
Chris Barnes
Chris is Louder's eCommerce Editor and has been a metalhead ever since he saw Machine Head destroy the London Astoria in '97. He manages buyer's guides on the site and it's his job to help you find the raddest merch, collectibles and music-listening tech, at the best prices. Chris has spent over 10 years testing gadgets and music gear - reviewing everything from turntables, headphones and speakers to electronic drum kits - for brands including T3, MusicRadar and Guitar World.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes

How we test earplugs
By Chris Barnes published
Everything you need to know about how the Louder team tests earplugs for reviews and buyer's guides - our full methodology explained

Best gifts for music fans 2025: Present ideas with a rock'n'roll twist
By Claire Davies last updated
We've picked out everything from speakers and headphones to guitar lessons, rock jigsaws and hand-crafted products to help you find a perfect present

The 20 best classic rock albums to own on vinyl
By Scott Munro last updated
From AC/DC and Black Sabbath to Queen, the Rolling Stones, Rush and more, we’ve selected the very best classic rock vinyl you need to have in your collection

How to watch Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story from anywhere
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Detailing 40 years of the band as well as a vocal injury that threatens to bring everything to a screeching halt, this is a must-watch for Bon Jovi fans – and it's available to stream now

Get the best sound for Record Store Day 2024 with these 4 unmissable turntable deals
By Chris Barnes published
Is your vinyl rig up to scratch ready for your new Record Store Day treasures? If not, these bargains from Sony, Pro-Ject and more may tempt you

"An edgier, cooler and more affordable option, particularly if guitar music is your jam": Marshall Motif II A.N.C. review
By Chris Barnes published
Marshall has turned up the dial on its latest generation of noise-cancelling earbuds. We put them through their paces to see if they’ve earned the reputation as AirPods for rockers

Cyber Monday headphones deals 2023: Our pick of the headphone sales that are still rolling on
By Scott Munro last updated
The big annual shopping extravaganza should be over, but we've found you can still get a great pair of headphones at low prices - but you better be quick

Cyber Monday speaker deals 2023: These savings on smart speakers, Bluetooth speakers, hi-fi speakers and more are still available
By Chris Barnes last updated
The volume on the Cyber Monday speaker sales shows no signs of dropping - here's our pick of this year's essential deals that are still live

Cyber Monday camping deals 2023: Our pick of the top outdoor cyber sales that are still live
By Chris Barnes last updated
Festival season may seem a long way off, but there are still some great deals on tents, sleeping bags and more that'll make your festival stay more comfortable

Cyber Monday alcohol deals 2023: These boozy bargains are still available
By Scott Munro last updated
The big sales weekend might be over, but that hasn't stopped the corks from popping on some amazing deals. Here's our favourite discounted pours

Black Friday camping deals 2023: You can still save big on camping gear for next year's festival season
By Chris Barnes last updated
From tents and sleeping bags, to beer coolers, hiking boots, speakers and more, there's still time to save money and be the envy of the campsite next summer

Black Friday alcohol deals 2023: Don't panic! The big booze deals are still going strong
By Scott Munro last updated
Last orders have been called on this year's Black Friday, but the bar doors have swung open again today for even more perfect pours

Black Friday headphones deals 2023: The biggest and best deals that are alive and kicking
By Chris Barnes last updated
There's brilliant Black Friday bargains on headphones in all shapes and sizes - from over-ears to noise cancelling earbuds and more

Black Friday speaker deals 2023: Crank up the volume because these speaker deals are still live
By Chris Barnes last updated
Before we wave goodbye to Black Friday completely, there are still a load of amazing deals to grab before the sales door slams shut

With 20% off my go-to earplugs for gigs, Amazon just made it way cheaper to protect your hearing
By Chris Barnes published
I awarded the Loop Experience earplugs 4.5-stars in my review – now you can pocket them for less

Amazon's top 100 Prime Day deals list is live – these are the 7 genuine bargains I would recommend
By Chris Barnes published
Supercharge your home entertainment, cook the perfect brisket and optimize your commuting soundtrack with these properly killer deals

Cyber Monday wireless headphones deals 2022: These sweet-sounding deals are still going strong
By Scott Munro last updated
The Cyber Weekend sales are over until next year, but if you missed out, don't worry as many wireless headphone deals are still on the table

Quick! Go Outdoors is selling cheap festival tents in its Black Friday sale
By Chris Barnes published
The Go Outdoors Black Friday sale is the place to get cheap 2023 music festival camping kit

Get prepped for festival season with up to 60% off tents, coolers, BBQs and more at Go Outdoors
By Chris Barnes last updated
Save big on festival camping essentials including Vango tents and Osprey luggage in this epic Go Outdoors sale

Save big on streaming with up to 4 months of Amazon Music Unlimited, totally free
By Chris Barnes published
Get HD audio, 90 million songs, podcasts and more, without paying a thing for the next 4 months

Want up to 6 months of Amazon Music Unlimited for free? Here’s how
By Chris Barnes last updated
Buy an Echo Dot 4th Gen and get 6 months of tunes for free, while new Amazon Music Unlimited subs get up to 4 months free with this epic early-Prime Day deal

Loop Experience earplugs review
By Chris Barnes published
Loop have created their earplugs with comfort, design, price and reliability in mind - but do they cut the mustard?
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