samsung has officially unveiled the new Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Here's everything you can expect, including pricing, features, and sound.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review: Sleeker design, even better sound
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a fantastic update to the brand’s premium earbud lineup with unbelievably good sound and a new, sleek design.

I'm Gen Z and I love that CDs are making a comeback — I got my first CD player since 2006 and it beats streaming in 3 ways
By Erin Bashford last updated
I've got three reasons why CDs beat music streaming, although I'll admit, it's not for everyone.
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