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
How to set up your 2020 Samsung smart TV
By Michael Gowan published
Follow these steps to set up your Samsung smart TV and you’ll be watching it in no time.
Enclave Audio CineHome Pro 5.1 CineHub Edition review
By Michael Gowan published
The Enclave CineHome Pro 5.1 CineHub Edition delivers better sound than a single soundbar, without sacrificing simplicity — but you’ll have to live without the latest technologies.
UE Hyperboom review
By Michael Gowan published
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom portable Bluetooth speaker is a big speaker that produces a big sound — at a big price.
UE Megaboom 3 review
By Michael Gowan published
The UE Megaboom 3 has what you want in a portable Bluetooth speaker: good sound quality, long battery life, ruggedness and more.
Vizio V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar V21-H8 review
By Michael Gowan published
The Vizio V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar V21-H8 delivers wide sound, big bass and plenty of options for not much money.
Bose Soundbar 500 review
By Michael Gowan published
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim speaker with serious smarts.
Yamaha YAS-108 review: An excellent low-cost soundbar
By Michael Gowan published
Yamaha's YAS-108 soundbar delivers plenty of features and overall very good overall sound, all for $220.
Polk MagniFi Mini Review: Small Size, Huge Sound
By Michael Gowan published
The Polk MagniFi Mini is a solid small soundbar that delivers big sound.
Fugoo Sport 2.0 review
By Michael Gowan published
The Fugoo Sport 2.0 is a versatile and affordable wireless speaker, though it doesn’t improve much on the original.
Best Alexa ambient sound skills
By Michael Gowan published
Help yourself relax (or fall asleep) with the highest-rated Alexa skills for ambient sounds that you can play through your Amazon Echo.
AirPods Max vs. Sony WH-1000xM4: Which headphones will win?
By Michael Gowan published
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony WH-1000xM4: Sony has a leg up in this competition, but AirPods Max look promising.
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround review
By Michael Gowan published
The bass-rich JBL Bar 5.1 Surround soundbar creates an encompassing sound, if you can figure out how to take advantage of its talents.
LG SN8YG soundbar review
By Michael Gowan published
The LG SN8YG delivers the precision of Dolby Atmos sound at an affordable price — and gets very loud.
TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635) vs. Samsung Q60T QLED faceoff
By Michael Gowan published
Which budget QLED — TCL’s 6-Series and Samsung’s Q60T — is the best for you?
Google Home speaker review
By Michael Gowan published
Google Home plays nice with Google software and hardware, but it lacks some key features of its competitors.
Sony HT-CT370 Review: Feature-Rich Soundbar
By Michael Gowan published
With HDMI, Bluetooth and a wireless subwoofer, Sony's HT-CT370 delivers plenty of features and very good sound.
Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Door Controller review
By Michael Gowan published
The Tailwind iQ3 brings plenty of smart features to your old garage door opener, including Alexa and Google Assistant support.
The coolest things the Apple Watch can do
By Michael Gowan, Dan Moren published
From calling for help when you fall to showing which direction you’re facing, here are 15 cool things you didn't know the Apple Watch could do.
Sonos Playbase review
By Michael Gowan published
If you can afford it, the Sonos Playbase offers almost everything you want in a soundbase, especially big sound and ease of use.
The best outdoor speakers
By Michael Gowan published
Here are the best outdoor speakers, including waterproof, rock-shaped and mounted deck models.
The best soundbars
By Michael Andronico, Michael Gowan published
Here are the best soundbars for movies, music and gaming.
Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Series 4: Should you upgrade?
By Michael Gowan published
Apple Watch Series 5 is a great smartwatch, thanks in part to its always-on display. But if you have a Series 4, the differences between the two don't justify an upgrade for most people.
15 Funny Things To Ask Alexa
By Monica Chin, Michael Gowan published
These Alexa skills will put a smile on your face.