
James Frew
James is Tom’s Guide’s Buying Guide Editor, overseeing the site's buying advice, from tech products like smartwatches, fitness trackers and phones, through to home essentials like washing machines, garden accessories and smart home devices.
At his first job at as a sales assistant in a department store, James learned how important it is to help people make purchasing decisions that are right for their needs, initially advising people on the different styles of fountain pens to give as gifts, before moving to the electrical department to help customers choose a new fridge, washing machine, cooker, or small appliance.
This skill stayed with him as he developed a career in journalism as a freelance technology writer and, later, as Buying Guide Editor for MakeUseOf, where his interest in fitness combined with his commitment to impartial buying advice.
James is an advocate for sustainability and reparability, and focuses his reviews and advice through that lens to offer objective insights as to whether a specific product or service will be right for your needs, and if it is actually good value for money and designed to last.
Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, James was the Fitness Editor at Fit&Well, where he covered beginner-friendly exercise routines, affordable ways to boost your wellbeing, and reviewed weights, rowing machines, and workout headphones.
He was previously Tom's Guide's Fitness Editor, covering strength training workouts, cardio exercise, and accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing. His interest in fitness started over 10 years ago after being diagnosed with a chronic illness.To help manage the symptoms, he began focusing on strengthening his core, taking regular walks around the city, and practicing meditation. He also invested in fitness trackers, home workout equipment, and yoga mats to find accessible ways to train without the gym.He believes that exercise should be something you enjoy doing, so appreciates the challenge of finding ways to incorporate it into everyday life through short muscle-building sessions, regular meditation, and early morning walks.James’ work has appeared in Live Science, Happiness, and consumer technology sites like MakeUseOf, Lifewire, and Blocks Decoded. He has reviewed headphones, fitness trackers, and smartwatches, covered events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), IFA, and Black Hat Europe, and was named Muck Rack’s Featured Journalist in February 2021.He was a regular contributor to the Really Useful Podcast and a co-host for the Blocks Decoded podcast, and spent five years as a Listening Volunteer for the UK-based mental health charity Samaritans. Outside of work, you’ll find him out on long dog walks, listening to podcasts, and excitedly checking out each week's New Music Friday releases.
Latest articles by James Frew

I thought Pixel Watch 3’s pulse loss detection was a gimmick — until I read this study
By James Frew last updated
The Google Pixel Watch 3 now has Loss of Pulse detection, and I thought it sounded like a gimmick until I read a study showing how the team designed its life-saving abilities.

The modular Fairphone 6 could be a game changer for upgradability and repairability — and it needs to come to the US
By James Frew published
I can't wait for the launch of the Fairphone 6, but I desperately want to see it land in the U.S. this time, for the sake of consumers' wallets and the planet.

Forget the gym — build a stronger core and muscle all over in just 30 minutes with this full-body dumbbell workout
By James Frew last updated
Work your whole body, strengthen your abs and raise your heart rate

Worried about the 16 billion data breach? I've been hacked, and this is everything I did to fix it
By James Frew published
My details were leaked in the 2013 Adobe hack, and the attackers are still trying to get in. But I learnt how to protect myself — here's how you can too.

If I could only keep 1 weight to build muscle at home, I'd pick a kettlebell — here's why
By James Frew published
If someone said I could only have one weight at home for building muscle and strengthening my core, it'd always be a kettlebell.

Forget sit-ups — build a stronger core and improve your posture with this 15-minute standing abs workout
By James Frew last updated
You don't need any equipment for this short abs workout, but it'll strengthen your core and help improve your posture and balance in just 15 minutes.

No gym, no problem — build a stronger core and boost your metabolism with this 30-minute full-body kettlebell workout
By James Frew last updated
This short routine raises your heart rate, engages your core, works muscles all over your body and boosts your metabolism, all with a single kettlebell.

I dared to exercise without music — what happened next surprised me
By James Frew last updated
I often use music as a distraction, but when I decided to work out in silence, I realized how much I gave up when I locked myself away from the world.

Apple reveals critical Mac mini power flaw — here's how to get your free repair
By James Frew last updated
Apple just launched a new service program to repair Mac mini M2 units that no longer power on. Here's how to tell if you need to get yours fixed for free.

The most buzzed about watchOS 26 feature sounds like a gimmick — here's why I'm skeptical
By James Frew last updated
Apple announced a new AI-powered workout companion for the Apple Watch last week, but I have no desire to use. Not yet, anyway.

I worked out with these Chris Hemsworth-approved adjustable dumbbells — and they blew me away
By James Frew last updated
Yes, you're worthy... and they're $125 off right now

The Best Fitbit and Fitbit alternatives in 2025: Tested and rated by our experts
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
We've tested the best Fitbit and Fitbit alternatives to help you find the right wrist-worn device to log your activity, monitor your sleep and keep tabs on your health.

The best electric bikes of 2025: expert tested and rated
By Mike Prospero last updated
Our picks for the best electric bikes for riders of all types and budgets, based on dozens of reviews and tests

The best running headphones in 2025
By Nick Harris-Fry last updated
I've tested the best running headphones to help you find a set that'll suit your training, last through even the longest sessions, and help you stay motivated on your run.

Can you hear that? Sonos' new soundbar feature just made it easier to actually listen to what people say in movies
By James Frew last updated
Sonos' new Speech Enhancement feature is a great idea, but even better for people with hearing loss.

Best smart luggage in 2025 to keep connected on the go
By James Frew last updated
The best smart luggage can track your case's location, top up your phone and make traveling even easier.

Best smart scales in 2025: body composition scales for in-home use
By Jane McGuire last updated
These are the best smart scales for weighing yourself at home and collecting health and fitness stats, according to our in-house testers.

What's the best exercise bike? I'm a fitness expert and these are my top picks
By Sam Hopes last updated
review The best exercise bikes provide a brilliant lower-body workout and they're a great tool for improving your cardiovascular health.

Best walking pads 2025: The best under-desk treadmills tested and rated
By Jane McGuire last updated
We've tested the best under-desk treadmills to help you move your body, hit your step goal, and walk while you're working at home.

Best Samsung watch 2025: each model expert tested and rated
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
We've been testing Samsung smartwatches for over a decade. Here's how the brand's current lineup compares.

Best Oura Ring alternatives 2025
By James Frew last updated
If you're not a fan of the brand's smart rings, the best Oura Ring alternatives come with similar health and fitness tracking features without breaking the bank.

The 7 best yoga apps 2025: improve your practice and find your flow from home
By Sam Hopes last updated
The best yoga apps to download for iOS and Android available right now, including Alo Moves, Glo and more.

Best Skechers shoes in 2025
By Jane McGuire last updated
We've tested the best Skechers shoes to help you find the right pair for your next walk, training session, or run.
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