James is Tom’s Guide’s Managing Editor, Buying Guides, 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

By James Frew Last updated
Easy, secure access to your home

By Jane McGuire Last updated
We've tested the best smart scales to help you track your stats and monitor your weight to boost your health and fitness at home.

By James Frew Last updated
The best 55-inch TVs are ideal for tighter spaces without compromising on performance and these are the three models I recommend right now without breaking the bank.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best budget TVs that we've tested that I think are actually worth your money, whether you're into gaming, enjoy atmospheric films or watch live sports.

By James Frew Last updated
We used the best adjustable dumbbells for strength training and high-intensity workouts to help you find the right weights for your muscle-building goals.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best 85-inch TVs we've tested that are perfect for group watchalongs, cosy movie nights and live sports parties.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best TVs we've tested for watching movies, bingeing TV shows, playing games and live sports from LG, Samsung, TCL and more.

By James Frew Last updated
Your smart home deserves the best smart display

By James Frew Last updated
We've tested the best smart thermostats to help you find the right model for your home, with options from Honeywell, Ecobee and Nest for all budgets.

By Tammy Rogers 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.

By James Frew Last updated
We've been testing the best Apple Watches for more than a decade, and these are the three models I recommend right now, including budget picks and a better value, older option to save you money.

By Jane McGuire Last updated
We've been walking on some of the best walking pads, to help you find the best under-desk treadmill for your fitness goals

By Nick Harris-Fry Last updated
We put the best trail running shoes to the test to help you find a comfortable, durable, supportive pair for your next off-road run.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best running watches we've tested (and a few more) to kickstart your training and hit your next PB.

By James Frew Last updated
The best 50-inch TVs are ideal for smaller spaces or as a secondary set outside of your living room, whether you want movie nights, to binge TV shows or game without breaking the bank.

By James Frew Last updated
The best Google TVs combine Google's impressive personalization tools, an Android-based smart TV platform and high performance, great value hardware from Hisense and TCL.

By James Frew Last updated
The best HDMI 2.1 TVs have ports to support the latest standard to improve performance, especially for gamers, and these are the three models I recommend right now.

By James Frew Last updated
The best cheap fitness trackers focus on keeping tabs on your daily activity, sleep, workouts and wellbeing without breaking the bank.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best smart home hubs based on our testing for compatibility, budget and voice control.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best subscription-free Oura Ring alternatives in 2026, from budget models to direct competitors.

By James Frew Last updated
Keep mold and mildew at bay with the best dehumidifiers, tested by a tech expert with a very damp basement.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best smartwatches we've tested to monitor your health, extend your phone for messages, calls and notifications and track your fitness.

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

By James Frew Last updated
The best 43-inch TVs are the perfect option if you need something smaller and more affordable with impressive performance packed into a compact set.

By James Frew Last updated
We've tested all the best 75-inch TVs from Hisense, LG and TCL to help you choose a model that's right for your home, whether you love movie nights, bingeing TV shows or immersive gaming sessions.
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