Articles by James Frew, Buying Guide Editor

James is Tom’s Guide’s Buying Guide Editor, overseeing the site's buying advice, from tech products like smartwatches, fitness trackers and phones, through to home essentials like washing machines, garden accessories and smart home devices.

At his first job at as a sales assistant in a department store, James learned how important it is to help people make purchasing decisions that are right for their needs, initially advising people on the different styles of fountain pens to give as gifts, before moving to the electrical department to help customers choose a new fridge, washing machine, cooker, or small appliance.

This skill stayed with him as he developed a career in journalism as a freelance technology writer and, later, as Buying Guide Editor for MakeUseOf, where his interest in fitness combined with his commitment to impartial buying advice.

James is an advocate for sustainability and reparability, and focuses his reviews and advice through that lens to offer objective insights as to whether a specific product or service will be right for your needs, and if it is actually good value for money and designed to last.

Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, James was the Fitness Editor at Fit&Well, where he covered beginner-friendly exercise routines, affordable ways to boost your wellbeing, and reviewed weights, rowing machines, and workout headphones.

He was previously Tom's Guide's Fitness Editor, covering strength training workouts, cardio exercise, and accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing. His interest in fitness started over 10 years ago after being diagnosed with a chronic illness.

To help manage the symptoms, he began focusing on strengthening his core, taking regular walks around the city, and practicing meditation. He also invested in fitness trackers, home workout equipment, and yoga mats to find accessible ways to train without the gym.

He believes that exercise should be something you enjoy doing, so appreciates the challenge of finding ways to incorporate it into everyday life through short muscle-building sessions, regular meditation, and early morning walks.

James’ work has appeared in Live Science, Happiness, and consumer technology sites like MakeUseOf, Lifewire, and Blocks Decoded. He has reviewed headphones, fitness trackers, and smartwatches, covered events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), IFA, and Black Hat Europe, and was named Muck Rack’s Featured Journalist in February 2021.

He was a regular contributor to the Really Useful Podcast and a co-host for the Blocks Decoded podcast, and spent five years as a Listening Volunteer for the UK-based mental health charity Samaritans. Outside of work, you’ll find him out on long dog walks, listening to podcasts, and excitedly checking out each week's New Music Friday releases.

James Frew

Latest articles by James Frew

These are the 5 best TVs we've tested for movies, sports and gaming you can buy right now

We've tested the best workout apps to help you train at home

The best bone conduction headphones 2026: Keep your ears open and tunes pumping

These are the 3 best 43-inch TVs we've tested for when you're tight on space

We've tested the best 55-inch TVs and these are the 3 I recommend right now for movies, gaming and live sport

These are the best running watches we've tested for tracking your training and hitting your goals

Best Android smartwatch — top picks from Google, Garmin and Samsung

We've tested the best smartwatches and these are the 3 I recommend for iPhone and Android

We've tested the best Android phones available right now from Samsung, Google and Motorola

Best phones 2026 tested — our top picks

These are the best smart scales we've tested in 2026 to track your health and fitness at home

These are the 3 best 50-inch TVs we've tested that I recommend right now for movies, gaming and sports without breaking the bank

The best running headphones in 2026

These are the 3 best bread machines we've tested to make delicious loaves at home

We've tested the best smart home hubs available in 2026 and these are the 5 I recommend right now

We've tested the best dehumidifiers and these are the 3 I recommend right now

We've tested the best smart locks to secure your home and these are the 3 I recommend right now

We've tested the best tablets for entertainment and productivity, and these are the 8 I recommend right now

These are the 3 best Google TVs we've tested for movies, bright rooms and all budgets

We've tested the best Oura Ring alternatives and there's one I'd recommend over all the rest right now

We've tested the best Samsung TVs and these are the 3 I recommend right now for movies, TV shows and gaming

The best Skechers shoes in 2026 — top picks for running, walking, cross training and more

These are the best cheap fitness trackers in 2026

The best Android antivirus apps in 2026

Best Samsung tablets in 2026: expert tested and rated