Ashley Thieme is a staff writer on the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide where she tests out the latest tech so you can know what’s going to be worth your time and money. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media and Sociology from Cardiff University. She has bylines in titles including Women’s Health UK, sharing the latest health and wellness news stories, and Virgin Radio UK, providing the latest entertainment news and working on celebrity interviews. She has experience reporting on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. In previously published work, she has reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products. She values the importance of tech enhancing your life rather than taking over, and as a music fanatic, she is always looking for the best way to listen to new music releases. Discovering the top audio equipment that enhances sound quality and provides optimum comfort is what Ashley does best. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys hitting her reading goals on Goodreads by getting into the latest novels with a cup of tea as well as getting out in the Welsh mountains for a good hike on the weekend.
Latest articles by Ashley Thieme

I've spent 2 months testing the Ulike ReGlow to see if LED light therapy really works for my skin — here's what I think so far
By Ashley Thieme published
I've been using the Ulike ReGlow LED Face Mask for two months, and it's helped me clear up some serious breakouts — so here are my first impressions.

I’ve been testing this budget desk chair from Boulies, and it’s so comfortable I don’t ever want to change it — as long as I can get the seat to last
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Boulies EP200 is a great choice for a budget desk chair that will fit right in to your home office… as long as you can look past signs of aging.

Open-earbuds aren’t usually for everyone, but I’m certain that the Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO earbuds are the exception to that rule
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO earbuds are the best open-earbuds I’ve tested, with detailed sound and impressive comfort that will please anyone.

I'm obsessed with open-ear buds for hiking — here's what I think after testing this sub-$200 pair out in the wild
By Ashley Thieme last updated
The Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO open-earbuds have become my go-to listening choice when I head out on my weekend hikes for their awesome sound quality, but one thing holds them back.

Best cheap cameras in 2026
By Peter Wolinski last updated
The best cheap cameras prove that image quality and budget prices aren't mutually exclusive.

I test Bluetooth speakers for a living and this $50 offering rivals big names like JBL and Bose — here's what I like and don't like about the Tribit StormBox Micro 3
By Ashley Thieme published
After using the Tribit StormBox Micro 3 for a few weeks, it's become my go-to speaker for indoors and in the backyard. Here's why.

I’ve been testing the Keen Apex Targhee Mid hiking boots — here’s what I like and what I don’t like about them after a month of wear
By Ashley Thieme published
I’ve been walking in the Keen Apex Targhee Mid hiking boots for a month, and they’ve made their way into my hiking shoe rotation — here’s why.

I thought I was using the greatest webcam in my home office, but after testing the Insta360 Link 2C Pro, it’s changed everything
By Ashley Thieme published
The Insta360 Link 2C Pro webcam is a worthy upgrade for the home office that keeps everyone in frame even without a gimbal.

The $101 Yashica Tank could be the perfect way to hop on the digi-cam trend — I tested it on vacation to see what it can do
By Ashley Thieme published
The Yashica Tank is a cheap compact digi-cam that’s perfect for throwing in your bag, but the budget price may be holding it back.

Tribit has done it again — the brand-new StormBox Micro 3 rivals JBL for under $70
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Tribit StormBox Micro 3 proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of cash to get a durable speaker with awesome sound.

I’ve found the hiking boots that will be coming with me on trails throughout the summer, and their polarizing looks aren’t even a deal breaker
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Keen Targhee Apex Mid hiking boots are comfortable, offer great support, and are waterproof — you just need to get past the design.

You can take a portable Bluetooth speaker with you camping, but here's why it's not the best idea to use it on your hike
By Ashley Thieme published
Many people love listening to music while on walks, but headphones are the best listening option so you don't disturb the wildlife.

I wore the Salomon XT-6 sneakers on a 5-day city break and clocked over 93,000 steps — here's how they held up
By Ashley Thieme published
I spent 5 days testing out the Salomon XT-6 sneakers in extreme heat, walking around the city of Lisbon. Here's what happened.

I’ve been testing these audiophile headphones and they’ve let me hear my favorite music in detail like never before
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Grell OAE2 are audiophile headphones with a hefty price tag, but are very much worth it.

Do you really need to spend more on a cassette player to get better sound quality? Here's what you need to know
By Ashley Thieme published
I've tested two cassette players, and the difference in sound quality is certainly noticeable, but does spending more really get you better quality?

Forget Dyson: you don’t need to spend big bucks on a robot vacuum for hard floors
By Ashley Thieme published
You need to spend more money for better suction from a robot vacuum to clean the carpet, but is it so important on hard flooring?

I've been testing Sony's new wearable AC and it's changed the way I survive summer heat — the tech is actually genius
By Ashley Thieme published
The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a discrete device that you wear under your clothing to regulate body temperature, and it's become my staple companion for summer.

I've been testing these hybrid water sneakers for a month — and they're perfect for the beach
By Ashley Thieme published
I ditched going barefoot at the beach for these Columbia sneaks made for the water, and I was surprised at how much I liked them.

I test Bluetooth speakers for a living, and these are the 3 I'll be using all summer long — and they start at just $20 on sale
By Ashley Thieme published
Whether you want ground-shaking bass or impressive sound clarity, these are the speakers I recommend for outdoor listening this summer.

The best mechanical keyboards in 2026: We reviewed 100+ models to find the best 'thock'
By Darragh Murphy last updated
Whether you want full-sized or mini, wired or wireless, these are the best mechanical keyboards on the market right now.

I’ve been testing these hybrid shoes, and they’re the beach day addition I never realized I needed
By Ashley Thieme published
The Columbia Drainmaker sneakers are hybrid water shoes that offer comfortable steadiness in the water and on the rocks, but a little friction could put some adventurers off.

Forget fans, I've been testing Sony's new wearable thermo device — and it's the gadget of the future
By Ashley Thieme published
Editor's ChoiceThe Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a gadget in its own category that provides personalized heating and cooling discreetly under your clothing.

I’ve been testing the Puraflows Auramist Cold Press Juicer, and I wanted to love it for its cheap price tag — but here’s what I really think
By Ashley Thieme published
The Puraflows Cold Press Juicer is a simple choice for beginners, but the cleanup process and significant noise are enough to put anyone off.

An affordable robot vacuum with decent performance is hard to come by, so I’ve been testing the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2, and it ticks all the boxes (if you have the right flooring)
By Ashley Thieme published
The Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 is an affordable entry-level robot vacuum cleaner that’s perfect for homes with hard floors, but its suction holds it back.

Sony just launched the new 1000X The ColleXion headphones — here's everything you need to know about this premium audio upgrade
By Ashley Thieme published
Sony announces the launch of the new luxury 1000X The ColleXion headphones — this is everything you need to know, including the price, design and audio specs.
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