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 Nick Harris-Fry Last updated
The best GPS sports watches are not only accurate trackers, but can also actually help to improve your performance, making them an essential tool for athletes of all levels.

By James Frew Last updated
I've tested all the latest Samsung Galaxy smartwatch models, and these are the ones I reccomend overall, for workouts, for the budget-minded, and for battery life.

By Dan Bracaglia Last updated
The best Android smartwatch in 2026 is the Google Pixel Watch 4. Here's why...

By James Frew Last updated
The best fitness trackers can record your steps, monitor your heart rate and keep tabs on your sleep without breaking the bank and these are the three I recommend right now.

By James Frew Last updated
We put the best workout headphones to the test to help you find a set that'll keep you motivated whatever your training style.

By James Frew Last updated
If you're looking for the best TVs for gaming, these three models are bright, fast, responsive and look fantastic, all without breaking the bank.

By James Frew Last updated
We've tested the best OLED TVs around right now to help you find your new set, whether you want to watch movies, binge TV shows or game, and they don't cost a small fortune.

By James Frew Last updated
You don't have to make many compromises with the best TVs under $1,000, whether you're into films, TV shows or gaming.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the best TVs under $500 we've tested that keep the cost down and performance up for movies, TV shows and gaming.

By Jane McGuire Last updated
These are the best workout apps, whether you're into strength training sessions, group classes and yoga or you're after a budget-friendly way to hit your fitness goals at home.

By Nick Harris-Fry Last updated
I've tested the best bone conduction headphones to help you find a set that'll keep you connected to your favorite audio and help you stay aware of your surroundings.

By Camilla Sharman Last updated
Enjoy homemade loaves with one of the best bread machines to do all the hard work for you.

By James Frew Last updated
The best Samsung TVs are bright, have incredible colors, excellent contrast and impressive gaming features. These are the three models I recommend now for every use and budget.

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.

By Amber Bouman Last updated
The best Android antivirus apps can protect you from malware but also offer features like a VPN, password manager, phishing protection and more.

By James Frew Last updated
The best TV antennas are a clear gateway to your favorite shows, sports, news and movies with no monthly bills.

By James Frew Last updated
These are the two best GPS trackers for kids we've tested that'll help you keep tabs on your child's location, stay in touch with calls and messages and stay active throughout the day.

By Dan Cavallari Last updated
We put the best folding electric bikes through their paces to help you find the right bike for your next outdoor adventure, whether you're commuting to the office or taking a leisurely ride.

By Mike Prospero Last updated
These are the best video doorbells based on our real-world testing of video quality, notifications, smart home integration and more.

By Mike Prospero Last updated
Here are the best home security cameras that allow you to watch the inside and outside of your home from anywhere.

By James Frew Last updated
We put Garmin's best fitness and adventure watches to the test, and these are our top picks for runners, hikers, marathoners, triathletes and casual exercisers alike.

By James Frew Last updated
I want to make it easy for you to choose the best 8K TV, so my pick is this phenomenal Samsung model that creates beautiful images from upscaled 4K media.

By James Frew Last updated
We've tested the best Fitbit and Fitbit alternatives to help you find the right wrist-worn device to log your activity, sleep and overall well-being.
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