Michael Gowan
Michael Gowan is a freelance technology journalist covering soundbars, TVs, and wireless speakers of all kinds of shapes and sizes for Tom’s Guide. He has written hundreds of product reviews, focusing on sound quality and value to help shoppers make informed buying decisions. Micheal has written about music and consumer technology for more than 25 years. His work has appeared in publications including CNN, Wired, Men’s Journal, PC World and Macworld. When Michael’s not reviewing speakers, he’s probably listening to one anyway.
Latest articles by Michael Gowan
Polk Atrium 4 review
By Michael Gowan published
Polk Atrium 4 set the standard for wired outdoor speakers with a wide, balanced sound for under $200.
Hisense U7G Android TV (65U7G) review
By Michael Gowan published
The Hisense U7G is a solid all-around TV, with good brightness and color, at a competitive price.
Insignia F30 Fire TV Edition (2020 model) review
By Michael Gowan published
Despite some picture problems, the Insignia 4K Ultra HD Fire TV Edition delivers an enjoyable viewing experience thanks to Fire TV OS.
Yamaha NS-AW150W review
By Michael Gowan published
The Yamaha NS-AW150W outdoor speakers produce a bright sound with full vocals, at an excellent price.
Toshiba C350 Fire TV (2021 model) review
By Michael Gowan published
The Toshiba C350 is a solid Fire TV, with good color, but doesn’t handle HDR content well.
Sony Bravia X800H review
By Michael Gowan published
The bright and sharp picture of the Sony Bravia X800H, along with its robust Android TV smart OS, make it one of the best mid-range TVs.
Polk React review
By Michael Gowan published
This Alexa-powered soundbar produces impressive bass without a subwoofer, though it lacks a truly wide soundstage.
TCL 6-Series vs. TCL 8-Series: Which TV should you buy?
By Michael Gowan published
TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635) vs. TCL 8-Series Roku TV (Q825): Both TVs offer QLED and Mini-LED, and a premium Roku TV experience, but which is better?
Samsung Q60T QLED TV review
By Michael Gowan published
The Samsung Q60T QLED TV costs less, adds Alexa and delivers sharp detail and bright colors — as long as you don’t push it too hard.
Samsung Q70T QLED TV review
By Michael Gowan published
Samsung’s Q70T delivers good color and sharp images at a decent price.
Hisense U8G Android TV (65U8G) review
By Michael Gowan published
The Hisense U8G Android TV (65U8G) delivers rich colors, sharp details — and is oh-so-bright.
Roku Streambar Pro review
By Michael Gowan published
The Roku Streambar Pro, which combines a soundbar and Roku streaming device, is easy to set up and has good sound — but can be sluggish as a streamer.
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam review
By Michael Gowan published
The compact JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers rooming-filling Atmos audio and good bass — but you can’t make many adjustments.
JBL Charge 5 review
By Michael Gowan published
With a new look, a little more ruggedness and improved sound, the JBL Charge 5 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers — just not one of the cheapest.
TCL Alto 6 Plus review: A cheap but powerful soundbar
By Michael Gowan published
The TCL Alto 6 Plus doesn’t cost much and has few frills, but delivers impressive audio for the price.
Monoprice SB-600 soundbar review: True Dolby Atmos for less
By Michael Gowan published
The Monoprice SB-600 delivers 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround sound at a great price, but lacks polish.
Konka U5 Android TV (55U55A) review
By Michael Gowan published
The Konka U5 Android TV (55U55A) offers all the goodies of its smart TV OS and produces a good overall picture for the price.
JBL Flip 5 review
By Michael Gowan published
Thanks to above-average sound in a small package, the JBL Flip 5 remains one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers.
Marshall Mode II review: No ANC, but AirPods-beating sound
By Michael Gowan published
The Marshall Mode II wireless earbuds rival the best in this price range for sound quality, but lack active noise cancellation and ruggedness.
JBL Link 20 review
By Michael Gowan published
The JBL Link 20 delivers almost all the features of Google Home in great-sounding portable speaker.
LG XBoom Go PL7 review
By Michael Gowan published
While the lights on the LG XBoom Go PL7 may attract your eyes, it’s the detailed sound that will hook your ears.
Vizio M-Series 5.1 M51a-H6 review
By Michael Gowan published
Vizio’s M-Series 5.1 M51a-H6 gives you a lot for the money, but you need to work to get it to sound at its best.
How to set up Bixby and Alexa on your 2020 Samsung TV
By Michael Gowan published
Learn how to enable a voice assistant on your Samsung TV.