Michael Gowan
Michael Gowan is a freelance technology journalist covering soundbars, TVs, and wireless speakers of all kinds of shapes and sizes for Tom’s Guide. He has written hundreds of product reviews, focusing on sound quality and value to help shoppers make informed buying decisions. Micheal has written about music and consumer technology for more than 25 years. His work has appeared in publications including CNN, Wired, Men’s Journal, PC World and Macworld. When Michael’s not reviewing speakers, he’s probably listening to one anyway.
Latest articles by Michael Gowan
Best 70-inch TVs in 2024
By Nick Pino last updated
The best 70-inch TVs offer a larger screen and a higher resolution along with excellent brightness and a smart TV platform.
Best TV Wall Mounts in 2024 for flat-screens of all shapes and sizes
By Michael Gowan last updated
If you plan on mounting your new 4K TV, our guide to the best TV mounts can help you pick out the perfect brackets.
Best Bluetooth TV adapters 2024
By Michael Gowan last updated
The best Bluetooth TV adapters let you connect wireless headphones and speakers to any TV.
BlueAnt Soundblade speaker review
By Michael Gowan published
BlueAnt’s Soundblade under-monitor desktop speaker system looks great and works well with movies and games, delivering clear voices with good bass levels.
SiriusXM review
By Michael Gowan published
Internet radio service SiriusXM offers tons of live and on-demand content, but you can’t pick the song you hear.
Audioengine A2+ review
By Michael Gowan published
Audioengine’s A2+ desktop speakers deliver well-balanced, detailed sound without taking up a lot space.
JBL 104-BT review
By Michael Gowan published
JBL’s 104-BT desktop speakers have good connectivity and deliver great sonics with a wide soundstage at an attractive price.
JBL PartyBox Stage 320 review
By Michael Gowan published
This Bluetooth speaker on wheels has big bass and fun features to let the good times roll
Best Alexa ambient sound skills
By Michael Gowan last updated
Help yourself relax (or fall asleep) with the highest-rated Alexa skills for ambient sounds that you can play through your Amazon Echo.
Kanto Ora review: Big desktop sound from a small speaker package
By Michael Gowan published
Kanto’s Ora computer speakers have small footprint that's perfectly suited to compact desktop setups, and produce a wide soundstage with great audio for discerning home office users.
Yamaha SR-B40A soundbar review
By Michael Gowan published
The Yamaha SR-B40A soundbar handles Atmos content well and produces deep bass for $400.
Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 review
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 brings Atmos height, separate surrounds and a subwoofer at an affordable price — and with some effort required.
Lodge Solar Speaker 4 review
By Michael Gowan published
The Lodge Solar Speaker 4 Series 2 taps into the power of the sun to drive its full sound and truly cut the cord — but it’s best in specific situations.
Tribit StormBox Flow review: The pocket-friendly speaker that plays all day
By Michael Gowan published
The Tribit StormBox Flow portable Bluetooth speaker delivers good overall sound with decent bass level and can play for up to 30 hours.
JBL Boombox 3 review
By Michael Gowan published
The JBL Boombox 3 is on the large side but has a wide sound and booming bass with plenty of power to rock any party — indoors or out.
Razer Nommo V2 Pro review
By Michael Gowan published
The Razer Nommo V2 Pro delivers big sound and booming bass at a premium price.
Tribit StormBox Blast review: This Bluetooth speaker keeps the summer sounds rocking out all day long
By Michael Gowan last updated
This portable outdoor Bluetooth speaker has plenty of bling and big boombox-style bass to get the party started, and comes at a great price.
Beats Studio Buds review: Surprisingly affordable ANC earbuds
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Beats Studio Buds is a tiny yet feature-stuffed set of wireless earbuds with very good sound — though it’s not good for calls.
UE Wonderboom 2 review
By Michael Gowan last updated
UE's Wonderboom 2 hit a sweet spot for small Bluetooth speakers, delivering good bass and vocals in an easily portable package.
Yamaha YAS-209 review: A great Alexa soundbar for less
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Yamaha YAS-209 delivers solid, all-around sound for a midpriced soundbar, and Alexa makes controlling it easy.
Tribit StormBox Micro review
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth speaker packs a lot of sound into a very portable package.
How to control your Sonos speakers with Alexa
By Michael Gowan, Mike Prospero last updated
Here's how to connect Sonos with Amazon's voice assistant.
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review: Decent sound but pricey
By Michael Gowan last updated
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Atmos, has bags of features and produces good sound — though not as good as you’d expect for the price.
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