Latest articles by Erin Bashford
I test headphones for a living and these are my favorite audiophile open-backs under $120
Editor's ChoiceFiiO JT7 are planar magnetic open-back headphones for audiophiles on a budget or audiophile newbies unwilling to sink $300 or more into a new hobby.
H2O Audio TRI Run review: Lightweight, secure, and comfortable bone conduction headphones
H2O Audio TRI Run are secure, lightweight, and comfortable bone conduction headphones, perfect for those who take exercise more seriously than music quality.
I tested Nespresso’s budget-friendly coffee machine + milk frother — and it’s my favorite pod machine yet
Editor's ChoiceThe Nespresso CitiZ & Milk pod machine combines almost-espresso-level crema with hands-free milk frothing for a sure-fire win.
AeroPress is so much easier to use than you think — here's why it's my favorite manual coffee maker
On the fifth episode of The Coffee Lab, I'm focusing on my favorite manual coffee maker: the AeroPress!
I tested the JBL Xtreme 5 vs JBL Xtreme 4 — and it's closer than I thought
Should you buy the new JBL Xtreme 5 or save your money and get the older JBL Xtreme 4? I've reviewed both, so I'll help you choose.
I tested the brand-new Casabrews Marenza — and it might just be the best budget bean-to-cup espresso machine on the market right now
RecommendedThe Casabrews Marenza is a super-budget espresso machine with a built-in grinder, just $349. It’s the cheapest bean-to-cup I’ve ever recommended.
The Soundcore Space One changed the budget headphone game — and I can say that the follow-up Space 2 are even better
Editor's ChoiceSoundcore Space 2 are midrange headphones masquerading as budget. With smart features like live translation and great sound quality, they’re headphones to beat.
I tested the Denon Home 400 — and it's the Sonos Era 300 alternative audiophiles have been waiting for
RecommendedDenon Home 400 is a gorgeous, inconspicuous, and audiophile-approved home speaker perfect alone or as part of a larger setup, despite smart assistant issues.
I tested the long-awaited JBL Xtreme 5 — and it’s the most rugged, bassiest, and gnarliest Xtreme yet
Editor's ChoiceThe JBL Xtreme 5 is a worthy upgrade from the Xtreme 4, with louder, bassier sound, a new LED lightshow, and enviable clarity in the mids and highs.
I've reviewed 44 coffee makers, but the Moccamaster is the only drip brewer I'd buy — here's why
On the fourth episode of The Coffee Lab, I discuss why the Moccamaster is my favorite drip brewer.
AirPods Max 2 are my favorite over-ear headphones — but I hate that I can't create my own EQ
I love my AirPods Max 2, but I wish I could adjust my EQ.
I struggled to hear movie dialogue until I got a soundbar — here's my top 6 recommendations for every budget
I've tested 17 soundbars, so I'm sharing my favorite 6 to help you bring the movie theater home.
I tested Keen’s new trail shoes — and they’re bouncy, breathable, and beyond comfortable
RecommendedThe Keen Seek are rugged, breathable, bouncy trail shoes that are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, but I wouldn’t recommend them for wet terrain.
I tested the VSSL camping pour-over set — and it’s literally the last pour-over you’ll ever buy (lifetime warranty included!)
RecommendedThe VSSL Nest Pour Over Coffee Set combines the functionality of a V60 with the portability of a Wacaco and has a reusable mesh filter for waste-free brewing.
I tested AeroPress’s brand new coffee grinder — and it fits inside my AeroPress like a Russian doll
RecommendedThe AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder fits perfectly inside most AeroPresses and is supremely easy to use, ideal for AeroPress lovers.
Your espresso machine is the least important part of your coffee setup — here's why it's all about the grinder
In the third episode of The Coffee Lab, I teach you why coffee grinders are so important and what will happen if you use a low-quality blade grinder.
I got my first turntable six months ago — and I've never felt so connected to music (even if my bank account is crying)
I got the U-Turn Audio Orbit Special six months ago, and it's made me very happy ... but very poor. Buying records is addictive.
I've tested 43 coffeemakers in two years — but I’d only spend my own money on these nine
I've tested 43 coffee makers over 2 years, but I'd only buy these 9 machines with my own money.
Oxiline Scale MD Pro review
The Oxiline Scale MD Pro is a strange smart scale. Priced almost like a Withings but performing like a budget option, I’m not sure who this is for.
I tested the Kobo Clara Colour, and it’s the best Kindle Colorsoft alternative — for $90 less
Editor's ChoiceThe Kobo Clara Colour is the best Kindle alternative, with a paperlike display, night mode included, waterproofing, long battery life, and a full color screen.
I asked an espresso machine expert, and these 3 crucial errors will ruin your morning brew
I spoke to John Holmquist, Customer Experience Manager at Seattle Coffee Gear, to ask him about the 3 most common barista mistakes he sees.
I tested the AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra — here's the only pair I’d keep
I review headphones for a living, so I thought I'd compare the biggest flagships in 2026: the AirPods Max 2, WH-1000XM6, and QuietComfort Ultra.
I just tested Nothing’s new $99 headphones — and I'd buy them over the Bose QuietComfort
Editor's ChoiceThe CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro released late last year, and they’re easily my favorite budget headphones to date. They sound supreme, especially with LDAC.
