Erin Bashford is a senior reviews writer at Tom’s Guide. She has a Master’s in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of East Anglia and 7 years of experience reviewing music and events for various publications. She has edited publications such as Outline Magazine’s Guide to Norwich, and she has written for a number of music magazines and websites such as Clash Magazine, Outline Magazine and Dork Magazine. She has a strong interest in audio gear and the music world.
As an ex-barista, Erin is passionate about coffee tech. She also loves finding the best cooking hacks and kitchen appliances, including her beloved Instant Pot.
In her spare time, you can find her reading, practising yoga, hiking, writing fantasy novels, or stressing over NYT Games.
Latest articles by Erin Bashford

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review: Sleeker design, even better sound
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a fantastic update to the brand’s premium earbud lineup with unbelievably good sound and a new, sleek design.

Samsung announces Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — 5 key features you can expect
By Erin Bashford published
Samsung has officially unveiled the new Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Here's everything you can expect, including pricing, features, and sound.

I'm Gen Z and I love that CDs are making a comeback — I got my first CD player since 2006 and it beats streaming in 3 ways
By Erin Bashford last updated
I've got three reasons why CDs beat music streaming, although I'll admit, it's not for everyone.

I tested the newest manual coffee maker from Scandi-cool brand Aarke — and it’s red-carpet ready
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe Aarke French press is a chic coffee maker for the stylish amongst you, but it’s a premium product with a premium price to boot.

Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X review
By Erin Bashford published
The Beyerdynamic DJ 300 Pro X are great DJ cans, with a perfect balance between loud bass and detailed, delicate treble, but only in electronic genres.

I tested the viral AeroPress Clear Color, and it’s the girlypop coffee maker my home cafe was missing
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe AeroPress Clear Color is a stylish update that doesn’t lose the unique brewing technique that makes AeroPress such a stalwart of the coffee world.

I've been testing the Ulike ReGlow LED mask for 2 months — here are 2 things I like and 1 thing I don't
By Erin Bashford published
I've been testing the Ulike ReGlow for 2 months, so here are two things I like, and one thing I'm not so sure on.

I tested the revered Mazzer Philos, and it’s the ‘last grinder you’ll ever buy’
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceMazzer Philos is a famous coffee grinder, and I get why. It has near-non-existent retention and near-perfect uniformity. As close to flawless as you can get.

I tested FiiO's new $69 wired headphones — and I've never heard music sound this good for so cheap
By Erin Bashford published
Considering audiophile headphones start at over $100 and can go well into four digits, the $69 FiiO JT3 are the most exciting thing I've reviewed in 2026 (so far).

Cuisinart Coffee Grinder review
By Erin Bashford published
The Cuisinart Coffee Grinder is a blade coffee grinder that, unfortunately, suffers from severe non-uniform grinding, so I can’t recommend it to anyone.

I tested FiiO’s brand-new $69 audiophile-grade headphones — and I don’t know why you’d ever spend $200+ again
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe FiiO JT3 are the budget audiophile cans to beat, with premium sound, materials, and build. I bet they’re the envy of every other audio brand.

Move over, Bose — I tested these new 'hidden gem' earbuds, and they're the audio world’s best-kept secret
By Erin Bashford published
Everyone loves an underdog, and the new Status Pro X earbuds are proof. From a small business with lots to prove, it's easy to love these premium buds.

I revitalized the sound quality on my tiny bookshelf speakers with this free, unassuming change — here's why it works
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the Edifier M60 and loved them, but they sound so much better if you use all the tools available to you. Here's how and why this one change works.

I tested the Edifier M60 — they’re teeny-tiny but have major big-speaker energy
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceEdifier M60 are super-compact bookshelf speakers ideal for small spaces. The M60 pack a major sonic punch without sacrificing the most important thing: size.

I tested the newest earbuds from an ‘underdog’ audio brand — and they’re ‘coming for Bose’s crown’
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe Status Pro X are some top-notch earbuds, with powerful sound and a premium design. Although pricey, it could be worth it for these fun little buds.

I thought freezing weather would ruin my winter trip — but this $29 hiking shoe accessory saved my vacation
By Erin Bashford published
I bought a pair of Yaktrax for my recent holiday, and nothing helps me stay steady on the ice and snow like them.

I tested the divisive De'Longhi Linea Classic — it faceplanted at the first hurdle, so I recommend these 3 espresso machines instead
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the divisive De'Longhi Linea Classic, and it's got one major flaw. As a result, I'd recommend these three alternative espresso machines instead.

I just tested the new mini Instant Pot — it’s ‘ideal for small spaces,’ with a catch
By Erin Bashford published
The Instant Pot Rio Mini is the smallest Instant Pot I’ve ever tested, it comes in pastel pink, and it has seven cooking modes. Perfect? Well… it’s close-ish.

Dear Nespresso machines, this is an apology — from a coffee snob and ex-barista
By Erin Bashford published
I hated Nespresso and Keurig machines... until I went on vacation and the Airbnb had one. Nespresso, this is an apology: you're better than I thought.

I tested the De’Longhi Linea Classic — it’s a ‘one-trick pony’, but it could be the pony your barn is missing
By Erin Bashford published
The De’Longhi Linea Classic is a premium-looking, budget-friendly espresso machine, but its odd steam wand isn’t capable of making microfoam.

‘My go-to voiceover mic from here on out’: How the Shure MV88 USB-C simplifies everything
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe Shure MV88 USBC-C is a fantastic phone-forward microphone, ideal for social content creators looking to upgrade their voiceover quality.

Priced like an ‘elevated’ model, but doesn’t meet expectations: Why a former barista wouldn’t recommend Cuisinart’s new espresso machine
By Erin Bashford published
The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim Espresso Machine is a semi-budget machine for beginners, but you can get a much better performance for less elsewhere.

'Punch way above their weight' — my new speakers are a masterclass in how to shuck off a 'budget' stereotype
By Erin Bashford published
I'm a professional audio reviewer, so when I unboxed the new Edifier S880DB MKII, I couldn't believe my ears. Premium sound from a budget brand? Yes, please.
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