Articles by: Steve May

Steve is a home entertainment technology specialist who contributes to a variety of UK websites and mags, including Louder Sound, Yahoo UK, Trusted Reviews, T3, The Luxe Review and Home Cinema Choice. Steve began his career as a music journo, writing for legendary rock weekly Sounds, under the nom de plume Steve Keaton. His coverage of post punk music was cited in the 2015 British Library exhibition Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination, as a seminal influence on the Goth music scene.

Articles by: Steve May

Best Marshall speakers 2023: Everything from portable speakers to home Hi-Fi

By Steve May last updated 27 February 23

Our guide to the best Marshall speakers covers brilliant Bluetooth speakers and all-in-one powerhouses

Best music streaming services 2023: how do Spotify, TIDAL, Apple Music, Qobuz and others compare?

By Steve May published 14 November 22

Discover your new personal jukebox with our round-up of the best music streaming platforms

Best kids' headphones 2023: Our pick of the best wired and wireless headphones for mini music fans

By Steve May last updated 17 May 23

Colourful, comfortable and competitively priced, these are the best headphones for children you can buy today

Best headphones under £100: Sennheiser HD 350BT

Best headphones under £100: Our favourite brilliant budget headphones

By Steve May last updated 7 March 23

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a great pair of headphones - and to prove it, we've picked out a range that will impress for less in 2023

Best budget wireless headphones: Sennheiser HD 350BT

Best budget wireless headphones 2023: cut the cables with these cheap wireless headphones

By Tom Parsons last updated 2 May 23

We take a look at the best budget wireless headphones that look the part and offer brilliant bang for your buck

Loudest headphones: Man with beard listening to loud music on his headphones

Loudest headphones 2023: You want volume and lots of it? You got it

By Steve May last updated 26 January 23

Turn it up with our pick of the loudest headphones around - wired, Bluetooth, audiophile and noise cancelling headphones that are designed for max volume

How to look after your budget headphones

How to keep your budget headphones in perfect condition

By Steve May last updated 6 September 22

Look after your headphones and keep them in tip-top condition with these simple tips

Best budget headphones for music: Austrian Audio Hi-X15

Best budget headphones for music 2022: Wired and Bluetooth headphones from £50

By Steve May last updated 31 August 22

There’s no need to compromise on performance when you’re buying budget headphones. Here’s our guide to the best bargains around, from wired over-ears to Bluetooth earbuds

Apple Music vs Amazon Music Unlimited: which is best for hard rocking Hi-Fi fans?

By Steve May published 29 June 22

Apple Music is the doyen of streaming music, while Amazon Music Unlimited is the aggressive upstart - but which music streaming service is best for you?

Woman sits on couch listening to music with her arms in the air

Amazon Music Unlimited review: get your streaming fix on a budget

By Steve May last updated 23 June 22

One of the best value streaming services out there, particularly if you’re already a Prime member

Which music streaming service pays artists the most?

By Steve May published 13 June 22

Streaming accounts for 83% of UK music consumption. But how much do artists earn from the likes of Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Qobuz?

Closed-back vs open-back headphones: What's the difference and why does it matter?

By Steve May published 8 June 22

The differences between closed-back and open-back headphones is rarely explained. Here, give you everything you need to know

Best over-ear headphones 2023: for the ultimate music listening experience

By Steve May last updated 18 August 22

Get lost in music with our pick of the best over-ear headphones around, including Bluetooth over-ears and wired cans

Apple Music review: Apple take a bite out of the competition

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Apple's music streaming service sparkles thanks to its wide range of audio options, vast array of albums, tracks, promo videos and podcasts

The best audiophile headphones for Hi-Fi listening 2023: Wired, Bluetooth, noise cancelling and gaming cans

By Steve May last updated 18 August 22

High performance audiophile headphones will give you the most from your music. Here’s our pick of the best you can buy from wired over-ears to pro-style in-ear monitors

Spotify vs Tidal 2022: which music service is best for you?

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Spotify and Tidal are two of the most prominent music streaming services around. We've put them head to head to see exactly what you get for your money

Bose noise cancelling headphones 700 review

By Steve May published 26 January 22

These sleek-looking Bose headphones boast brilliant noise cancelling and great sound… but at a price

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 review

By Steve May published 24 January 22

Audio legend Bowers & Wilkins brings home the class with these refined noise cancelling headphones

Spotify review: Is one of the world's most popular streaming services worth it?

Spotify review: Is one of the world's most popular streaming services still worth it?

By Steve May last updated 5 May 22

Spotify is one of the biggest music streaming services in the world, but in the face of stiff competition, does it still have what it takes

Lossless audio streaming: Is it worth it?

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Is it now time to step-up to hi-res audio with your streaming service of choice?

Tidal review: Music streaming with a difference

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Tidal are looking to change the way music streaming services operate and with two points of entry, we’re think you’ll find the flexibility refreshing

Marshall Major IV review

By Steve May published 22 November 21

These aggressive on-ear headphones are perfect for everyday use, offering brilliant battery life and boisterous bass

Sennheiser HD 350BT review

By Steve May published 8 September 21

These Sennheiser HD 350BT Bluetooth headphones come with almost everything but a big price tag

Best budget noise cancelling headphones 2022: Rock out for less with 10 of the best

Best budget noise cancelling headphones 2022: Listen for less with 10 of the best

By Steve May last updated 23 May 22

Updated Our pick of our favourite cheap noise cancelling headphones from Bose, Sony, Marshall and more prove you don’t have to break the bank to get great sound

Best headphone amps: Man on laptop with headphone amp connected

Best headphone amps 2023: Enhance your music listening at home or on the go

By Steve May last updated 27 June 22

Unlock the potential of your headphones with one of the best headphone amps. Here’s our pick of the best around, from pocket rockets to high-end audiophile models

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