Erin Bashford is a 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, making her desperate to find the best audio gear.
Alongside this she has created video reports for BBC News and produced podcasts and radio broadcasts about everything from music to ghost stories. 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 fiction, or stressing over todays’ NYT Games.
Latest articles by Erin Bashford

I used to be a houseplant serial killer, but now I’ve got a living room jungle — here’s how I did it with Gemini
By Erin Bashford last updated
Houseplants are the best decoration: they brighten a room, cleanse the air, and look great. With Gemini's help, I'm keeping my plants alive for the first time.

Neck pain from your 'silly little emails job'? Here's 3 things I do every day after work
By Erin Bashford published
I have a desk job, so I spend most of my life sitting and staring at a screen. To help my neck pain, I do yoga, I massage myself, and sleep on a good mattress.

I've reviewed loads of budget soundbars — these are the 3 mistakes you're making
By Erin Bashford last updated
I've tested loads of budget soundbars, but it's easy to grow disappointed with their lower-quality sound. Here's how I make the most of budget soundbars.

I'm an audio reviewer who can't ditch her AirPods — sue me. Here's what other brands need to do to make me switch
By Erin Bashford last updated
Even though I literally review earbuds for a living, I just can't quit my AirPods. Why? Oh, so many reasons. I'll tell you all of them now.

Not everyone needs Dolby Atmos: here's why I think you might be one of them
By Erin Bashford last updated
Dolby Atmos is seen as the pinnacle of audio quality, but does your soundbar need Dolby Atmos? I go through all the reasons why it might be overkill.

I fell for the bean-to-cup hype — here's the espresso machine I wish I'd bought, and why
By Erin Bashford published
As much as I love my De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, I think I'd be better off with a manual espresso machine and grinder, like a Breville and a Comandante.

Cutting out processed food? Me too — these 3 kitchen gadgets are my secret weapons
By Erin Bashford published
Like most people, I'm trying to eat healthy, but I want easy hacks, not complicated rules. My Instant Pot, KitchenAid stand mixer, and air fryer are all helpful.

ChatGPT vs. barista — who makes the best latte?
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista who got curious and asked ChatGPT how to make the perfect latte. What ensued was a battle of human v computer, with only one winner.

I'm an ex barista and I tested a $150 De'Longhi espresso machine and a $500 Breville — here's what I learned
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista, and I when I tested the Breville Bambino Plus, one most iconic compact espresso machines, and then the $150 De'Longhi Stilosa, I was shocked.

No, a $67 soundbar isn’t going to perform like Sonos — but this one actually surprised me
By Erin Bashford published
Good soundbars don't come cheap, which is why I had my doubts about the Majority Naga 60 soundbar. But it doesn't sound as bad as you'd think.

Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini massage gun review: Super-powered, mini-sized
By Erin Bashford published
Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini massage gun has a powerful speed range and 9mm amplitude, which makes it great for a strong massage, but might be too much for some.

Jura ENA 4 review
By Erin Bashford published
Most automatic espresso machines struggle to make yummy espresso, but not the Jura ENA 4. I was bowled over by its espresso flavor, despite it being overpriced.

Skullcandy Method 360 ANC review: So 2008, never 2000-late
By Erin Bashford published
Skullcandy’s Method 360 ANC are trying to bring the late noughties back, and I’m not mad. With pumping Bose bass and ANC, they perform well above their price.

Majority Naga 60 review: A worthy TV speaker upgrade
By Erin Bashford published
The Majority Naga 60 soundbar is a compact soundbar for a super-affordable price of just $67… and while its sound won’t blow you away, I was actually surprised.

I convinced my dad to buy Bose QuietComfort headphones — now they're $100 off for Father's Day
By Erin Bashford published
I convinced my dad to buy the Bose QuietComfort headphones, and he loves them. Now they're an incredible $100 off, just in time for Father's Day.

This $149 De'Longhi espresso machine is proof you don't need to drop $500 for great espresso — here's why
By Erin Bashford last updated
As an ex-barista, I was completely shocked by how good the budget-friendly De'Longhi Stilosa is.

Jura C8 automatic coffee machine review
By Erin Bashford published
Jura C8 automatic coffee machine has just four coffee recipes, but can make drinks in quick succession. It just doesn’t do enough to earn its asking price.

De’Longhi Stilosa review: Performs like an espresso machine double the price
By Erin Bashford published
The De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine may look plasticky and cheap, but it brews espresso and steams milk almost like a $500 Breville.

My favorite JBL speaker is at its lowest ever price just in time for Father's Day — this is the speaker I'd get my dad
By Erin Bashford published
I'd also get it for myself, too

I've never liked cleaning — until this brand-new Samsung vacuum made it weirdly addictive
By Erin Bashford last updated
I hate cleaning, but the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Ultra makes it a little easer to stomach thanks to its superpowered 148,000 RPM and self-emptying dustbin.

Tom's Guide AI Awards 2025: 17 best AI tools and gadgets right now
By Alex Hughes published
Laptops, smartphones, chatbots and more - these are our picks for the best AI devices and tools in 2025

Belkin SoundForm Isolate headphones review: Literal and metaphorical headaches abound
By Erin Bashford published
Belkin SoundForm Isolate headphones are cheap, and that’s pretty much all they’ve got going for them. They’re uncomfortable and sound like bass took a day off.

Samsung HW-S801D Ultra Slim soundbar review: One for the Samsung TV owners
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung HW-S801D Ultra Slim soundbar excels in a few areas: size, sound, and ease of use. But for just a 3.1.2 channel setup, it feels costly for what it's offering.
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