Lee Dunkley
After 2.5 years as Tom's Guide's audio editor, Lee has joined the passionate audio experts at audiograde.uk where he writes about luxury audio and Hi-Fi. As a former longstanding editor at the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine with over 20 years experience, Lee knows all about crafting accessible reviews and features for audio fans.
Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined the Consumers' Association, publisher of Which? magazine, in the 1990s. As a product tester, Lee started his consumer tech career evaluating all kinds of audio and home theatre products for Which? magazine, including CD players (remember those?), speaker systems, portable audio players and mobile phones, flatscreen TVs, and all kinds of surround sound solutions.
Trained as an 'expert listener' and a regular participant on audio and video evaluation panels, Lee has worked with some of the biggest audio brands in the world, consulting on product design and audio development.
As an experienced print editor and contributor, Lee has worked on numerous consumer tech titles (past and present), including Home Entertainment, What Home Cinema, Home Cinema Choice, What Satellite & Digital TV, and Hi-Fi Choice magazine, to name a few.
Lee has been covering all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers, and soundbars, and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring. When not listening to music or researching the tech behind the latest audio products, Lee can usually be found tending to his cottage garden or baking sourdough bread for villagers from his home bakery.
Latest articles by Lee Dunkley
![Nothing Ear vs AirPods Pro 2 listing image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JrFRP5B7FbbH8bAxhDRM4C-320-80.jpg)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Nothing Ear: Which noise-canceling buds win?
By Lee Dunkley published
The Nothing Ear noise-canceling buds are clearly chasing Apple's market, so how do they compare to the AirPods Pro 2?
![Nothing Ear 2024 in black](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/phJquSziVf4YTDfbKhXwBc-320-80.jpg)
Nothing Ear review: Flagship buds with big sound and strong features
By Lee Dunkley last updated
Look out Apple, these next-gen Nothing Ear wireless earbuds are serious AirPods Pro rivals with adaptive features and smart sound personalization at a mid-market price.
![Fluance RT81+ listing image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fDQhJRJyH5gyLbfJHTsWSg-320-80.jpg)
Fluance RT81+ review: A solid turntable that's perfect for beginners
By Brian Nadel last updated
There's no Bluetooth connectivity, but this versatile record player is a solid beginners package with everything you need to bring out the magic sound of vinyl.
![Listing image for the best Beats headphones showing the Beats Powerbeats Pro sitting next to an Apple Watch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cqTtPJjapThSnEEzYWZ3mi-320-80.jpg)
The best Beats headphones 2024: Top wireless and wired picks
By Lee Dunkley last updated
These are the best Beats headphones, tested and ranked.
![Beats Studio Buds+ in ivory held in hand with charging case](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EnfUXQRxTVXP3VLnqBwuaf-320-80.jpg)
Beats Studio Buds+ review: Same iconic style with better ANC and battery life
By Lee Dunkley last updated
With new colors including a transparent option, the Beats Studio Buds+ take ANC and battery life performance to the next level thanks to custom chipset, but is that enough at the price?
![Best record players image with a sharp image of a record player in the foreground and a blurred out women lying down and looking at vinyl in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aypkj2hrxv3US5mLxB989M-320-80.jpg)
The best record players 2024: Top turntables for any budget
By Lee Dunkley last updated
Dust off your vinyl collection, or start a new one — these are the best turntables you can buy, at any budget.
![listing image showing best turntables showing Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kkG4YgDLDoau6bHcYi8aYk-320-80.jpg)
5 budget record players I'd buy right now
By Lee Dunkley last updated
Unlock the music contained in a record's groove with our pick of the best budget turntables and hear just how great vinyl can sound.
![Marshall Major V on a gray background held in hand with a tattooed arms](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/efFjmBGzVqEcRvCSebBgJN-320-80.jpg)
Marshall unveils next-gen Bluetooth headphones and buds with major battery life and connectivity upgrades
By Lee Dunkley last updated
New Marshall Major V headphones and Minor IV buds introduce improved sound and stronger battery life in the same classic design.
![Listing image for Best JBL Speakers showing JBL Flip 6 speaker - close up of branding and speaker grille](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/caHDhzUbYomfrivjnx3fah-320-80.jpg)
Best JBL speakers in 2024
By Lee Dunkley last updated
These are the best JBL speakers you can buy right now, tested for a portable life indoors and out.
![Listing image for Apple Music and Spotify logos side-by-side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZefoMJJfr7gQ8Vg2xc4Uac-320-80.jpg)
Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which is the best music app?
By Lee Dunkley last updated
Our Apple Music vs. Spotify comparison puts the titan music apps head-to-head to find out which is better.
![Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 vs. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 hero images comped together for face-off image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oSRuR5s5LtP8aKrR8ngUoW-320-80.jpg)
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs Cambridge Audio Melomania M100: Which audiophile earbuds win?
By Lee Dunkley published
Sennheiser and Cambridge Audio wireless earbud flagships go head-to-head to find out how they compare.
![Listing image for the best AirPods showing AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VoR3aNeaR4feqtPmU9gjZA-320-80.jpg)
Best AirPods 2024: Top Apple models tested and rated
By Lee Dunkley last updated
We compare the best iOS features and performance to find the right Apple AirPods for you.
![Sony ULT Field 1 speakers on black bacground](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7JAncBcmmDRpWWCgeXU6sJ-320-80.jpg)
Sony's new Ult headphones and Bluetooth speaker series blew me away with powerful bass
By Lee Dunkley last updated
Sony unveils new bass-heavy ULT-series with a four-strong lineup of models including new headphones and portable Bluetooth speakers that will shake the room as well as your ears.
![The Tidal official logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kRzUkZXi34cYippFW4jBSj-320-80.jpg)
Tidal review: An unbeatable hi-fi music streaming experience
By Alex Bracetti last updated
If audio quality is important to you along with clear artist remuneration, then there’s only one music streaming service worthy of your money.
![Tidal logo on phone with headphones in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/m2cwDEiegZqr8wArahmHXe-320-80.jpg)
Tidal just made its hi-res music subscription as cheap as Apple Music
By Lee Dunkley published
My favorite music streaming service just rolled all its premium hi-res features into a new $11/month plan.
![Listing image for best USB microphones showing Blue Yeti X mic with laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dGSBKecypMoUeqv7CChdYc-320-80.jpg)
The best USB microphones in 2024
By Lee Dunkley last updated
The best USB microphones are plug-and-play solutions that are great for pros and novices alike. Here are the best models we’ve tested.
![Hero image of Sony WF-1000XM5 with Cambridge Audio Melomania M100](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gkmtPaVyhBDVpzqVuHmEQK-320-80.jpg)
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Cambridge Audio Melomania M100: Which wireless earbuds win?
By Lee Dunkley published
Cambridge Audio's Melomania M100 wireless earbuds offer a lot for a lot less than Sony's top model with top-quality sound, strong ANC and battery life, but which one wins overall?
![Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 in charging case held in hand in a yard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Jy4cQ36e97HYPnah6KCuYE-320-80.jpg)
Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review
By Lee Dunkley last updated
I'm hooked on the Melomania M100's Hi-Fi sound with lossless audio support, superb noise-canceling and class-leading battery life.
![Listing image for best gaming microphones showing HyperX QuadCast S](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pi53aw4gWPHFeYSJu9oaaU-320-80.jpg)
The best gaming microphones in 2024
By Lee Dunkley last updated
Our best gaming microphones are a serious upgrade from your headset's built-in mic.
![Beats Solo 3 headphones on table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bBV6WXsW8wG2DqJo4ZhHKU-320-80.jpg)
Beats Solo 4 release date, specs and price — everything you need to know
By Lee Dunkley published
Beats Solo 4 headphones pack re-engineered sound, USB-C and 50-hour battery — they will cost $199 when they arrive in May.
![Listing image for best podcasting microphones showing JLab Talk review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ChqocWs33Y2dg6KujomifJ-320-80.jpg)
Best podcasting microphones in 2024
By Lee Dunkley last updated
Our picks for the best podcasting microphones will make you and your guests sound better whether you're a podcasting pro or a just getting into it.
![apple airpods 2 on wooden table with deal tag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DooXLTStNNneZNEJ5Rx4tD-320-80.jpg)
The AirPods 2 are just $89 — that's the best deal I've seen this year
By Lee Dunkley published
The Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) are the cheapest AirPods you can get right now after a $70 discount at Amazon.
![Listing image for best Sony headphones showing Sony WH-1000XM5 in black and silver placed by a window](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/49YqdsTeHeJZJQWJRSYMef-320-80.jpg)
The best Sony headphones in 2024
By Lee Dunkley last updated
We've tested and ranked Sony's top headphones and earbuds to find the best model for you.